How to Handle Redundancy and Get Yourself Back Out There

April 27, 2023

Going through redundancy is tough. Your emotions really take a hit and it’s hard facing an uncertain future. With the right mindset, however, you can set your sites on finding and securing a new job.

If you’re looking for digital or marketing jobs in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area, get in touch with Next Chapter Recruitment. We specialise in digital, PR and marketing recruitment in BedfordLutonNorthampton and Milton Keynes – where our head office is located.

 

In this blog, we will discuss steps that you as a digital and marketing professional can take to improve your chances of landing a great new role after redundancy.

Take time to reflect


Your job is a big part of your life. It’s not easy to suddenly have the rug pulled from under your feet and find yourself without employment. It’s important to take the time to gather your thoughts and process your emotions before you do anything else.

Think about your career goals and aspirations. Are you looking for the same type of role or a new start? What kind of company culture do you thrive in? What are your strengths and weaknesses? These types of questions will help you to figure out what kind of company and position you should be targeting. The beauty of digital recruitment milton keynes and marketing is that there are so many avenues you can pursue.


Perhaps you’re a copywriter looking to transition into a SEO position? Maybe you’ve always wanted to work on social media marketing? Or you’re a brand manager that would like to take the leap into content marketing management? It may be that you’re happy with the career path you were already on and you’re looking for a similar position. Once you’ve figured out where you want to go, you can move on to the next step.


Update your CV and cover letter


We don’t need to tell you how quickly the marketing and digital world changes. You need to show that you’re up to speed with the new technologies and skills in this industry. Updating and polishing your CV is the easiest way to showcase all your training and experience. Make sure you talk about the relevant software and tools that you’re proficient in using. It always pays to explain ways that your marketing and digital experience has driven results for your previous companies.


Update your job board profiles


We can’t stress this enough. You need to keep your personal brand current. Your salary expectations and experience may have changed vastly since the last time you uploaded your CV to sites like Reed and Indeed.


Employers and recruiters are constantly searching for candidates on job boards so having an up-to-date profile increases the chances that you are found by them. Job boards also use algorithms to suggest positions to you. You need to have a current CV so that it will recommend jobs relevant to your skills and interests. By keeping your profile updated, you’ll also stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of bagging an interview.

Update your LinkedIn profile


Your LinkedIn profile is free real estate for your personal brand. Make sure you update your profile and become more active on the platform. Follow target companies, engage with their posts and connect with their employees. Always respond to recruiters, even if the job isn’t a good fit for you. That way they’ll learn what you’re looking for and keep you in mind for other roles.

 

It’s worth using the ‘open to work’ function on LinkedIn. There are two options available:

 

  1. Open to work – only shows recruiters (without the photo frame)
  2. Open to work – shows all LinkedIn members (with the photo frame) 

 

The first option will only show your job-seeking preferences to those with a LinkedIn recruiter account and the platform also attempts to shield this information from your current company. This option is better for those who don’t want their current employee to know that they’re looking to leave their current job. The second option is where everyone on LinkedIn can see that you’re open to work. It will place the green frame around your profile picture. This is ideal for those made redundant as it’s no secret that you’re job searching. 


You don’t need to have the green ‘open to work’ frame around your profile picture but it can help you to stand out when people are scrolling through LinkedIn. When you update your ‘open to work’ options, LinkedIn will prompt you to make a generic “I’m looking for work, can you help” post. These posts are great for getting your name out there as your connections will often share or comment which will increase post views.


Build your network


Leverage your network on LinkedIn and in your personal life to help you find work. This can give you access to job roles not yet advertised. Being referred or recommended by someone can give you a competitive edge over other candidates. Another way to build your network is to sign up with a specialist Marketing recruitment agency that has a solid network of connections and will help you to find a suitable position.

Contemplate contract or temporary roles


Contracting or temping is a great way to try out a role or suss out a company. Oftentimes it can lead to a permanent role too if you prove yourself to be a valuable member of staff. It can also give you that breathing room to consider your options before going for a permanent role.


Consider retraining


Being made redundant opens up new doors for you. It’s never too late to start fresh. Consider training, retraining and upskilling. Employers value those who have a thirst for knowledge as it shows you enjoy learning. Training needn’t be costly, OpenLearn and FutureLearn offer free online courses for instance.


Be open to change


Being made redundant is a huge adjustment and change is uncomfortable. But change is how we grow. You need to adapt to this new circumstance and find new opportunities. The beauty of marketing recruitment in bedford, its communications and digital roles is that the skill set is highly transferable. You can also easily transfer across industries. Just because you’ve only ever worked in B2C doesn’t mean you can’t transition into B2B and vice versa. 


The same goes for working for an agency or working in-house. Keeping an open mind is key to unlocking new opportunities and career transitions. Gone are the days when you need to be confined to a single industry or specialised niche. The skills you’ve acquired as a marketing or digital professional make you a highly adaptable employee. Embracing new opportunities beyond your familiar area can lead to exciting career growth.


Stay positive

Search and apply for jobs in bedford regularly to increase your chances of finding one. Being made redundant is a decision beyond your control but being positive about the situation is something that you absolutely can control. Applying for jobs comes with its fair share of rejection and ghosting. Your confidence can take a knock. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive a job offer straight away. Refocus and keep your spirits up by spending time with loved ones and enjoying your hobbies. The best way to look at redundancy is that it is a new chapter in your life.


Here at Next Chapter Recruitment, we can help you to get your career back on track. If you’re looking for digital or marketing jobs in Milton Keynes, get in touch with us. We are specialists in digital and marketing recruitment in Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Northampton and the surrounding region. Give us a call to discuss what job role you’re looking for. We’d be happy to help you find a new position following a redundancy.

Next Chapter Recruitment


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