Getting back on your feet after redundancy
In this tough economic climate many people are facing up to the prospect of redundancy, not least those working in the once-secure public sector. When it happens, losing your job can be devastating, but it’s not the end of the world. While there may be bad days ahead, it’s also an opportunity to take stock and start a new chapter in your life.
Take time to reflect
Take a few days to come to terms with the situation, but do not blame yourself. Redundancy is rarely personal - it is not a decision taken about you but an economic reality, where costs are higher than income and savings have to be made.
Then ask yourself what you’ve learned through your last job. 'Think about what you’ve been doing and if it’s really what you want to be doing for the next few years of your life. Did you enjoy your job? Have you achieved what you wanted to achieve so far?' says Nisa Chitakasem, co-founder of careers consultancy Position Ignition.
Evaluate your strengths
Chances are you feel extremely low and are prone to thinking you’re good for nothing. Try not to dwell on what you think your shortcomings are, and concentrate on determining your strengths instead.
'Identify what you’re good at inside and outside of work environment - what value you bring to various situations and to potential employers,' says Nisa. Only once you gain this insight, will you be able to highlight your best abilities to others. Also, this understanding will help you decide what areas you want to build on and what your next career move should be.
Look at career change opportunities
You may well decide that a complete change of direction is the right thing for you. If so, identify any transferable skills that you may have to help you make the career shift. These are skills you have developed through experience during any activity in your life - jobs, classes, projects, parenting, hobbies, sports - that are transferable and applicable to what you want to do in your next job. Examples include multi-tasking, time management, attention to detail, and many more. Be good to yourself, abandon all modesty and list as many as you can, as long as you have clear evidence to support them.
You may also consider consulting a career coach who can help you bounce back and guide you through any emotional challenges that might be holding you back. They can provide structure for you to move forward in the direction that is right for you.
Make a plan
Taking stock and deciding on your next move takes time so don’t launch into a job search mode straight away. But once you’re clear on what you want to do, decide how you’re going to get there. 'Before sending your CV out all over the place, be clear about what your game plan is. Write down a list of actions for you to follow and implement. Decide on the best way of carrying them out and stick to it,' says Nisa.
This is particularly important if you decide you’ve got what it takes to go it alone and make a transition to self-employment. Do you need help with a business plan? Have you got the necessary contacts? Are there any new skills you should be acquiring? What about funding?
Overhaul your CV
Chances are you were in your last job for a few years so your CV may need sprucing up. Browse the Internet for tips on how to write a good CV but don’t forget to tailor it to the position you want to apply for. You need to be able to sell yourself - employers and agencies are inundated with CVs and they will be ruthless with their selection. This is your only opportunity to get through that filter so make sure it has the right impact.
Spread your net and network
Tell your family, friends and acquaintances that you are looking for a new job - many people get a job through recommendation. 'Get out and about. Go to seminars, workshops. Meet up with old colleagues and friends, follow blogs. Simply - keep in the loop and know what’s going on around you,' says Nisa.
Harness the power of networking sites - you need to pursue all the channels available to you to find your next opportunity. Nowadays, many employers and recruiters post jobs on business sites such as LinkedIn. Or, at the very least, you can use LinkedIn to find the right person at the right organisation and approach them directly.
Get into a routine
Treat finding a new job as a job in itself. 'When out of work, it’s easy to just potter around and let time pass you by,' says Nisa. 'Create some discipline around what you do so that you keep the momentum going. Set up a routine to follow so that you feel you’re productive and working towards a goal.'
Ultimately, however, stay positive. Tell yourself that the redundancy is the best thing that could have happened to you. Now’s your chance to learn what you really want and find a job more suited to your interests, strengths and personality.
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