As the economy has slowed, the labour market has grown more competitive with many now encountering problems finding work. Already a potentially difficult time, the problems associated with redundancy can be exacerbated by a vicious circle, since your chances of finding a new career can fade with long spells of inactivity.
However, there are steps jobseekers can follow in order to keep their CV looking fresh and attractive to employers. By avoiding state of redundancy-induced torpor, you can demonstrate initiative and get-up-and-go to any prospective employers.
Go Back to School: You can significantly improve your chances of finding a new job and your skills by registering for a course at an FE college or teaching yourself. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune – there are plenty of cheap or even free online study courses. Or take an evening class and get a qualification at the end of it.
Give a little: Raising money for charity is a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and organisational skills, as well as your philanthropy. Find a local project or charity you have a strong affinity with and go from there. If you’re stuck for ideas, many charities have starter packs for would-be fundraisers.
Work for Free: There is much more to volunteering than doing a shift in the local charity shop. Save The Children, for example, trains up Speakers to raise awareness and Oxfam hires people as stewards at music festivals. Find a role relevant to your career or choose something that could be a real talking point in an interview.
Enter the Blogoshpere: Blogs are easy to use and free to set up, and a well-written blog will be good evidence of your communication skills to any prospective employers. Visit www.blogger.com for tips on how to start.
Network: From drink soirees to specialist LinkedIn groups, there are lots of ways to keep in touch while you’re out of work. Networking will help you meet new people and prove to prospective employers that you are still a motivated member of their industry.
Stay sharp: Train for a marathon, take up an extreme sport or learn a new language. Pushing the boundaries will prove that you have commitment and determination – both to yourself and a prospective boss.
Take your chances: Rather than letting redundancy become an excuse, use it as a spur to action. Stay active and take the initiative by helping out on your child’s school trip or getting involved with the local council.
Perhaps most importantly, ensure that your efforts to improve your CV are rewarding and enjoyable, and that you can justify them to employers. Despite the obvious difficulties associated with redundancy, it can, on occasion, be an opportunity to try something new and it could even lead directly to a career change. And anything that proves how talented, hardworking and committed you are will go a long way when searching for a new job.
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