Ask The Expert
Fresh Start
These days, people who frequently change jobs are seen as adaptable and imaginative - qualities that any potential employer is certain to find appealing. So if you're made redundant, don't panic!
Hi Debbie,
I've just been made redundant, along with half my company. Should I worry about it reflecting badly on my CV? Can I put a positive spin on it?
Gemma
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi Gemma,
Given how common redundancy is these days, I don't think you should be too anxious about it reflecting badly on you. Companies downsize, or make staffing decisions for purely economic reasons these days, so there is no shame or negativity attached to it.
This may be easier said than done, however, as there is no doubt that for some people redundancy is a blow to their self-esteem. If you can try not to take the apparent 'rejection' too personally, there is no doubt that you can turn your redundancy into a positive event.
As the notion of a 'job for life' disappears into the dim and distant past, it has been replaced by the far more exciting and challenging 'portfolio career'. These days, many of us seem to change jobs as often as we change cars. But there's no shame in that, in fact it can be a very positive move for your career.
So, try to look on your redundancy as an opportunity for a fresh start. If you are able to negotiate a pay-off, it will buy you time to take a long, hard look at your career to date and work out whether a complete change of direction is called for.
Alternatively, if you are happy with your chosen career, start networking as soon as possible, meeting up with any contacts who might help you find your ideal job. If you can do this before leaving your job, so much the better - as there is no doubt that, psychologically, you are more marketable whilst still employed. If you can demonstrate that you 'chose' to go in order to pursue goals of your own, this will add to your appeal.
If you're a middle-manager or above, you could also consider employing a headhunter. These people increasingly take the strain out of job hunting for many people, but they will only take you on if they consider you are a marketable commodity, with a positive attitude and qualities they can 'sell'. It is worth pointing out, however, that only 3% of jobs are actually filled in this way.
I've just been made redundant, along with half my company. Should I worry about it reflecting badly on my CV? Can I put a positive spin on it?
Gemma
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi Gemma,
Given how common redundancy is these days, I don't think you should be too anxious about it reflecting badly on you. Companies downsize, or make staffing decisions for purely economic reasons these days, so there is no shame or negativity attached to it.
This may be easier said than done, however, as there is no doubt that for some people redundancy is a blow to their self-esteem. If you can try not to take the apparent 'rejection' too personally, there is no doubt that you can turn your redundancy into a positive event.
As the notion of a 'job for life' disappears into the dim and distant past, it has been replaced by the far more exciting and challenging 'portfolio career'. These days, many of us seem to change jobs as often as we change cars. But there's no shame in that, in fact it can be a very positive move for your career.
So, try to look on your redundancy as an opportunity for a fresh start. If you are able to negotiate a pay-off, it will buy you time to take a long, hard look at your career to date and work out whether a complete change of direction is called for.
Alternatively, if you are happy with your chosen career, start networking as soon as possible, meeting up with any contacts who might help you find your ideal job. If you can do this before leaving your job, so much the better - as there is no doubt that, psychologically, you are more marketable whilst still employed. If you can demonstrate that you 'chose' to go in order to pursue goals of your own, this will add to your appeal.
If you're a middle-manager or above, you could also consider employing a headhunter. These people increasingly take the strain out of job hunting for many people, but they will only take you on if they consider you are a marketable commodity, with a positive attitude and qualities they can 'sell'. It is worth pointing out, however, that only 3% of jobs are actually filled in this way.
