No matter how much you’re told “it’s not personal, it’s business“, there’s no denying that getting made redundant hurts.
And it knocks your confidence.
Even in today’s economy when there are so many talented women facing redundancy.
When the ONS published Labour Market indicators for May 2020, the number of employees in the UK on payrolls is down over 600,000 compared with March 2020, while the number of vacancies fell to a record low.
It’s a tough market out there, no doubt about that.
Which is why I’d like to share 10 simple things to tackle job hunting with confidence after redundancy.
How to tackle job hunting with confidence after redundancy
1 – GET CLEAR ON YOUR SKILLS AND STRENGTHS
The best way to present yourself with confidence, is by getting super clear on your skills and strengths. Even better, if that clarity is backed up by feedback and recommendations from others.
2 – IDENTIFY WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU
The next thing is to take time to reflect on what’s most important to you about the work you do. Is it about freedom, flexibility, creativity, growth, security, being part of a team?
3 – KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
The clearer you are on WHAT you want, the easier it is to be very specific in your job search and get focused on looking for the right roles.
What skills do you want to use? What type of role do you want? Could this be your opportunity to take a different direction in your career?
4 – WHERE CAN YOU COMPROMISE
Once you’ve got that clarity on your skills, what’s important to you and what you want, then you can figure out what you’re willing to compromise on.
Maybe it’s the length of the commute. Maybe it’s the industry you work in. Maybe the seniority of the role.
5 – SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
It’s absolutely normal and to be expected when you’re job hunting after redundancy to have days when you wonder “Am I ever going to find a job at the right salary in the right location?”
Those are the days when it’s particularly important that you are surrounded by positive people. People who can lift you, encourage you and support you.
6 – FEEL THE FEAR
Sometimes when you’re job hunting, you’ve just got to feel the fear and do it anyway. You may need to be more active in your networking. Talk more boldly about your achievements.
Ask for introductions. Apply for roles that you’re telling yourself you don’t have the experience for.
Take bold action. Get bold results.
7 – REFRESH YOUR CV
It almost goes without saying that you need to refresh your CV. Make sure that talk about achievements not just responsibilities. And that you are quantifying those achievements.
Focus on the skills you want to use. Big yourself up.
Get somebody else to read through your CV.
8 – REVIEW YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE
Your LinkedIn profile is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your expertise and experience. LinkedIn is also a brilliant networking platform.
And if you didn’t already realise, most recruiters will check you out on LinkedIn so it makes sense to have a profile that’s consistent with your CV and matches what you’re looking for.
If you’re not sure where or how to start on your LinkedIn profile, book yourself a Job Search Ready Power Hour with me. A valuable investment in your future career.
9 – ASK FOR HELP
Often your friends and former work colleagues will be more than happy to help you. But sometimes they don’t know what help to offer.
ASK for help.
Ask for recommendations. Ask for introductions. Ask for feedback. Ask for their support and encouragement.
10 – PRIORITISE YOUR SELF-CARE
If you don’t look after yourself, nobody else is going to do that for you.
You might be really worried about not having a job or how long it will take to get back into work, so it’s more important than ever that you prioritise your self-care so that you build and nurture your resilience.
That way, you’ll be more able to cope with the ups and downs that are likely to come your way.
Listen to other personal stories of redundancy
I hope that these 10 simple things will help you tackle job hunting with more confidence after redundancy.
Throughout July, I’m interviewing women about their own personal stories of redundancy. They’ll be sharing their biggest challenges and what helped them get back on their feet.
Join me in my Career Conversations group to listen to the live interviews.
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