Redundancy – How to Overcome in 4 Steps
Experiencing redundancy can be a difficult and stressful time, but there are several things you can do to make the next job search process more successful.
Before diving straight into your job search, take some time to reflect on your career goals and plan your next steps. Over 60% of Irish workers feel that redundancy gives them the opportunity to reflect on their career and consider new options.
We asked our Recruitment Contracting Manager, Breda Murphy to highlight some of the next steps you can take to overcome this situation and get you back on the job ladder.
Update Your CV
Your CV is the first thing your new hiring manager will see from you. Make sure that you have all the correct information in place and have it tailored to the job you are applying for.
The manager only has 30 seconds to read over your CV, so make an impression on the first page.
Always put in hobbies, this aspect of a CV is more important than you think with more and more recruiters paying extra attention to the person themselves.
Reflecting on a personal experience, I remember putting golf down on my CV before and my interviewer asked me about my handicap before the interview began.
Network and Seek Support
Reach out to your professional and personal networks for support and advice, and consider joining job search groups or attending career events. According to a survey by IBEC, 25% of Irish companies hire through employee referrals.
Additionally, make sure your online presence, including your LinkedIn profile, is professional and up-to-date as over 80% of Irish recruiters use LinkedIn to source and hire candidates.
My personal tips for using LinkedIn correctly would be:
- Highlight your current and previous work experience.
- Focus on keywords and phrases, similar to a CV.
- Add a professional photo to your profile.
- Connect with all your previous co-workers and people of interest.
- Outline to your connection you are open to work.
- Ask for recommendations and referrals from your new connections.
- Finally, sit back and let LinkedIn do the work for you.
Consider Upskilling and Training
Consider taking courses or upskilling to make yourself more attractive to employers. Upskilling is essential in today’s job market, particularly after experiencing redundancy.
In Ireland, upskilling can help you stand out from other candidates and improve your chances of finding a new job. Technology is constantly evolving, and if you’ve been out of work for some time, you may have missed out on new developments.
Upskilling can help you stay current with the latest technological advancements in your industry, making you a more desirable candidate for potential employers.
By taking the initiative to upskill, you show potential employers that you’re committed to your career and willing to invest time and effort to improve your knowledge and skills. This demonstrates motivation and dedication, which are attractive qualities to employers.
Stay Positive and Persistent
Redundancy can be challenging, but staying positive and persistent can make all the difference in finding a new job. It is key to note that over 60% of Irish workers believe that a positive attitude is the most important factor in securing a new job.
It can also help you maintain confidence in your abilities and remain optimistic about finding a new job.
Staying positive and persistent can open up new networking opportunities. By reaching out to contacts, attending events, and being proactive in your job search, you may connect with new people who can help you find a job.
Let’s be honest, job searching can be tough, and experiencing rejection can be discouraging. However, by maintaining a good outlook, you can build resilience and learn from your experiences which can help you grow and develop both personally and professionally.
By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a new job following redundancy. Remember, it is important to have a bright outlook and seek support from your network during this challenging time.
If you are interested in talking to one of our recruiters about any sort of similar difficult situation or want to speak about any of our current vacancies, contact us today!
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