Tips for job hunting after being made redundant

Has your job recently been made redundant? If yes, getting back into the UK job market can be a daunting challenge. Don't let yourself set back, and use your time to look for new and exciting job opportunities. That said, we know it can be difficult to get started back on the job search, especially if you were in your last role for a long time. It may have also been a while since you've had to write a CV or look for a new position. To make your new job search easier, we've compiled six tips below to help you meet your career goals. 

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Find your silver lining

The job being made redundant can be a stressful time in anyone's life. So, it's no surprise that it can have a real impact on your motivation and self-confidence. But the key point to remember here is that it is not your fault. For this reason, you must do your best to remain positive and approach your job search with the right set of mind. Eventually, it will help to set you up for success! Look at it as an opportunity to take some time off and think about what you want to do. You might be able to start an entirely new career altogether. We realise it can be difficult to stay positive when you're in a post-redundancy stage. 

Take your time to find the right job

The thought of being unemployed can feel scary. But jumping into a new career you don't want isn't going to feel much better, so don't rush yourself. Start by making a list of the types of jobs you like. You might even want to take some time to retrain, take an online course or switch industries completely. It is an opportunity to focus on yourself and to reflect on what you want from your career. If still in doubt, it might be worth approaching a career coach. Your company may offer this as part of your redundancy package.

Fix your CV

The first important step in any job search is creating a strong CV. Depending on how long you were in your last role, your CV may need a big update. Again, it's a good idea to invest some time into creating a well-designed CV that will get you noticed. It requires you to write a strong opening statement explaining who you are and what you can bring to the company. Remember, you'll need to tailor your CV to every role you apply to. So, keep a master copy on file that you can tweak as you apply to different jobs post-redundancy.

Address the elephant in the room

You don't need to pay it much thought, but it's a good idea to refer to your redundancy in a CV. Remember, it's nothing to be ashamed about.

If you've already left the company, you should include your contractual end date in your work experience section. To clarify that you didn't just up and leave, you should add a sentence underneath explaining what happened. For example, you can say the following: due to a merger with a bigger company, the role I was hired for no longer exists'.

Be ready for the job interview 

Being made redundant is nothing to be ashamed of. But often, professionals feel like they want to hide it from future employers. However, they'll probably ask at some point why you chose to leave your previous role. Prepare an answer before any interview or meeting so you can clearly explain to the recruiter what happened and why your role no longer exists. By coming up with this in advance, you'll ensure that you deliver your response confidently when having an interview with a recruiter or hiring manager. 

Tap into your network

You might have built up a strong network over the years. So, don't be afraid to tap into this. Again, you can use platforms such as LinkedIn or Facebook to reach out to your former colleagues or friends and see if they know of any positions that suit your skillset. You might also wish to attend industry events and meet with like-minded professionals. That way, you can expand your network and ask around about job opportunities. Don't forget to take a copy of your up-to-date CV with you.

Are you ready to start searching for your next role?

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