Surviving a Redundancy: 10 Tactics to Get You and Your Career Back on Track

Annemarie Cross is a Radio Host on CareerCommuniqueRadio.com, a Career Coach, Personal Branding Strategist, a triple certified multi award-winning Professional Resume Writer and Author of ’10 key steps to Ace that Interview'.
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The world of work has changed. Unfortunately, the one-job-for-life principal that our grandparents experienced and their grandparents before them, is no longer a reality. Constantly changing economies, industries and technologies have forced companies to continue evolving and adapting, which regrettably has led to staff redundancies and downsizing.

If you have experienced job loss, over the next two issues we’ll be covering 10 important strategies to support you in getting your career back on track. Here are the first five.

1. Allow yourself time to grieve and recognise that this is completely normal

Losing your job can be a shocking and traumatic experience. In fact the impact that job loss can have on both your physical and emotional well being and the increased stress levels this can cause can be compared to someone having experienced the death of a loved one. These feelings and emotions are normal. Allow yourself time to move through this process and ensure you have a solid support system in place.

2. Have a clear understanding of your career direction

With studies indicating that 70-80% of people hate their jobs, losing your job can provide you with an opportunity to re-examine and re-invent yourself and take a completely new career direction to a job that really inspires and motivates you. In fact for many people this situation was the impetus they needed to finally sit down and re-evaluate their career goals and move forward in an entirely new career direction to a job they absolutely loved. So, what are your career interests? What are your career values? If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you be doing instead?

3. Be clear about your personal brand and continue to promote your brand prominently and proactively – both online and offline

I like to think of your personal brand as your reputation - the perception that others have of you. Your personal brand is what make you exceptional and unique and is what can set you apart from everyone else around you. It's extremely important to be clear about your strengths and the value you offer, and be able to promote this with confidence as your continue your job search. What’s your USP – your unique ‘strengths’ proposition? Why should an organisation hire you, rather than another candidate? What’s your unique promise of value?

4. Develop a clear and professional marketing document (your resume)

Your resume is your initial handshake and introduction to a potential employer. Don't miss a valuable opportunity by presenting an uninspiring document that just lists your job functions and experience. Rather, create a powerful marketing tool that confirms your expertise through the achievements and successes you have delivered. Does your current resume state ‘hire me’ by positioning you as an ideal, value added and irresistible candidate?

5. Research the company and industry with diligence

Find out as much as you can about the company and/or industry you are targeting in your job search to confirm it is the right fit and opportunity for you. This information will also allow you to prepare for upcoming interviews having identified relevant responses and examples to confirm your ability to perform and deliver impressive results within that role.

You may also like to consider industries that may not have been affected by the economy or evolving industries, positioned for continued future growth. Identify transferable skills and experience and ensure you demonstrate the value you can deliver within your resume and interview. Your research may also pinpoint specific professional development opportunities you can undertake to enhance your knowledge and strengthen your candidacy for this new industry.

How did you do? Are you adopting the above five strategies into your job search?

Next week we'll cover the other five strategies. Until then...all the very best!