5. Enhance your skills
Why not think of your redundancy period as a positive opportunity rather than a negative set back.
Spend the time you have free to developing new skills and experiences. Take that course you never had the time to do while at work and which will make you a more attractive proposition to future employers. Not only will it provide you with that little bit more in the market, it will enable you to keep your mind active and allow you to focus your attentions on positives.
It doesn’t even need to be a course or experience linked to your job; why not learn a new language, volunteer at your local animal sanctuary or even learn to surf. All new experiences will add that little more to your CV and make you stand out, and what’s more you can have fun while you do it.
6. Sort and maintain your netrep
The chances are that even if you’re not a regular blogger or social networker, it’ll still be possible to find something about you on the web. And if you’re looking for a new job, what’s found could make the difference between an offer and a rejection: it’s estimated that over a quarter of HR professionals have rejected an applicant on the basis of what appears on the web. Google yourself and see what comes up. With an estimated 60% of employers doing just that, you’ll get a feel for what they may learn about you.
Internet reputations (‘netreps’) are all about perception, which is never more important than when you’re trying to create the right one. To build a netrep that works to your advantage, consider what you’d like your name to be connected to, what impression of yourself you want to project. Then spend as much time managing your online reputation as you would on crafting your CV.
Write helpful articles, post insightful reviews or answer someone’s burning question. By actively contributing to online forums, social and professional media networks, you can position yourself as an industry authority – and an attractive individual to employ.
7. Be honest with prospective employers
Don’t be tempted to try and hide your redundancy from prospective employers. Remember that it was your role that was made redundant and that many prospective employers will have been through some form of redundancy programme themselves. They will understand exactly what that entails.
Remember also that prospective employers will be assessing your suitability for their organisation. They will be looking at your skill base, experience and attitude. They are likely to be much less concerned about the financial and business strategy of your former employer.
And don’t forget that prospective employers will want to form a judgment about your integrity. Disguising a redundancy may lead some to question your honesty and reliability.
Be open and honest about the fact that your role was made redundant and be prepared to discuss the background to your redundancy. How many roles were involved? What were the criteria for selection?
Above all, do not over personalise things. Don’t be tempted to share any views you might have that the redundancy was unfair, biased or some form of personal slight. If you genuinely believe this to be the case, then the time to raise it is with your employer once your role has been selected for redundancy, not at a job interview.
