Lost your job? Here’s what you need to do now.

Getting made redundant is tough, but it’s not the end of the world. Deborah Wilson from PlusOne Recruitment explains how you can make the most of the experience and bounce right back. 

So you’ve been made redundant, what’s your first move? 

Take stock of all the things you’ve learnt and the opportunities your job has given you. It’s also important to recognise the redundancy wasn’t your fault. 

“It’s not about telling the world how annoyed you are about being made redundant, it’s actually about reflecting and saying, it’s my job and this is a position that isn’t required any more,” Wilson says.  

“It’s really important to leave with dignity and leave the door open for a positive reference.” 

Take some time out 

Your redundancy pay-out will probably give you a little bit of time financially, so take a break and reflect on the things you enjoy outside of your job, instead of trying to relaunch your career straight away. 

“Try and do something really positive every day, and stay in your normal routine of good health and good fitness. It’s about creating a positive mindset,” Wilson says. 

“Trying to fix your resume straight away and sending it out to a million people isn’t going to work if you’re not in a positive mindset. You have to have a good story about where you are now, and what you are going to do because you need time to address what’s happened.” 

Did you even like your job? 

Some time off could even make you realise that it’s time to change up your career. 

“A lot of people I work with actually find that they weren’t happy with their job anyway, and never wanted to be an accountant or a marketing manager in the first place. They might have just stayed in their job because it’s actually harder to leave sometimes” Wilson says.  

“So sometimes, a redundancy can offer people an opportunity to get a few months pay and figure out what they actually want to do.” 

Re-navigating the workforce (and not getting overwhelmed) 

Diving back into the world of job applications and interviews can be daunting if you’ve been in the same job for the last 10 years. But looking at the process as a new experience and going along for the ride can help. 

“There’s no doubt we go through the grief cycle when we lose a job…but I think the bounceback is about being resilient. It’s about trying new things, and it is about seeking some good experience from experienced people,” she says. 

“Be open to new opportunities and networking breakfasts or lunches on different topics, meet new people, and talk to other people about their experiences in their work.”  

To help get in the right mindset for your next career move, why not check out our mindset hack videos.