Cash point: What to do if you lose your job
Whether you’ve been laid off, or you’re worried you will be, we’ve asked the experts how you can turn a stressful situation into a career success
It’s been estimated that up to five million of us could be made redundant thanks to the pandemic – but if you find yourself in that position, don’t despair. We asked James Reed, chairman of REED recruitment, and Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny for advice on recovering from the shock and carving out a new path.
TAKE TIME TO REFLECT
Losing a job you love or have had for many years can feel like a major loss, and a huge emotional upheaval, so Emma suggests allowing yourself some time to work through that. “Expect to feel sad, scared and lost, but remind yourself that your redundancy is not a reflection on you and you still have all your skills. A lot of us believe our identity is tied up in our career, but it’s not, and it’s important for people to remember that,” she says. “You’ll feel more in control by being strategic, so after the initial shock, take some time to reflect, thinking about what you did and didn’t like about your job and what you want for the future. There are so many free, or very cheap, courses out there if you want to boost your credentials. When you start to apply, don’t just look for any job, look for the right career for you.” In the meantime, to keep afloat financially, visit Gov.uk to see what benefits you may be entitled to. Money Saving Expert also has plenty of free advice to guide you through applying for mortgage holidays and finding financial help.
REWRITE YOUR CV
“Knowing how and when to reference a redundancy in a CV can be stressful,” says James. “Reference it and be prepared to discuss it openly, but you’re advised not to dwell on it. Instead, focus on your key strengths and outline the value you could bring to the business. Jobseekers are also advised to demonstrate how they’ve used their time wisely. For example, include any mention of volunteering or training courses you might have taken during lockdown to improve your skillset, provided they are relevant to the role you’re applying for.”
APPLY TO COMPANIES YOU LIKE, WHETHER OR NOT THEY’RE ADVERTISING
“Sending a speculative job application to a company that is not currently advertising shows initiative and creativity – desirable skills for almost any employer,” explains James. “This shows you are really interested in that particular company and are motivated to work there, making your application even more attractive. Design your CV and cover letter in such a way that they communicate why you should be hired, despite there being no job opening. You need to demonstrate added value by showing you’ve researched the business, and by providing evidence of your relevant experience and achievements. Remember when you make your application that a job is a problem to be solved and the best way to be noticed is by positioning yourself as the solution.”
TRANSFER YOUR SKILLS TO OTHER ROLES
Don’t think you can only apply for jobs in the field you’ve always worked in, or have just left. “In the current climate you should be prepared to consider how you can transfer your skills and adapt,” explains
James. “Many existing skills are transferrable, often in ways that don’t appear initially obvious. For example, there are commonalities between the role of a bartender and a supermarket worker.
You should approach your employment search with an open mind, read the job description carefully, and refer to your own personal and professional experiences to identify any similarities.” Emma adds, “Ask your previous employer and your best friend what your greatest strengths are and think about jobs that accommodate them.” You may even have taken on extra responsibilities at your last job, like organising social events and team building days – these kinds of skills could be useful in other jobs, so don’t forget them.”
FOCUS ON INDUSTRIES THAT ARE STILL HIRING
“Although the jobs market contracted suddenly at the end of March, it is now slowly reviving, and opportunities are starting to re-emerge,” explains James. “For any jobseekers looking to start their search for employment, job ads are still the single best source of employment opportunities. We currently have over 100,000 jobs advertised on Reed. co.uk. Growing sectors, where more job opportunities are appearing, include automotive, retail, leisure and tourism and
housing, as those parts of the economy begin to open up again. Technological and healthcare roles have also remained in high demand during the lockdown.” Job site Indeed.co.uk has lots of vacancies in real estate, as the property market opens up again, as well as customer service; Fish4jobs has seen openings in education and teaching, IT, health, nursing and social care, while Totaljobs also says workers are needed in logistics.
SHINE IN AN INTERVIEW
“Interviews are often the most nerve-racking part of any job hunt, but they needn’t be if you prepare well,” says James. “The most important thing to demonstrate is your mindset, even over your skillset. It is incredibly easy to get caught up in repeating what you have already provided on paper, or providing stock answers rather than showing your true attitude and personality in a professional capacity. Remember, an employer isn’t only assessing your skills during an interview, they are also probing your character and checking whether you would be a good cultural fit in their team.” Emma adds that body language and dressing to impress helps. “Confidence is an act, so help yourself by holding your head up high, smiling and wearing something you feel confident in, even if the interview is on Zoom. Box breathing (breathing in for a count of four, holding for four, out for four, and holding for four) and avoiding caffeine for two hours before the interview can help keep you calm and confident. When addressing your redundancy, try not to have a “woe is me” attitude; be positive about your previous employer but say you are seeing it as an opportunity – this shows resilience, which is an attractive quality.”