The word redundancy can suddenly make us hold our breath and feel like our world may be caving in.
When a workplace redundancy occurs, our first instinct may be to question or blame ourselves. ‘Was it me? What did I do to trigger this? Is there something I could have done differently?
Redundancies are often a result of multiple external factors which can in turn effect business operating, such as economic changes, business challenges, leading to restructure and roles becoming no longer required.
Unfortunately, a redundancy can occur at any age and any stage of your career.
What if a redundancy could be an opportunity to redirect your life?
Did you know that Anna Wintour, Steve Jobs and Walt Disney were all made redundant at some stage in their career?
What should I do if I’ve been made redundant?
Pause and reflect.
This is an important time to think, reflect and look ahead. Taking various steps to guide yourself through this phase will enable you to feel a greater level of control.
Here’s a few suggestions to help you take the right steps forward towards a positive path.
- Firstly, your physical and mental well- being are important at this time, so keep to a routine as much as possible. This may look different to what you are used to but keeping to regular hours of sleep, waking up at your regular time, exercise and eating well will keep you in a positive mindset.
- Now is a good time to do a self- audit on your career, ask yourself a few key questions and answer honestly, ‘Is there anything you would like to change in your career? Have your goals remained the same or is this an opportunity to take a different path? Are there any industries that you’ve always wanted to try? These are all valid questions to explore.
- Write down your non-negotiables for your next role and consider the type of company you would like to be a part of. This will help create a good starting point of where to begin your search. Also think about your strengths, what is your point of difference? What is your unique selling proposition? What skillset do you bring to an organisation?
- Also, use this time to update your Linkedin profile. Make connections, update your work history, activate the “open to new opportunities” section on Linkedin and share content. Raising your profile in an engaging and professional way will assist in generating opportunities and new connections.
- There is no better time to reach out to your network, reconnect with people you have worked with in the past or people that you know within your industry. They may be able to give you some ideas or even recommendations and connections of their own.
- Take on advice and connect with professionals in the industry, use recruitment partners to help understand the current market and appropriate roles.
- This is also a good time to focus on any areas that you could upskill in by completing online courses to enhance your offering to a future employer.
- Does your CV need a revamp? Take on advice and knowledge from the experts, many recruitment websites have great advice in this area. And remember your CV should match your LinkedIn profile for consistency.
- Lastly, there is always the support and services of specialist career counsellors and coaches who can provide expert, one on one consultations and advice. The support of family and friends is paramount, however, seeking professional advice which is independent can also provide great clarity and perspective on the road ahead.
With a clear plan, an open mindset and good advice, you are able to turn a difficult situation into positive steps ahead.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, redundancies have become a very important topic in the recent month. MWI would like to help to provide you with further tools and information to help tackle this.
Upcoming Event: Resilience in Redundancy
Please join us on Thursday 14 May for an online event discussing everything regarding redundancy. We will be joined by the CEO of Six Degrees Recruitment Suzie McInerney to tackle some of the common questions and topic around redundancy.
Places are limited – book now on Eventbrite.
