Strategies for Job Searching Following a Redundancy

If you've recently faced job redundancy, reentering the UK job market may feel overwhelming. However, it's crucial not to let setbacks hold you back. Instead, view this as an opportunity to explore new and exciting career paths. We understand that restarting the job search can be challenging, particularly after a long time in your previous role. It may have also been a while since you've had to write a CV or look for a new position. To guide you through this transition, we've compiled eight practical tips below to ease your job search and help you achieve your career goals.

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Still looking for work after a redundancy? Read our tips on how to successfully get back to work after a career break.

What is redundancy?

The redundancy process is the terminating employees from their employment due to different business reasons. These could include a downturn in business, company relocation, closure, or a change in how they operate. It might also occur if your work can be done differently, such as through technology or outsourcing, or if the business needs fewer people for the same job. Essentially, if your role is no longer necessary for the company, you might find yourself at risk of redundancy or be able to opt for voluntary redundancy.

For more information, consult this article on your notice period during redundancy.

How soon after redundancy can I start a new job?

After being made redundant, starting a new job depends on your contract terms. If there are no restrictive clauses, you can begin once your notice period ends. Payment in lieu of notice may allow immediate start, but beware of any post-termination restrictions. Check your contract for 'restrictive covenants' details.

For more details, refer to this article on restrictive covenants employee rights in the UK.

8 tips on finding a job after redundancy

See our tips below on how to deal with redundancy and explaining step-by-step what to do after a redundancy:

1. Find your silver lining

Being made redundant is a stressful time in anyone's life. So, it's no surprise that it can have a real impact on your motivation and self-confidence. But the key point to remember here is that it is not your fault. For this reason, you must do your best to remain positive and approach your job search with the right mindset. Eventually, it could help to set you up for success! Look at it as an opportunity to take some time off and think about what you want to do. We realise it can be difficult to stay positive when you're in a post-redundancy stage. However, you might be able to start an entirely new career altogether. Take this moment to check out our blog article on jobs that didn't exist before the 2000s.

2. Take your time to find the right job

The thought of being unemployed can feel scary. But jumping into a new career you don't want isn't going to feel much better, so don't rush yourself. Start by making a list of the types of jobs you like. You might even want to take some time to retrain, take an online course or switch industries completely. It is an opportunity to focus on yourself and to reflect on what you want from your career. If still in doubt, it might be worth approaching a career coach. Your company may offer this as part of your redundancy package.

See the article on how to explain unemployment on a CV for inspiration and guidance.

3. Fix your CV

The first important step in any job search is creating a good CV. Depending on how long you were in your last role, your CV may need a big update. It requires you to write a strong opening statement explaining who you are and what you can bring to the company. Remember, you'll need to tailor your CV to every role you apply to. So, keep a master copy on file that you can tweak as you apply to different jobs post-redundancy.

Refer to the article on job-specific vs master CV for more information.

4. Address the elephant in the room

You don't need to pay it much thought, but it's a good idea to refer to your redundancy in a CV. Remember, it's nothing to be ashamed about.

If you've already left the company, you should include your contractual end date in your work experience section. To clarify that you didn't just up and leave, you should add a sentence underneath explaining what happened. For example, you can say the following: due to a merger with a bigger company, the role I was hired for no longer exists.

See our career change CV article if you're looking to change industries or professions.

5. Be ready for the job interview 

Being made redundant is nothing to be ashamed of. But often, professionals feel like they want to hide it from future employers. However, they'll probably ask at some point why you chose to leave your previous role. Prepare an answer before any interview or meeting so you can clearly explain to the recruiter what happened. By coming up with this in advance, you'll ensure that you deliver your response confidently when having an interview with a recruiter or hiring manager. 

Get better prepared and check out our video interview tips.

6. Tap into your network

You might have built up a strong network over the years. So, don't be afraid to tap into this. Again, you can use platforms such as LinkedIn or Facebook to reach out to your former colleagues or friends and see if they know of any positions that suit your skillset. You might also wish to attend industry events and meet with like-minded professionals. That way, you can expand your network and ask around about job opportunities. Don't forget to take a copy of your up-to-date CV with you.

7. Attend industry events

Participate in industry-specific networking events or virtual meetups. Connecting with professionals in your field can open doors to potential job opportunities and provide valuable insights into the current job market trends. Remember, consistency and perseverance are key during your job search.

8. Embrace online learning opportunities

Consider taking online courses to enhance your skills or acquire new ones. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, or Coursera offer a variety of courses that can make you more marketable in your job search.

Refer to the courses and certificates in a CV article for more information.

Key takeaways

Facing redundancy is challenging, but you can navigate the job market successfully with a positive approach, strategic job searching, and a tailored CV. Be transparent about redundancy in your CV, prepare for interviews, and leverage your network. Attend industry events and consider continuous learning to boost your appeal. Remember, showcasing your skills and expertise can outweigh redundancy or employment gaps on your CV. For more guidance, check our article on crafting a chronological CV.

Next steps?

Whether you are seeking a career transition, a new job, or just exploring opportunities, we provide a variety of sample CVs and cover letter templates to help you get started. If you prefer personalised assistance, our professional writers are at your service. Explore our CV Writing Services for more details.

Alternatively, if you are starting from scratch, you can read our article on how to write a CV if you have no experience.

Do you need a CV template? We have a built-in CV Builder, allowing you to create a CV from scratch or choose one from over 100+ CV examples created by professional writers.

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FAQ

Can I take another job during the redundancy notice period?

Yes, you can explore new job opportunities during your redundancy notice period. However, make sure to fulfil your current employer's obligations for a smooth transition.

Explore the National Career Services site for employee rights in the UK.

How long is a redundancy notice period?

The UK statutory redundancy notice periods are at least one week for employment between one month and two years, one week for each year between two and twelve years, and twelve weeks for twelve years or more. Know these timelines to plan your job search effectively.

How do you explain redundancy in an interview?

Be honest and transparent when explaining redundancy in an interview. You can explain the reasons for the redundancy and how it was beyond your control. You can also highlight the skills and experience you gained from your previous role and how they can be applied to the new role.

Should you put redundancy on your CV?

Yes, include it in your employment history. Briefly explain the circumstances and focus on the skills acquired. This shows professionalism and can be a talking point during interviews about overcoming career challenges.

What are my legal rights when facing redundancy?

According to the National Career Services, you have the following legal rights when facing redundancy:

• A notice period before your employment ends.

• Statutory redundancy pay. You can use this redundancy calculator to get an idea of what you could get paid.

• Consultation with your employer.

• Suitable alternative employment.

• Time off to look for a new job.

• Payment in lieu of notice.