A redundancy can happen to any of us – usually through no fault of our own! Although it can be a scary experience, being made redundant can give you time to breath, take a little perspective and present an exciting new challenge. If you’re facing redundancy, read on and find out what you should be focusing on next.
Set yourself goals
The world is you oyster right now! Take some time to think about what you really want to do with your life, and what is realistic for you to achieve. Now’s the time to assess what aspects of your old job you didn’t like, and reaffirm what skills you have that you may not have been utilising. This will help you when you’re looking for your next job.
Keep a level head
Be open to new opportunities, as you never know if they will come in useful later in life. That doesn’t necessarily mean giving up on the career you’ve always dreamed of, but remember that a ‘job for life’ no longer exists, so it doesn’t hurt to increase your skill set.
Be open minded
Don’t be discouraged if an interview doesn’t go the way you had hoped. Every ‘bad’ interview is a learning experience that will help you work out what does and doesn’t work. You’ll be better prepared for next time!
Learn how to sell yourself
To borrow a business term, what’s your personal USP? It’s fine to admire the talents and skills of other people, but don’t overlook what you have to offer. If you and ten others apply for the same job, make sure you are able to demonstrate your qualities so that you get noticed.
Update your CV
If you’ve been in the same job for a long time, it’s crucial that you sit down and make a list of your skills and experience. Even if you don’t have many qualifications, you’ll surprise yourself when you start listing all your skills, capabilities, achievements and experience. Your CV should be concise (no longer than two pages) and contain references.
Update your skills
If you feel like there are gaps in your skill set, now might be the perfect time to enrol in training courses or teach yourself a new skill. This also shows potential employers that you are proactive.
Take your time
You may feel pressured into finding a job quickly, especially if being made redundant has put you in a financial squeeze. But it’s not always wise to accept the first job offer that comes your way.
Persevere!
It’s rare for a jobseeker to get an interview from their first application, or to land a job after just one interview. The truth is, finding a new job takes time and is a feat of perseverance. Don’t give up, and don’t let a setback knock your confidence!
