Game Over - Continue Y/N?

Having faced redundancy a couple of times myself, I wanted to share a few tips on how to navigate the road ahead:

Stay Positive: It may sound obvious, but maintaining a positive attitude, even when things feel tough, says a lot about your character. Every conversation you have, every LinkedIn post you make, should reflect your optimism. Even when things hurt, staying upbeat helps both your mindset and the impression you leave on others.

Leverage LinkedIn Effectively: During my redundancy periods, I made sure to stay active on LinkedIn. Posting regular updates, perhaps every Monday and Friday, keeps you visible. Share your reflections on the week, new insights, and interesting conversations, but always stay professional. Engage with content relevant to your industry, follow people like Kelly Bender and Amir Satvat for inspiration, and network as widely as possible. Be cautious of unsolicited messages from dubious recruiters, though, LinkedIn can sometimes attract the wrong attention. And don’t forget to request recommendations from former colleagues and peers to boost your profile.

Network Relentlessly: Connect with recruiters and talent acquisition specialists on LinkedIn. Attend industry events like Develop, and keep an eye on gaming meet-ups and job fairs. In today's job market, the right connection can make all the difference.

Brand Yourself: Turn yourself into an unstoppable force. Use your downtime to perfect your CV, refine your portfolio, and list your skills—highlighting those you're strong in and working to improve those you're not. Make sure everything you present screams professionalism and readiness.

Think Outside the Box: Don't limit yourself to one industry. The entertainment sector is vast, with plenty of overlap with gaming. Explore adjacent industries that might offer exciting new opportunities, whether it’s animation, film, or digital content creation.

Learn a New Skill: Redundancy can be an excellent time to upskill. When I was made redundant from my Graphic Design role, my decade of writing experience helped me transition into a new industry almost overnight. Look for opportunities to broaden your skill set—whether it's coding, UX design, or project management.

Turn Your Passion into a Job: I'm lucky to have built my career around my passions. Early in my career, I realised that recruitment advertising wasn’t for me. But after landing a client in the gaming industry, I was able to shift my focus to something I truly loved. Whether it’s gaming, comics, or another passion, finding ways to align your career with what excites you will make all the difference in your next step.

Take Advantage of Government Support: In the UK, there are several resources available to help those facing redundancy. Make sure to explore options like Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or Universal Credit if you're eligible. The UK government also offers free career advice and skills training through the National Careers Service. Don’t be afraid to utilise these services, they can be a helpful safety net while you focus on your next steps.

Consider Contract or Freelance Work: If full-time positions aren’t immediately available, consider short-term contracts, freelance work, or consultancy. Many industries, including gaming and tech, have a growing demand for project-based roles. Not only does this keep you financially afloat, but it can also provide valuable experience and networking opportunities that could lead to permanent roles.

Mind Your Wellbeing: Job hunting, especially after redundancy, can be mentally and emotionally draining. Prioritise your mental health during this period. Exercise, take breaks, and spend time doing things that bring you joy. If needed, the UK offers resources for mental health support, such as Mind and the NHS mental health services. A clear head will make you more focused and resilient during your job search.

Tailor Your Applications: While it’s tempting to send the same CV and cover letter to multiple jobs, take time to tailor your applications. Research each company, adjust your CV to match the job description, and personalise your cover letter to reflect why you’re excited about that specific role. It can make all the difference in standing out from the crowd.

Follow Up After Interviews: If you've had an interview and haven’t heard back, don’t be afraid to follow up. Send a polite email thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It shows professionalism and can keep you top of mind.

Keep Perspective: Remember, redundancy doesn’t define you, it’s a setback, not the end of your career. Many people find themselves in stronger, more fulfilling roles after going through redundancy. Stay open-minded, adaptable, and focused on the long-term.

Best of luck—if you have any additional thoughts or comments, then please post them below!