Top tips to help you cope with redundancy and get back to work (From Western Telegraph)

Top tips to help you cope with redundancy and get back to work

10:12am Wednesday 23rd September 2009 in Jobs

Being made redundant can come as a harsh blow may be a huge dent to self-esteem.

It is critical to remember the main reason for the majority of redundancies is the disastrous effects of the global economy on UK business. There aren’t many sectors which have been left unscathed and there is no doubt times are tough, however now is the time to be positive.

It really isn’t all doom and gloom. Many organisations are keen to capitalise on the glut of quality candidates that may not have jumped ship in more prosperous times.

Practical Action Plan: Deal with the current situation. If redundancy is imminent, plan ahead. Agree your terms with your employer and be sure to leave amicably as possible as your employer will need to provide a good reference. Remain professional at all times and consult HR for support and advice.

Keep your chin up and get focused. Spend some time thinking about the job you really want. Take time to take stock and ask yourself what you really want to do and what motivates you. It can be tricky when you’re anxious about when the next pay is going to come through, so plan your finances at the same time. You may come to the conclusion that you wish to divert career paths and may need to review training and qualifications. There may even be a burning desire to move to another industry. Either way, don’t waste the luxury of having time to consider and plan.

Structure your day as you would if you were working. It easy for the newly jobless to lose the discipline of the daily office regime. It’s important to invest time and effort into job hunting and facilitating a working routine will provide focus and productivity.

Review your key skills: Are you strong at account/contract management? Do you have demonstrable experience of making cost savings? Do you have strong technical project management experience? What are your unique selling points? Know them and be prepared to talk about them.

Register with agencies. Work with at least three leading recruitment agencies and definitely register with those aligned to industry you wish to work in.

Apply direct. Scour the papers, trade press and job boards. Make this a daily part of your routine.

Interviews can be the most daunting part of the recruitment process, no matter how talented you are. You're being judged over a very short space of time, so maximise the chances of demonstrating your potential. Read the job spec and anticipate questions around this. Plan your answers and talk them through with a friend or colleague giving examples of key achievements and scenarios.