Having to start afresh years into your career can be extremely demotivating. But who’s to say that it can’t lead you down a far more rewarding path? We’ve put together some job application tips after being made redundant to help you move forward.

As the saying goes, “Every cloud has a silver lining”. The initial reaction after being made redundant is generally quite negative. There’s a feeling of stress, panic, and uncertainty about what the future holds. These are all perfectly normal reactions. However, on the other hand, being made redundant can also be an opportunity for positive change.

Now is the time to gather your thoughts, make a plan and stay positive.

Tips for Rejoining the Workforce After Redundancy

As difficult as it may be to find the motivation to get back into the job market, the effort you put in now will be worth it down the line. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of some top job application tips for redundant job seekers.

Consider Your Finances

Whether you’ve been made redundant, are facing redundancy or are considering taking voluntary redundancy, it’s important that you understand your financial situation. This will not only help to put your mind at ease but allow you to map out exactly how long you can go without a paycheck.

In turn, it could offer up a number of options for your life and career. If you have enough savings, you could take a substantial career break. Many people facing redundancy have chosen to take some time out in order to concentrate on other aspects of their life.

Furthermore, a large number of people choose to take voluntary redundancy. This is because they have worked out that they can afford to take early retirement with the redundancy pay. Could this be the case for you too?

If you do not have excess savings or pension funds, crunching the numbers will give you a clear idea of how quickly you need to find a job. It will also show you if you have to start budgeting to lower your outgoings.

For more information and independent financial advice, go to our Support and Resources page.

Openness

Many candidates assume they’ll be better off if they’re not open and honest about their employment situation. They worry that having a gap in their CV might affect them negatively when searching for a new job.

The reality is that there are ways to deal with gaps in your CV. The key is honesty. Trying to cover things up rarely ends well. Prospective employers understand that many people were made redundant during the recent global pandemic. Therefore, what’s important is that you are confident in your explanation and can highlight any skills, certifications or experience you gained during your time off.

Have a look at our CV writing tips for guidance on updating your CV after redundancy.

Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Consider your transferable skills after your years of work. You might find that your role gave you skills and experience that apply to a number of different jobs. Knowing how to emphasise your transferable skills can open up a wealth of employment opportunities.

Furthermore, try not to view your time away from work as a negative. Prepare answers to possible interview questions that explain how you approached your time out of work. Perhaps it gave you time to find the right career for you. Or maybe it provided some perspective on the value of work in your life.

Further Training

Redundancies rose to record levels during the pandemic but have now returned to normal. And although the unemployment rate in the UK is only 3.6% as of November 2022, we are currently facing a massive skills shortage. Thousands of companies are desperate for highly-skilled and experienced workers.

Therefore, if you’ve been out of work for a period of time, it would be a good idea to refresh your skills and consider retraining. Showing the initiative to take control of your situation will stand you in good stead when searching for jobs after being made redundant.

Don’t Take It Personally

And last but not least, a note of advice. Lots of experienced professionals have been made redundant in recent years. Remember, you weren’t made redundant, your job was. So, persevere with what you’re doing, be dutiful when submitting applications, and try your best to keep a positive attitude.

Key Takeaways: Job Application Tips After Redundancy

Returning to work after being made redundant can be difficult. But it’s also an opportunity to bring about positive change in your career. By following these job application tips after being made redundant, you can get back to work more quickly and continue along your chosen career path.

Refreshing a Career’s redundant workers’ jobs board can help you find a job after being made redundant. We’re here to help with our tailor-made Support and Resources section for people who’ve been made redundant. Visit our page on Redundancy Assistance for guidance on your rights related to redundancy.

If you can’t find the answer to any of your questions, feel free to contact our team who’ll be more than happy to lend a hand. Finally, sign up for our newsletter using the form below for all the latest from Refreshing a Career.