Have you just been made redundant? Or fear you might be at risk of redundancy? Stirling Warrington, specialists in recruiting specialists, offers some extremely useful tips and advice on what to do for your next steps.

You’re probably feeling disheartened and really disappointed with the news you have received. But those first 24 hours are crucial! There is a lot you can do. And you never know, you might even have a job offer by this time next week.

In the first 24 hours after being dealt the redundancy card, you can…

  • Change your LinkedIn profile to ‘Open To Work’
  • Update your CV – create a free account on Canva and search ‘CV template’, there are thousands! (Just avoid using one with a photo)
  • Set up a profile on Indeed, CV Library, Total Jobs, Reed – upload your CV (make sure you set up jobs alerts with jobs that fit your experience)
  • Set up application tracking – chase up 24 hours after submission (we recommend Notion)

How do I know my CV is ready?

First things first, you need a well-formatted CV. An easy-to-read CV with clear sections means the employer can see straight away what you would bring to the position.

The next priority should be making sure it includes achievements, wins and growth. When you look at your CV, can you initially see all of these?

Recruiters look at CVs and want to know the value you can provide, instantly. Especially in a Sales or Marketing role, where numbers are everything. Add some substance to back your claims, provide evidence via; products sold, routes to market and ROI’s.

*Tip – AI tools are taking off, but CVs need to be a reflection of you as a person. What motivates you to succeed? Showcase it!

Before you submit your CV, make sure you can confidently say you have done all the above. 

Ready for an Interview?

Now that you have got your CV in top shape, it shouldn’t be long until you receive a request for interview. Or maybe you already have one coming up! Either way, getting ahead of the game and knowing what you need to prepare beforehand is important.

Preparation and Research

Make sure you have all supporting documentation, interview confirmation, job spec., etc. Use these as a starting point.

Things you need to look over:

  • Company website
  • Social media accounts
  • Google the company (see if you can find any events or news – what do they get involved in?)
  • Mission statement and values
  • Look at the competitors

Put the job spec and your CV side by side and spend time looking at what is important to the company and the job role, and pick out examples of where you fit the company’s requirements. Use the STAR technique. Ingrain it in your brain and the answers should come naturally the next time you are asked something. Show you know the company and want to work with them.

Dress Code and What To Bring

Generally it is better to err on the side of caution and wear full business dress, although there are exceptions.

Before heading to an interview, double-check you’ve got everything you need (any notes and printouts). And take a notebook with a couple of pens – just in case!

*Tip – Remember, it is better to be overprepared than underprepared!

Questions to ask your Interviewer

About the role:

  • What is the main object of this role?
  • How is success measured in the role?
  • What does a typical day/week look like?
  • What are the quick wins and longer-term goals?
  • How does the team/company celebrate success?
  • How do you think my experience/contacts would transfer into the role?
  • Who is the most successful in the team and what makes them successful?

About the company

  • Why has this role come up?
  • Talk me through the current team
  • What made you decide to join the company?
  • What are the company’s plans for growth?
  • How has the company overcome challenges recently?

To close

  • What are the next steps after today?
  • When can I expect to hear from you?
  • Are there any concerns you have about my ability to undertake this role?

Create your LinkedIn Brand

A LinkedIn profile can work wonders for your employability. The positives are endless, from building up your network, to increasing visibility of your profile, and even attracting potential employers. A huge number of people are hired via LinkedIn, currently someone is hired every six minutes on LinkedIn.

Follow these steps to build up your LinkedIn brand, increase your job prospects and move away from the redundancy shadow.

  • Add your contact details
  • Reply to all comments on your posts
  • Upload a recent professional picture
  • Engage with relevant posts in your sector
  • Connect with relevant people in your sector
  • Add extra detail to your job history – almost like a CV
  • Talk positively about your job search and your skillset
  • Repost and share information about other people looking for work

That’s everything! Hopefully, you’re feeling a bit more positive about your job prospects. Now what are you waiting for? Start working your way through the steps and getting yourself back on the jobsearching horse.

Redundancy Advice: Are you facing Redundancy? (stirlingwarrington.co.uk)