REDUNDANCY RESOURCES AND SUPPORT TO HELP YOU NAIL GETTING THE NEXT JOB….. 

OVER THE COURSE OF 3 REDUNDANCIES (YUP, I’M NOW IN MY 4TH) I COULDN’T UNDERSTAND WHY I WASN’T GETTING THE FIRST INTERVIEW, OR THE SECOND INTERVIEW, OR THE JOB OFFER AFTER THE THIRD OR FOURTH INTERVIEW.  

IT WAS CRUSHING, RELENTLESS, SOUL DESTROYING AND MAKING ME SADDER EVERY WEEK.  

I WAS ON THE REDUNDANCY ROLLERCOASTER FOR MONTHS…….. 

Earlier this week I posted some of this article on LinkedIn. The difference between that post and this one is I’ve used more words to dig a little deeper, and provide you with some practical tools, tips and redundancy resources and support to help you make the next chapter of your life your best one yet, so read on, or scroll down to the 5 practical tips….

Essentially, there are two parts to your redundancy: 

1. Your Happiness and Wellbeing 

2. Your Future 

And here are two questions you need to ask yourself: 

1.  Is your head in the right space to make those big decisions that are forced because of a redundancy? 

1. Are you putting your best self forward when creating your resume, applying for jobs or going for interviews? 

It’s obvious to me now (after looking for new job after 3 redundancies) that you really need to be at your best when you put yourself out there for your next role, so you need to look after your Wellbeing as your #1 priority.  

For example, your resume needs to speak for you, so if you aren’t in a good place/the best place when you are bringing it to life, then it may not be putting the best you forward. 

YOUR HAPPINESS & WELLBEING NEEDS TO COME FROM THE INSIDE  

I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster every time after my first 3 redundancies (yup – I’m on my 4th this time). Looking back, it took me a few months before I could honestly say that I had taken the time to get over the crushing blow of it all. I couldn’t shake the feeling of no longer being valued, or respected. 

I HAD TO FIND MY IDENTITY, VALUE AND HAPPINESS AGAIN – OUTSIDE OF WORK. ONCE I DID THIS EVERYTHING CHANGED………. 

This 4th time I knew exactly what I had to do, my studies in Positive Psychology also helped – so I was back to my best self in about 6 weeks this time (rather than 3 months).    

A CONFRONTING QUESTION…….HAVE YOU REALLY DUG DEEPLY TO UNDERSTAND WHY YOU MIGHT NOT BE GETTING THE JOB? THIS WAS THE CATALYST FOR ME TO REGAINING EMPLOYMENT… 

1. Linguistics are larger than life 

What type of language do you use when you are speaking to recruiters and potential employers? Is it practical and positive? Do you have a list of positive words handy? Have you written and rehearsed your scenario stories, elevator pitches in terms of responses? Are they succinct? Do you have a list of poignant questions to ask? Do you know what your strengths are? How can you play to them for your next role? 

Do you need help with this? 

2. But your body language is louder than your words 

I’ve never forgotten this from one of my bosses from years ago – ‘Start as you make out to finish’. This is everything! 

I’ve studied and read so much on body language that the actual % of how much body language trumps over speaking ranges from 55% to 93%! Anyway, the message here is it IS important! 

When speaking try to maintain eye contact 1/3 of the time. When listening try to maintain eye contact 2/3 of the time. 

If it is a phone interview, stand up and talk, use some energy in your conversation. 

Do you need help with this? 

3. Ageism is apparent 

Is ageism a thing for you? Or a thing for them? How do you face into it professionally, and constructively? 

I’ve had bosses older than me, and sure, at first it was difficult, but now I just look on it as an exercise in learning about behaviour – we can all learn something from anyone. And we can all share our experiences – if and when they are open to it.  

How are you dressed at an interview? You need to ditch the jumper and get a bit groovy (eeek, that’s an ageist word indeed!). Think about the ageist words and phrases you might accidentally, and/or naturally use – like “I may be dating myself, but..”. Rephrase this to current times. 

I recently read an article on ageism by Robert Seif on LinkedIn which highlighted (1). Reluctance to Adapt (2) “I earned my stripes” (3) Failing to show recent learning (4) Underestimating younger talent (5) Low energy & enthusiasm (6) Outdated job search approaches – Read this article, and find others…. 

Do you need help with this? 

4. Leave the ego at the door, or before you turn the camera on! 

I have helped others after seeking feedback on their behalf after an interview. In a worst case scenario I had one of my staff (for which I had arranged the interview) go blazing into a colleague and started to tell them how to run their business unit! 

Your experience is, and will be always be invaluable (don’t forget that), but you need to position and phrase it accordingly. 

5. Reflect and reframe 

One of the most important things is to take the time to reflect deeply to understand the part that you played, and maybe, just maybe (well, ok in hindsight for me I know that I could have done better) you could have done a bit better, in quite a few ways. 

6. It has to come from the inside out, not the outside in 

Do you feel happy, positive and hopeful on the inside when you are in an interview? You need to look after you first and foremost. Create some joy & happiness in your life – every day. 

IS THIS YOU? 

I’ve been dealing with people who have been on the rollercoaster of redundancy for a while now, and in some cases, my support was the catalyst for them to secure their next role. And in all cases I’ve helped them get back to their best self, with new lifelong skills to manage through a difficult time if they need to in the future.  

“I was definitely a bit ‘sad & stuck after many months of unemployment. My first hour with Fe was easy going.It allowed me to offload a bit and begin to refocus which lead me to a ‘ka-ching’ moment with thoughts about my career and what my elevator pitch should sound like. Through reframing and reflecting on my experiences, I was able to put things in a better perspective. 

It’s not a trite statement to say that even after one session with Fe I was closer to ‘happy and hopeful’. 

Her support definitely helped me through the processes required to land my current job. 

I look forward to working more with Fe”. 

Peter- Business Analyst 

Good luck! And if you need help reach out….

#REDUNANCY 

#REDUNDANCYCANSUCK 

#REDUNDANCYRESOURCES 

#REDUNDANCYSUPPORT 

#FINDANDBETHEBESTYOUAGAINFIRST