Has your role just been made redundant or is about to be? If you haven't experienced this change to your life before (or even if you have), you may feel overwhelmed or nervous about finding that next step in your career.
These 8 tips will assist you to nail that next opportunity!
- Seek support / professional outplacement and career transition assistance. Your former employer may provide this for you. If it is not offered then it is worthwhile asking them for it - nothing ventured, nothing gained! Professional support will assist in you successfully navigating some of the following steps in this article.
- "Unpack" the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained to date, especially in your more recent roles. Focus on being able to identify some key achievements as well as those capabilities that are transferable to other industries if this is a direction you are contemplating.
- A professional first impression is essential. Ensure you represent yourself as well as possible and that there is consistency in how you are portrayed on paper (resume), online and in social media (LinkedIn) and in person (interviews).?
- Tailor all applications to the role you are applying for. A "scattergun" approach where you simply send out the same generic resume and cover letter will invariably prove to be unsuccessful. Important to tailor the wording of your cover letter and capabilities in your resumé to suit those required in the position description of your desired role.
- Stay positive and resilient - your next role may present itself quite quickly or it may take some time. This is just another change episode in your life, and you will get through it. Control your own luck by being as prepared and proactive as you can be! Your persistence and dedication to the process will pay off eventually.
- Keep an open mind - "take the blinkers off" and be open to new ideas and concepts. Now could be the time to try a different industry, location, contract role vs permanent etc.
- Use your networks and contact - redundancy is not something you have to be fearful or embarrassed about discussing. Most of us will go through it during our careers at least once. Let people know of your availability and use professional networking forums such as LinkedIn to expand your network.
- Establish a new routine. Whilst it doesn't have to be as rigid as it was when you were employed, some form of structure is important to provide a sense of purpose. Job searching activity is obviously an important piece of this structure, but some time for yourself for things such as exercise is also healthy.
Remember, things happen for a reason. Whilst that reason may not be immediately apparent at the time of your redundancy, accepting this and embracing it will help you to move on mentally and will assist you in staying as proactive as possible regarding your job search.
Director, VUCA Trusted Advisors
Executive Recruitment | Outplacement | Career Transition
