Introduction
Redundancy is a common occurrence in the job market, and it can have a significant impact on job seekers. When an employer decides to reduce their workforce, employees may find themselves without a job, unsure of how to move forward. It can be a daunting task to address redundancy on your CV and during a job search. This blog post will provide guidance on how to effectively address redundancy in both areas, with tips for finding a new job, coping with job loss, and rebuilding your career.
Redundancy on CV
When it comes to including redundancy on your CV, it’s important to be strategic. Redundancy on your CV can either help or hinder your job search, depending on how you present it. It is important, to be honest, but you should also focus on the positives. It’s important to keep in mind that potential employers will want to know why you were made redundant, so be prepared to explain the situation clearly.
Finding a Job during the Redundancy Notice Period
Focus on networking and reaching out to potential employers as soon as possible. Be open about your availability and communicate clearly about what kind of role you are looking for. Make full use of any services your employer may be offering to support your transition to a new role – employers will often provide career coaching services that can help you with the critical tasks of choosing the next role to target, updating your CV and refreshing your LinkedIn profile to target your new objective.
Finding a Job after Redundancy
It’s important to stay positive and motivated after a redundancy, it can be a difficult time, especially if you’ve been in the same role for a long time. Take some time to reflect on your skills, experiences, and what you want from your next role. Consider reaching out to your professional network and attending industry events to network and learn about new opportunities. It’s also important to tailor your CV and cover letter to each job application, highlighting how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Job Seekers after Redundancy
Being made redundant can be a traumatic experience, and it’s common for job seekers to experience feelings of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty. Here are some tips for coping with job loss and moving on:
Take Time To Reflect:
Take some time to reflect on what you want from your career, what you enjoyed about your previous role, and what you want to avoid in your next job. For a lot of individuals, a redundancy can often lead to important changes in career focus, work/life balance or other shifts to find more fulfilment and a sense of purpose. If you don’t have a clear idea of where to next, working to create a career plan is a great idea.
Stay Positive:
It’s important to stay positive during your job search. Set achievable goals, celebrate small victories, and remember that every rejection brings you one step closer to your next job. Working with a coach on having a job-seeking strategy can be a really helpful way to stay goal-orientated and retain a positive mindset.
Stay Active:
Staying active can help you manage stress and boost your mood. Make sure you take time to exercise, spend time outdoors, and engage in activities you enjoy.
Seek Support:
Don’t be afraid to seek support from family, friends, or a professional counsellor. Talking to someone about your experiences can help you process your emotions and develop coping strategies. Working with a career counsellor can help you overcome anxiety related to finding new work.
Be Open-Minded:
Be open-minded about the type of job you are looking for and the industries you are willing to work in. You never know where your next opportunity might come from.
How Soon After Redundancy Can I Start a New Job?
There is no hard and fast rule about how soon you can start a new job after being made redundant. It will depend on your personal circumstances and the terms of your redundancy agreement. However, here are some guidelines to consider:
Check Your Redundancy Agreement:
Your redundancy agreement may include a notice period or a restriction on working for a competitor. Make sure you understand the terms of your agreement before you start your job search.
Consider Your Financial Situation:
It’s important to consider your financial situation before you start your job search. If you have a financial cushion, you may be able to take some time to explore your options and find the right job for you. Generally speaking, you should allow 3 months to find a new role but this can be longer if you are considering a shift in career focus.
Have A Plan In Place
Having a career plan is a great idea and can also assist in your financial planning as you can make decisions around things like an extended job search to find a perfect new role, education and certification costs. Before you jump head-on into your next job, invest the time and effort into thinking about what is right for you, what you want in the long term, and what could bring you more fulfilment, job satisfaction, better income, or better conditions such as commuting, working hours or location. Working with a career coach to develop a career plan is a worthwhile investment that could save you from rushing into your next job without considering what the best possible outcomes could be. You might be pleasantly surprised at what new ideas and career options you come up with!
How to Explain Redundancy on CV
Explaining redundancy on your CV is important to do. People are sympathetic and it doesn’t reflect on you in a negative way to talk about redundancy – just address the matter and don’t leave people guessing. Here are some strategies for explaining redundancy on your CV:
Be Honest and Straight Forward:
It’s important to be honest about your redundancy but avoid going into too much detail. A simple statement outlining the reason for redundancy and the date it occurred is sufficient. You can state any details about why the event occurred such as the number of staff impacted, or if there was a major cause, for example, “One of 50 staff impacted by the closure of Sydney-based logistics.”
Focus On Your Achievements:
Rather than dwelling on the circumstances surrounding your redundancy, highlight your achievements and successes in that role as well as in your career history. When you describe your role in your CV and LinkedIn be sure to have strong content that describes what your duties and accomplishments were. The ideal story to present is that you were doing an excellent job, and had made a positive business impact, but through no fault of your own, were impacted by redundancies. There is always a way to focus on the positive and remove any risk that a future employer or recruiter might see.
Use Positive Language:
When discussing your redundancy, use positive language to convey your attitude and approach to the situation. Words like “opportunity”, “challenge”, and “growth” can help frame your redundancy as a learning experience and an opportunity to move forward.
Keep It Brief:
While it’s important to acknowledge your redundancy, avoid dwelling on it for too long. Keep your explanation brief and to the point, and focus on the positive aspects of your experience and achievements.
Conclusion
Addressing redundancy on your CV and during a job search can be challenging, but it’s important to stay positive and proactive. Highlight your skills and experiences, network with potential employers, and take care of your mental health during this time. Remember that redundancy is not a reflection of your value as a person and that there are new opportunities waiting for you.