What next?

So, I’ve been speaking to a few candidates recently who have mentioned the dreaded ‘R’ word – redundancy.  There seems to be a bit of a wave of this at the moment.  I don’t know if it is due to the specific sectors I deal with, uncertainty over Brexit, the time of year, or a combination of all these factors plus some other ones thrown in for good measure.

The other dreaded ‘R’ word – ‘restructure’ seems to be cropping up a lot as well which can subsequently lead on to redundancy.  A typical case scenario, which puts this in perspective, is where a large company buys out and takes over another generally smaller one.  They will probably come in with a certain message to the existing employees – “your jobs are safe and there is nothing to worry about”.  Fast forward 6 to 12 months and the employees are sat in front of their line manager and an HR representative discussing what sort of redundancy package they’re going to get.  They’ve become victims of restructuring.  Due to the take-over, roles have become duplicated, processes have become obsolete and work has been shifted to another site 200 miles away.

Let’s face it, the situation isn’t nice and I can tell you that from first-hand experience.  However, what’s vitally important at this stage is ‘what you do next’.  I’ve compiled a shortlist, that isn’t necessarily in any kind of order, but can hopefully be of some help:

–  Accept it – the decision to make you redundant has been made and rest assured you’re not alone – it is nothing to be ashamed of.

– Speak to friends and family – you’ll need a strong support network around you.  Use them as a sounding board and talk to them about similar experiences they have gone through.  Don’t suffer in silence.

– Be proactive – it’s all about what you do next.  Update your CV and Linkedin profile and make them as polished as possible.  Let employers and recruiters know you’re available through job boards and social media – you’ll be surprised at how many people want to help – even if it is for their own self-benefit, as well as yours.

– Don’t rush it – hopefully, your redundancy period will allow you enough time to seek out your next career move with as little financial impact as possible.  There is the temptation to take any job offer that comes your way, but make sure it is the right move for you as you don’t want to be back to square one a few months down the line.

– Be resilient – the job-seeking process can be laborious and full of highs and lows.  Stick at it and you will get there!

Anyway, I hope the above has given some of you going through similar experiences a modicum of reassurance.  Remember we’re always here to listen, and while I cannot promise I will place in a job, I can certainly promise that I will help you in whatever way I can!