Have you recently been made redundant? Losing your job is considered to be one of the top ten most stressful things that can happen to you. It’s traumatic. You feel in shock. Your confidence is at an all-time low and you just don’t know which way to turn.
It’s ok. You aren’t on your own. If you’re struggling to adjust to this challenging situation that you find yourself in, I’ve put together ten top tips to help you regain control, both practically and emotionally.
1. Don’t panic. This is not your fault
First and foremost, I know it’s difficult, but try not to panic and please don’t blame yourself. Being made redundant wasn’t your fault; it was a business decision. This is undeniably a tough situation to be in but instead of allowing it to affect your confidence, choose to reframe it as a new opportunity for a fresh start.
2. Review your entitlement
Ensure that your employer has paid you for everything that you’re entitled to, including any holiday pay, overtime and bonuses that may be due. Once you understand your numbers, you’ll know how long your redundancy payment will last and you’ll be able to set yourself up better for the time that you’re unemployed. You may also be able to get help from the Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Service.
3. Leave on a positive note
Regardless of how your redundancy happened, it’s always best to try to maintain a good relationship with your previous employer. You’ll still need a reference for your next job after all, plus your old boss or colleagues may be able to make some useful introductions for you.
4. Assess your options
Would you like to find a job that’s identical to the one you’ve just left, or do you want to do something completely different? Redundancy is the perfect opportunity for you to take your career in the direction that you actually want it to go. Whilst it’s difficult at the time, redundancy could be just the stimulus that you need to propel you forward to go for something you really want!
5. Create a career plan
Look at your interests, skills and knowledge. Are there any gaps there? If there are, how can you fill these gaps and develop your skills? If you need extra training, you may be entitled to funds to help you pay for it. There are also plenty of online courses available, some of which are free, or you could consider work shadowing or volunteering to get even more experience under your belt and onto your CV.
6. Give your CV a facelift!
It may be quite some time since you even looked at your CV, especially if you’d been in your previous job for quite some time. Schedule some time to check that it’s completely up to date, and ensure that your key skills and experience really stand out. Reflect on what makes you a great candidate and play to your strengths! At the same time as your CV, you can review your LinkedIn profile too. Take a look at one of my other blogs for some top tips to help your CV stand out from the crowd.
7. Structure your job hunting
Try and look at your job search as a bit like a full-time job. For example, start at 9am, take a lunch break and finish at a set time. Give yourself daily or weekly goals, such as which companies or industries you will research each day. It can be tempting but don’t join every job agency going. Instead, try to be selective and join just the one or two that best represent the jobs you’re trying to find. Be organised and keep a list of all the jobs that you’ve applied for. If you do get an interview but are unsuccessful, don’t be afraid to ask for constructive feedback.
8. Make the most of your connections.
Sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know. Think about whether any of your contacts could put in a good word for you in their organisation or if they know of any roles that may be suitable. Use your professional network to your advantage as they may well know someone who needs a talented individual just like you!
9. Take a break!
Even if it’s only for a week or two, give yourself the time to process what has happened and take stock of the situation. A break will do you the world of good and help you prepare for the next step on your career path.
10. Get some support
Support from a professional career coach can help you to make better and more informed decisions about your future. They will also assist you in gaining the confidence that you need to market yourself effectively so that you can secure the job of your dreams!
Let’s get your career path back on track
As a professional career coach based in Maidenhead, I understand the issues that you’re facing. I can provide you with practical, workable solutions that will help you refocus and gain control of your career.
If you’d like to find out more about how I can help you, contact me to book a free, no-obligation 30-minute phone consultation.
