I recently posted a comment on LinkedIn regarding redundancy that generated a lot of traffic and commentary. Essentially I asked what advice would you provide to somebody facing redundancy. Responses were varied however most people who had experienced redundancy reflected that they saw it as an opportunity to move forward, take advantage of a pay out and a re-evaluation and pivoting of their values. Not surprisingly many saw it as an opportunity to spend quality time with family.

 

Having interviewed many candidates over the years who have faced redundancy I offer the following advice before, during and after redundancy.

 

 

Before

 

It’s Not About You

 

It’s important to remember that from a company perspective it’s not about you. I have seen some of the most talented & experienced professionals made redundant. I’ve also seen some of the most strongly performing business units disbanded. Decisions are often made far up the ‘food chain’ and a change in direction or strategy may impact upon your role regardless of who you are, what you do and how you perform.

 

Be Careful Who You Hitch Your Wagon To

 

Being too closely aligned to a leader may make life more complicated should their role be made redundant. Focus more on the value you can add to a business rather than each individual manager, Ensure that you diversify your group of sponsors within an organisation.

 

Stay Focused

 

Some organisations handle restructuring well, keep staff informed and provide regular updates. Some don’t. Ensure that you focus on your task at hand. Falling into gossip and speculation serves only to reinforce a sense of helplessness. Should the chatter become negative you will paint yourself in a bad light damaging your value to the business and any future references the company might provide.

 

 

During:

 

Take a Breath

 

So, your role has been redundant. You’re in good company. It’s likely in any career that you will face this situation at some point. Take a breath, it’s scary but you’ll get through it. Most of the people I’ve dealt with will find a new role within 3 months and most will look back on the redundancy as a blessing in disguise – particularly if they receive a payout.

 

Show Up

 

So your role has been redundant, time to take the foot off the pedal? Wrong. Show up. Continue to hold yourself to your own high standards. This will be reflected in any future reference you will receive. You may also become aware of other opportunities available within the business that you might not be aware of if you’ve decided to finish up

 

Network, network, network

 

Okay, so you failed to make those connections when you were merrily working away. Now is the time to make those introductions. Within your business introduce yourself to managers in those segments that you’ve wanted to work in. Let them know your situation. Introduce yourself to the internal recruitment team, make it easy for them to be able to consider your for roles they have available.

 

Externally you should have been cultivating relationships with your peers and external hiring managers. You should have also been building connections with experienced recruiters over the years, but if you haven’t now is the time. Talk to everybody, ex colleagues, recruiters, mentors. Let them know your situation and what you are now looking to achieve. You will not be considered for potential opportunities if people don’t know you’re looking.

 

Start today!

 

As tempting as it might be to take advantage of a payout and take a 3 month break to Tahiti, begin your search now. The likelihood is that it will take 3 months to find a new role so you’ll be having a break anyway. Starting your search 3 months later might see you out of work for 6 months…and then the questions begin. Why hasn’t this person found a new role, what’s the issue with this candidate that they’ve not found a new role? Throw in Christmas and New Year, Easter or End of Financial year (traditionally quieter periods) and you could be finding that 3 months becomes 6 becomes 9.

 

Listen to the Experts in Your Field

 

Recruiters want to place you if they can, they generate an income from doing so. Listen to their guidance regarding your CV. Often companies will provide out placement support including having an organisation review and prepare your CV. In my experience outplacement organisations whilst offering general advice are not preparing resumes targeted to an individual industry segment. Speak to an expert regarding what they see as being important on your CV.

 

 

After

 

Take Stock

 

So you’ve found a new role. Congratulations! What have you learned? How would you do things differently? Ask yourself how can you future proof yourself from another redundancy. Who would you pick up the phone to in order to find out what opportunities are available in the market? Pencil in regular catch ups with peers, ex colleagues, potential managers, recruiters. Take control and manage your career. Determine the next step you’re looking for. Keep current with new technology and continue to build your brand both internally and externally.

 

I hope this blog has provided you with some food for thought. Should you be facing redundancy or looking for new opportunity please feel free to call or email me on 07 3229 8977 / dlawlor@theturnergroup.com.au