Redundancy
Redundancy can lead to lots of stress and anxiety, so we have put together a few tips for you to help gain clarity and focus:
- Don’t panic:
Easily said than done but try and make a list of all of the things you need to arrange in the months ahead and list them in priority order. This might include legal and financial arrangements, support, contact numbers for networking meetings etc
- Know your rights:
Check out the ACAS website for information on your rights. Consider speaking to an employment lawyer if you have any sense that the redundancy may not have followed the correct legal process.
- Depersonalise:
It’s easy to take your redundancy personally and to feel aggrieved either by the decision or by the process leading up to it. However, if you do choose to challenge the redundancy be careful to focus on facts and policies, not on personalities. Similarly, when talking to prospective employers about your redundancy, present it as having been a tough business decision and don’t criticise particular individuals.
- Build bridges – don’t burn them!
Try to maintain good relations wherever possible with your previous employer, even if you disagree over the manner of your exit. You will still need a reference for your next job, and it may be that your boss or colleagues can make useful introductions or offer you consultancy work.
- Get Support:
Help from a professional recruiter such as Hasson Associates can make a huge difference to your job search success and reduce the amount of time and stress taken to find your next role.
- Do your Research:
Don’t rush into applying for any or every job that comes up. Take stock of what you have to offer and what you want to do. Then research what employers are actually looking for so that you can devise a CV that meets their selection criteria.
- Spruce up your employability:
Assess whether there are any gaps in experience or training that could be a barrier to getting another job and address them. Redundancy is a good time to take some of those courses you have always been too busy to go on: not only will this enhance your skills, it will also impress employers with your commitment to continuous professional development.
- Be positive:
This is a great opportunity to move your career forward in line with your own personal agenda. Although it can be traumatic at the time, many people find that in the long run redundancy is actually the catalyst they need to take their career in the direction they actually want to go. So use this time to think about what you really want, and go for it.