You’ve been told you’re being made redundant. What next?
Redundancy is never going to be easy. It can feel like the rug’s been pulled from under you, one-minute you’re planning your week, and the next you’re wondering what happens now. Whether you’ve just been told you’re at risk or you’ve already been made redundant, it is completely normal to feel unsettled.
Redundancy doesn’t change who you are, and it doesn’t end your career. For many people, it becomes a fresh start, a chance to reassess what you really want, refocus your goals and move towards something better.
At Sharples Davies we’ve supported countless candidates through redundancy. We understand the emotions that come with it, and we know how to help you turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Here’s our practical advice on how to handle redundancy and come out stronger on the other side.
1. Take time to process what’s happened
When you hear the news, your first instinct might be to act immediately. To start applying for jobs, update your cv, contact recruiters. But before you do, take a moment to breathe.
It isn’t personal, it’s usually a business’ decision made for reason beyond your control. It’s usually restructuring, budget cuts or market changes. It doesn’t reflect on your performance, work ethic or value.
Give yourself a few days to process your emotions, talk things through with people you trust, and get into the right headspace before diving into next steps. You’ll make clearer decisions when you’re calm and focused.
2. Understand your rights and entitlements
Before you move forward, its important to know exactly what you’re entitled to. Check:
Tip: If you’re unsure what applies to you, visit gov.uk/redundancy-your-rights or speak to an employment advisor. It’s worth knowing exactly where you stand before you move on
3. Review, refresh and refocus your job search
Once you’re ready, it’s time to start preparing for your next move. The first step is refreshing your cv.
Instead of “managed a team of 5” try “led a team of five to deliver projects three weeks ahead of schedule.” Employers and recruiters love clear, measurable results.
Whilst we’re talking about online presence, make sure your LinkedIn profile and social media accounts (if public because yes, people will check) reflect the professional image you want employers to see. Keep your posts clear, concise and positive. Avoid bad mouthing previous employers, colleagues, or recruitment agencies (you’re going to need them on your good side) and steer clear of heated political or controversial debates. Keeping your views neutral and professional leaves the best impression.
When it comes to your job search, be on the ball. It’s tempting to apply for every vacancy you see, especially if you’re eager to get back into work, but a scattergun approach can do more harm than good.
Be strategic and keep track of what you’ve applied for. You don’t want to be left questioning which roles you’ve shown interest in when an agency or employer gets back in touch. Tailor your CV and applications to each role and company, a personalised, thoughtful approach always stands out more than volume.
Tip: Ask for LinkedIn recommendations from previous colleagues or managers. Doing this can make a real difference.
4. Reach out and connect
This is where your network really matters. Speak to former colleagues, friends and industry contacts. Let them know you’re exploring new opportunities.
It can feel uncomfortable at first but remember that most people have been through redundancy or know someone who has. You’ll be surprised how many people want to help, share leads, or offer advice.
We work closely with candidates from all backgrounds, matching their skills and goals with businesses that value their experience. Even if you’re not sure what’s next, we’ll help you figure out your options and put together a plan that works for you.
5. Keep a routine and stay positive
Redundancy can disrupt your sense of structure and purpose. To keep momentum, try to maintain a daily routine. Get up at your usual time, set small goals, and treat job hunting like a project.
It’s equally important to take breaks and look after yourself. Go for a walk, volunteer, take a course or revisit a hobby you’ve neglected. Not only does this boost your mood, but it also shows employers that you’ve stayed proactive and engaged.
Staying busy doesn’t mean rushing. It means moving forward at your own pace.
6. Reassess what you want
One of the hidden positives of redundancy is that it’ll give you the time and space to reflect. When you’re in a busy job its easy to stick to what’s comfortable. But when things change, you get the rare opportunity to ask:
You might discover that redundancy becomes a turning point, a chance to move into a different industry, upskill, go self-employed or find a job that better fits your values. Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones we didn’t plan for.
7. Partner up with the right recruiter
Having a good recruiter in your corner makes a huge difference. We don’t send CVs randomly to clients, we’ll take our time to understand you, your experience, goals and the kind of environment you’ll thrive in.
We’ll help you:
Redundancy can feel like you’re starting from scratch but with the right support, you’ll soon realise you’re not. You’ve built valuable experience and skills; its about getting the right people to see that.
Redundancy might close one chapter, but it’s also the beginning of another. With the right guidance, mindset and support it can lead to something even better than before.
If you’ve been made redundant recently or are at risk were here to help you and support, you through your job search.
Get in touch with a member of the team today.
