For you, your family, and everyone around you. It can come out of the blue, and other times you'll see it coming. Although it can all seem like a blur when you're going through it, we know from experience how important it is to prepare.
Here's our advice on what to do when the worst happens in your career.
Losing your job through redundancy is ALWAYS hard, no matter how long you’ve been with the business. The first few days can seem like a blur, and the longer you’re out of work, the harder it can seem. If you are at threat of redundancy, no matter how hard it seems, we’ve broken down our advice on how to deal with everything it throws at you:
1. Dealing With “Rumours”
2. Start To “Re-evaluate“ Your CV
3. Do Your “Research”
4. How To “Review” Offers
5. Show “Resilience” In The Face Of “Rejection”
How the rumour mill about redundancies in a workplace often start due to various forms of uncertainty or perceived threats. Leadership shifts, especially involving new leaders with a history of cost-cutting, can spark concerns about restructuring. Additionally, financial challenges—such as reduced earnings, budget cuts, or lost clients—can heighten job security worries, leading employees to speculate on potential layoffs. Obvious cutbacks, such as reduced budgets, less frequent travel, hiring freezes, or scaled-back employee perks, can fuel speculation in a workplace.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Stay Informed & Seek Clarity From HR
2. Focus on Your Own Work Performance
3. Avoid Fuelling the Rumour Mill
4. Stay Positive & Supportive
Having an up-to-date CV can seem counter-intuitive if you’re happy in your role. But, as many will agree, things can change quickly (and out of your control).
So, a strong CV is a necessity, and it should be based on four key pillars: clarity, relevant experience, tailored skills, and professional presentation. Together, these elements ensure your CV is focused, impactful, and polished, making a compelling case to potential employers.
Clarity and Conciseness
A CV should be clear, well-structured, and easy to read. Keep it concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills for the job you're applying for, usually no longer than two pages.
Relevant Experience
Highlight experience and achievements that are directly related to the role. Quantify accomplishments where possible (e.g., “increased sales by 30%”), showcasing impact rather than just listing responsibilities.
Skills and Qualifications
Include a section for core skills and relevant qualifications, such as technical proficiencies, certifications, or languages. Tailor this section to align with the specific requirements of the job.
Professional Presentation
Ensure a polished look with consistent formatting, proper grammar, and no errors. A professional layout helps create a positive first impression, reflecting attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
When looking for a new role, in any situation, looking at the market and speaking with contacts is a must. Here’s what should be taken into consideration when doing so:
Remember, not every role will be right, and not every interview will result in a job offer. Resilience is something you’ll need. What to bear in mind after rejection:
Hopefully there's something in the above that's useful. If you do need any help, reach out to one of the team.
