Seven tips to help you move past redundancy
‘Redundancy’ is often the word people fear most professionally. But with the right strategy, it doesn’t have to be the end of your career. Read seven tips to help you move past redundancy and get your career back on track.
Redundancy can feel like a dirty word. Any kind of change can feel scary, and if you’re facing a redundancy it can leave you feeling confused, anxious, fearful and stressed. This emotional roller coaster can erode your self-confidence and create confusion about what to do next.
As we know all too well. Many years ago, our co-founder Hannah Martin was made redundant. It was a shock, and left her feeling panicked (she was the family breadwinner) and wondering if she would ever get her career back on track. But she did. Within a month she was earning £10,000 a year more in a better role in a more prestigious agency.
And it’s not just Hannah. Since we launched Talented Ladies Club, we have interviewed a number of women who have turned redundancy into a positive experience, including Andy Ryan, Rachel Roberts, Melissa Currie and Sharon Hockenhull (if you need redundancy inspiration we recommend reading their stories!).
How to turn redundancy into a positive experience
And one woman who knows this better than most is career management coach, speaker, trainer and author Jane Jackson. Over the years she has has guided over a thousand clients through career change, including redundancy, and knows the strategies that can help you navigate your way to success.
Now she shares those strategies in a new book Navigating Career Crossroads. And if you’re facing redundancy right now, she’s kindly sharing seven of her top tips with us.
Seven tips to help you move past redundancy
If you are made redundant, here are seven tip to help you prepare for a successful job search, and get your career back on track.
1) Make sure you’re ready
If you’re still be hurting from redundancy, take your time to get ‘work ready’ again – trying to market yourself when you’re feeling emotional and your confidence is at low ebb isn’t easy.
You have a mountain of value to offer the right employer in the right environment. So rebuild your self-confidence and get into the right frame of mind for your job search.
2) Know what you want
Assess what drives you in your career and your specific skills, knowledge and key motivators. Understand what makes you tick – employers will want to find out how close a ‘fit’ you are to their needs.
3) Create a powerful communication strategy
A well-crafted CV and cover letter specifically tailored to the role will generate a positive response. Create a strong verbal positioning statement so people know exactly what you are looking for.
If you’re asked, “Why are you looking for a job?” have your ‘exit’ statement ready as a statement of fact, not emotion.
4) Project a professional image
Find out how you are perceived in person and online. First impressions are so important and you only get a few seconds to make a first impression, so make it a good one!
5) Use the most effective job search strategies
Learn how to network effectively and use LinkedIn. According to a 2014 JobVite survey, 93% of recruiters are active on LinkedIn to search for candidates. Include the relevant key words in your profile to ensure you turn up in a search.
It’s also a good idea to find recruitment consultants who specialise in your area, and take time to develop a good working relationship.
6) Convey your true value at interviews
When it comes to job interviews, prepare, prepare, prepare! Do your research, practice your interview techniques, listen carefully to the questions, and answer with examples of your successes.
Employers are looking for professionals who provide specific functional skills, relevant soft skills and who fit the culture of their team. Follow up with a ‘thank you’ email after the interview.
7) Know what you’re worth
Research the market rate for the role, know what is important to you when you receive an offer so you can negotiate for the best outcome for you and the company.
Take all measures to build your confidence and prepare well for each step in the process so you can ace that interview and transition smoothly into your new role!
Jane Jackson’s book, Navigating Career Crossroads, addresses all you need to know to conduct an effective career transition. You can find out more about it here.
