Christmas is knocking on our door – you arrive at work this morning and “BAM” you have been made redundant!
It is not a nice feeling, and it can be a challenging situation, upsetting and it normally is a total shock. So, the big question is – where to from here?
In this current world we live in, I think just about everyone I have spoken to has been made redundant at one point in time in their career. Some navigate it well and others fall in a heap. Businesses are now starting to look at headcount and costs as purse strings tighten and projects are shelved. There is a lot of uncertainty in the global economy, and I do believe we are going to see a lot more redundancies in 2024, so below are a few tips and tricks to help you navigate this situation and land your next job.
Don’t take it personally
First off try not to take it personally. This can be so easy to say but hard to do. I always say if you can afford to take a week or two off and just reset yourself – do. Try not to even think about work that week.
Take some time to reflect
Week two/three take some time to reflect. Understand your career goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. This self-reflection will truly help you with your job search.
Update your resume and cover letter
I would then look at updating your resume and cover letter. Once you have the foundation for them you will then need to ensure that these are tailored to each role you apply to. I always suggest a short paragraph at the start of your resume highlighting the industries you have worked in and the roles you have held and finish off with what you are looking for.
“I am a highly skilled Accounts Payable Officer with over 15+ years of experience. I have worked in construction, mining, IT and government. I have worked in a team and in stand-alone roles within high-volume organisations and used a variety of systems. I am looking for my next opportunity in Accounts Payable with a work-from-home option of one day per week.”
Strengthen your online presence
Your next task should be to strengthen your online presence. This will require you to update your LinkedIn and Seek profiles. It is very important to ensure that these are all correct and up to date. I would also set up job alerts to receive notifications about new postings so you can be the first to apply.
Network actively
Start liking and commenting on posts that are in industries you are keen on. From this, you need to start networking actively. Connect with former colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. Attend networking events if applicable, both in-person and virtual. I would also keep up to date with industry trends, news, and changes in the job market.
Be prepared
So finally, you have the interview. Please, please, please, do your homework and make sure you are prepared. This is not just about the job but the company and the person you are meeting. The number of times I have helped a candidate prepare for an interview – they go to the interview and the client asks, “What do they know about the position and or company?” and they reply nothing! This does them absolutely no favours. Remember most people will sum you up with a yes or no in the first 30 seconds!
If finding a role is taking some time, do not be afraid to contract or temp. This is a great way to gain experience in areas that you may not have tapped into in your old positions and meet new people/contacts. Contracting or temping opportunities often lead to permanent roles, and they also give you more “strings to our bow”. If you have time, you may also look to upskill some of your skill sets by taking a short course here or there.
Job hunting can be a lengthy process, and rejection is part of the journey. So, stay positive. Remember your job right now is to find a job so take it seriously. Take 1 or 2 hours every day to look for your next opportunity. Quality effort in equals quality results out.
ALICIA SUMICH
Group Manager – Business Development
Alicia is a seasoned Recruitment Consultant with over 15 years’ experience in the Brisbane market. Having dealt with a diversified range of clients she has expertise in helping employers build “best in class” talent acquisition and talent management capabilities to attract, engage and retain high performing staff.
