Redundancies Are Happening Now, and More Are on the Horizon: How to Prepare

How to Prepare for Redundancy and Land Your Next Job

Imagine this...

You’re at the peak of your career, you think you're first in line for that next promotion and pay rise, you’ve given years of your life to your current firm, endless hours and hard work, missed family events just to pave your way that one step closer to your big break...

and then the unthinkable happens.

Your boss calls you in, asks you to sit down and stutters those 9 words that leave you speechless.

‘I’m sorry but we have to let you go’

You sit, in disbelief, an array of emotions swim around in your mind from shock, fear, stress, anger…You’re not prepared for this, you instantly think of your family, how you’re going to support them and what you’re going to do now.

These are the common emotions that follow when being faced with the unfortunate circumstances of redundancy.

No one enjoys discussing the topic of redundancies, yet it's an unfortunate reality in the ever-evolving job market.

Whether you're currently secure in your role or know someone who might be affected, it's crucial to be aware of the ongoing job uncertainties and to be prepared.

As someone with an inside perspective, having worked as a recruiter for some of the world's leading chartered accounting firms, I've witnessed the ebb and flow of the job market. Today, I want to shed light on the current landscape and help you understand the importance of readiness during these uncertain times.

The Redundancy Reality

The harsh truth is that redundancies are a part of modern work life, and they're not going away anytime soon.

Economic fluctuations, industry changes, and unforeseen global events all contribute to the potential for job cuts. Even if you're currently in a stable position, it's essential to recognize that the threat of redundancy hovers over the job market like a looming cloud.

But remember, it's not just about you.

You likely know someone who has experienced or will experience redundancy. Empathy and support are crucial during such times, as your understanding could be a lifeline for someone facing the storm of job uncertainty.

My Personal Journey

Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and sometimes, it can feel like the end of the world. I distinctly remember the day when my world was turned upside down. I was just over 25 years old, comfortably settled in my job, and my weekly paycheck had become a reliable constant. Or so I thought.

One fateful day, the security I had grown accustomed to abruptly vanished as my job, which I had assumed would be mine (until I chose to move on), was made redundant.

The weeks that followed were a chaotic whirlwind of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.

To make matters more complicated, my then-boyfriend was also handed a redundancy notice, and we were burdened with a fresh mortgage on our newly acquired home.

The excitement of buying our first house had faded into a cloud of worry and doubt. I was in the midst of pursuing a diploma in Human Resources, a dream I was passionate about, and my employer had agreed to cover the expenses. thankfully they allowed me to finish my diploma but moved me to the reception desk to work out my days. It felt like shame as everyone knew that I was made redundant from my HR role.

Fortunately, my background in recruitment equipped me with valuable skills: crafting a compelling resume and navigating the job search process. It's a challenge that can be daunting for many, and I consider myself fortunate to have had these tools at my disposal.

So, while I wrapped up my diploma, I simultaneously worked on my resume and devised a plan to secure a better future.

Persistence paid off, and I was offered a new job, one that not only matched my skills but also came with a significant pay increase and a fully paid company car. Looking back, that seemingly devastating redundancy turned out to be a hidden blessing.

There is a better future ahead (even though it may not feel like it now).

In times of adversity, it's easy to lose hope and succumb to despair.

Redundancy can feel like the end of the road, but with time and determination, it might just turn out to be the beginning of a new and brighter journey.

If you find yourself facing redundancy or are concerned about it in the near future, remember that there is hope. Reach out to professionals who can guide you through this challenging phase and help you turn redundancy into a blessing. After all, they have the skills and expertise to make it happen.

Through my experiences and insider knowledge, I've come to realise that knowledge is indeed power, and preparation is key to navigating the challenges of redundancy successfully.

How to Prepare for Redundancy

Now that we've established the prevalence of redundancies and their impact, let's discuss how you can prepare for this potential challenge:

1. Resume Ready: Ensure your resume is up to date, well designed and enhanced to attract the eye of recruiters, so you can stand out during the application process and land an interview.

2. Skill Enhancement: Continuously upgrade your skills and stay updated with industry trends. Being versatile and adaptable can make you a more valuable asset to potential employers.

3. Networking: Maintain a strong professional network. Networking can open doors to job opportunities, especially when your LinkedIn profile is optimised for job seeking and a strong network provides emotional support during trying times.

4. Emotional Resilience: Cultivate emotional resilience to handle the stress and uncertainty that comes with redundancy. Seek support from friends, family, or a career coach.

5. Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking guidance from a career coach or consultant who specialises in helping those impacted by redundancy. A great career coach can provide tailored advice and support to help you bounce back, potentially into a MUCH better role, more aligned with your personal and life goals.

We understand the challenges of redundancy, and we're here to help you prepare and navigate through these uncertain times. Our expertise and support can make a significant difference in your journey towards finding your next career opportunity.

Don't wait until it's too late. Reach out to us today to discover how we can assist you in preparing for redundancy and finding your path forward.

Download our FREE job-ready guide to start your journey towards a successful career transition.

To your continued success!

Kylie Wall
Recruiter and Career Coach

If you want to prepare for potential redundancy, here are 3 ways we can help :

 1. A great cover letter and stand-out resume could be the difference from your application being seen! As an expert recruiter, Kylie knows the important information to include to meet selection criteria and get you to interviews. Get your cover letter and resume written by an expert!

2. Is your LinkedIn profile strategically optimised for finding your dream job and connecting with the right people? Discover how to create your 5-star LinkedIn profile

3. Engage Kylie as your personal career coach and expert mentor through the 4-week Uplifting Career Coaching Experience