How to Find a Job after Redundancy
Being made redundant can be a real shock to the system, especially if you didn’t see it coming. Unless you are lucky enough to be able to take some time off and be financially secure, you will need to get back into work as soon as possible. This is easier said than done. However, if you follow somebasic tips, you should be able get back into the labour market before too long.
Stay updated on your industry
Just because you have been made redundant doesn’t mean you can’t stay up to date on your industry. Find out why you have been made redundant. It could well be because the industry is no longer viable, which means you need to look elsewhere. Alternatively, it could be that your particular company has been doing badly, in which case you need to look for a company that has better prospects. Much of this research can be done online, but you will also find out some very useful information by networking. At the same time, making contacts through networking may just lead you to a new job.
Update your skills
A good way of getting back into the labour market is to show that you are willing to develop your skills. Research training courses in your local area and even online to see what is available. Something as simple as updating your computer skills may stand you in good stead and it may not even cost you anything – look for free courses at your local unemployment centre or library. If you have the financial ability, you may want to consider a course that will enable you to not only get back into work, but also to apply for jobs that would constitute a promotion.
Think about new skills you have developed
If you have been redundant for some time, you will probably have developed skills that can be used to good effect in the workplace. Perhaps you have been looking after your children, and those of your neighbour’s, and have therefore developed your ability to manage time and be patient. Running a local club will have provided you with management skills. If you are organised, you could ensure that you develop new skills by volunteering or simply by asking a friend to help you with updating your computer skills. Effort on your part will look good on your resume and in your interview.
Research new careers
You may have reached the point where you need to consider a new career, particularly if you have researched your industry and found that your particular niche now has limited potential. Then again, if you have been unhappy in your career for a while, redundancy may be a great time to think about moving into a career that you really enjoy. Find out what you need to do to go about moving into a new career. It may be as simple as starting at the bottom, but there may be courses you can take that will fast-track your new career. Just make sure that you do your research so that you know what you are doing.
Learn from past mistakes
The fact that you have been made redundant may not have anything to do with your ability, but you can still learn from your past mistakes and ensure that you don’t repeat them. For example, when you applied for your last job, you may not have been very confident in your interview and were therefore considered for a job below your capabilities. You may also have had a bad attitude at work, which led your boss to put your name forward when asked to choose those who should be made redundant. Be honest with yourself and make sure that you present yourself in the right way when applying for new jobs.
Practice positive thinking
You may not feel very positive when you have lost your job, are struggling financially and keep getting rejected when applying for jobs. However, try to be as positive as you possibly can be by looking after your physical and mental health. A positive attitude will come through strongly in your resume and cover letter when you are applying for jobs, which will hopefully ensure you are called in for an interview. It will also be obvious when you are in the interview; a genuinely pleasant smile and confident way of dealing with questions will make you stand out from the crowd.
Redundancy isn’t the end of the world; when you look back on it, you may wonder why you were so concerned. Remember that it is just a blip in your overall career.
