Being made redundant can be a challenging and emotional experience, but it can also be a turning point for your career. Redundancy can happen to us all, and can be more common in certain industries or sectors but it's important to remember that it doesn't define your value or potential.
The prospect of being out of work and finding another role is a daunting one, but with the right strategy, many people go on to find more fulfilling roles than the ones they left behind.
In this guide, we outline seven practical steps to help you bounce back from redundancy and secure your next job in 2025. From writing a CV and interview styles, to the types of candidates organisations are seeking, changes come around so often.
So what are your next steps if you are searching for a new job after being made redundant?
It’s normal to feel a range of emotions after redundancy - shock, frustration, uncertainty. Give yourself permission to process the experience, but don’t let it stall your momentum.
Acknowledge the change and focus on what you can control.
Reflect on what you enjoyed or didn’t in your previous role.
Start viewing this as a fresh opportunity to move forward.
A positive, forward-thinking mindset will not only help your mental wellbeing, but it will also show in interviews and networking conversations.
While looking for a new role, it’s important to assess your financial situation.
Review your redundancy package and any entitlements.
Create a temporary budget to manage your expenses.
Consider short-term or interim work while you job hunt.
Financial clarity can reduce stress and give you the space to focus on your job search with purpose.
Your CV and LinkedIn profile are your first impression to employers. Use this time to update both:
Tailor your CV to highlight your most relevant achievements.
Add keywords related to your target roles and industry.
Update your LinkedIn with a new headline, summary, and recent experience.
Need help? Visit our CV writing tips and advice or speak to a Consultant for a CV review.
Redundancy is a good opportunity to consider roles or sectors you may not have previously explored. Make a list of your transferable skills, such as:
Project management.
Communication and stakeholder engagement.
Data analysis or financial reporting.
People management or leadership.
Think beyond job titles - focus on the skills you bring to the table.
Don’t rush to apply for every role you see, instead spend a little time:
Defining what type of role, location, and salary you want.
Setting weekly application goals to stay consistent.
Using job boards, LinkedIn, and recruitment agencies (more on this below).
Tailor every application and focus on quality over quantity.
The majority of recruiters are there to help you find your next opportunity. With more and more organisations choosing to work with recruiters you are more than likely to come across one or two in your job search. Always keep an open mind and ask your connections for recommendations of good recruiters to get in touch with.
So why should you partner with a recruitment agency?
1. Each agency will have strong relationships with different organisations, meaning they are able to talk to you about opportunities that are not even advertised, and they can speak to contacts and organisations on your behalf.
2. Recruiters can also offer CV and interview advice. With every candidate we register we offer assistance with interview preparation, even if they are not interviewing through us. If you are struggling to write a CV we even have tips and templates which can help you get started. To find out more feel free to contact us.
Redundancy is not a red flag to employers - especially if you can talk about it positively.
Practice explaining your redundancy honestly and professionally.
Prepare examples of achievements using the STAR method.
Research each employer thoroughly.
Confidence, preparation, and positivity go a long way in interviews.
A large percentage of jobs are filled through referrals or informal introductions. Don’t underestimate your network:
Reconnect with former colleagues, clients, and managers.
Attend virtual or in-person networking events.
Let people know what you’re looking for - many will want to help.
At Sellick Partnership, we support professionals through every stage of their career - including redundancy. Whether you're looking for a permanent, interim or contract role, our specialist Consultants are here to help.
