Due to the current economic crisis, it comes as no surprise to hear that redundancies are once again on the horizon for many. Of course, the prospect of being made redundant is a real fear and stress for all those employed by someone else and unfortunately, sometimes it can happen very unexpectedly. If you find yourself in this position, try not to blame yourself, it is through no fault of your own and by no means should affect your chances of being hired compared to other job seekers. There are a few simple things you can do to explain your redundancy in your CV without it being a disadvantage to you, keep reading to learn more.
Be honest
The most important thing when it comes to mentioning redundancy in your CV is to be honest. You are not in this situation through any fault of your own so potential employers will appreciate it far more if you are simply honest about what has happened to you. include both the month and year of your start and finish dates so that those looking through your CV have a clear timeline of your working career. Again, when you progress to an interview stage be transparent with the employer and explain what has happened, there is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed and they will appreciate your honesty.
Provide detail
When mentioning redundancy in your CV it is important to provide detail about what has happened. Once again this shows employers that you have nothing to hide and are a trustworthy person. You only need to include one or two lines to explain the situation and how your contract was ended. For example, many workers lost their job during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020 so briefly describe your own situation and most employers will cast no judgment on you.
Highlight your key achievements
Just because you were made redundant from your last role, it does not mean that you cannot add value to a new one. In most cases, employees are let go through no fault of their own but it is simply a case of the company struggling and cuts must be made. Take this as an opportunity to highlight what you achieved in this position and how you can transfer those skills into a new job. Include all responsibilities you had that are relevant to your target role and also make sure to include any skills or qualifications you have attained.
List what you have been doing since being made redundant
Although redundancy is of course a negative thing for most of us, it can be used to your advantage in some cases. Whilst you are job hunting, you may have been using this extra time to do things which you would not normally be able to. For example, have you been working on your personal online presence? Have you been taking part in voluntary work or enhancing your skills with courses? These are all very positive experiences that you should remember to include in your CV to stand out from the crowd. These additional activities will also look attractive to employers as it shows that you have been trying to be as proactive as possible whilst unemployed and have a positive outlook on even negative situations.
Explaining redundancy in interviews
When you have made it to the interview stage of a job opening, it is highly likely that you will be asked about your past experiences and therefore your redundancy. Prepare your answers so that you are not caught off guard but again this is simply a case of being as honest and open as possible with the employer. Try to use positive language as it is not the best idea in an interview to slander a previous employer. Explain how you found yourself in this position and focus on why your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for the role in question.
As long as you are open and transparent about your situation, being made redundant should not affect your chances as a job candidate over others and could even lead to you getting a job that is better suited and more fulfilling. Not matter how negative at the time, a redundancy could lead to a great new chapter in your career journey. If you have been made redundant, get in touch with the team to discuss your career options.