How to bounce back after being made redundant

Redundancy: with all its associations of uncertainty and anxiety, it’s a word that employees dread.

Whether due to company restructuring, economic downturns, or industry shifts, redundancy is a reality that many professionals face. If you’re wondering, "what if I’m made redundant?" know that you’re not alone—and there are steps you can take to move forward positively. Our experts share their advice on how to get your career back on track after redundancy.

What’s in this article?

What to do when you've been made redundant:

1. Refocus your mindset
2. Get organised
3. Give yourself some time
4. Re-evaluate your career path
5. Stay connected
6. Update your CV
7. Engage with a recruiter
8. Be open-minded and positive in your approach

8 tips on how to cope with redundancy

1. Refocus your mindset 

Being made redundant can trigger intense emotions which can lead to hasty actions that you may later regret. Being calm, methodical and logical will help you to focus on proactively moving forward. “Redundancies are a business decision, so it’s essential that you don’t take it personally,” advises Leoni Simpson, Senior Manager at Robert Walters’ Sydney office. In uncertain times, company restructuring may be essential to a business’s survival and this can inevitably lead to redundancies, especially at more senior levels.

“Don’t take their decision to let you go as a reflection of your ability or what you’ve brought to the role,” Leoni says. “It’s simply a business decision and understanding this will help you move on more effectively.”

2. Get organised

“As soon as you become aware that your role was made redundant, start organising yourself as quickly as possible,” suggests Alex Martin, Manager at Robert Walters’ Singapore office.

You should contact your line manager and request written references that you can share with potential future employers. Additionally, ensure that you have all necessary employment documents, including payslips and contracts. “That paperwork can be much harder to acquire once you’ve left a company, so try to get as much sorted as possible before you go,” Alex says.

3. Give yourself some time

“One of the most important things to remember if you’re made redundant is not to panic – as this could see you make the wrong decision for you and your career,” Victoria advises.

“The knee-jerk reaction will be to think you need to find something new tomorrow, but often the time and money that redundancy can give offers an opportunity for you to think about what’s the best next step for you and your career,” she says.

4. Re-evaluate

“Redundancy is difficult, but it can also be an opportunity to make positive changes,” says Alex. Taking the time to reassess your career and work-life balance can help you to identify what you want from your next role and employer. For example, you may want more flexibility than you were previously offered or a shorter commute. 
 
Additionally, the time and money afforded by redundancy can provide the impetus you need to make the bold changes you’ve been dreaming of, such as a career change or returning to full-time education.

“Despite the stress and anxiety that being made redundant ultimately brings, it’s essential you take the positives and look at ways to make your new circumstances work for you,” advises Alex.

5. Stay connected

“One common concern when people are made redundant is losing professional connections,” says Leoni. “But this doesn’t have to happen.”

There are plenty of ways to stay engaged in your industry, including networking events, LinkedIn, and professional groups. Some employers may even introduce you to networking opportunities during the redundancy process but take the initiative to expand your own connections as well.

6. Update your resume

Once you’ve decided on your next move, “invest energy in bringing your social media profiles and resume up-to-date, highlighting all relevant skills and experience,” says Alex.

Many people who have been in the same senior role for years haven’t refreshed their resume in a long time, but your latest achievements could be your strongest selling points. When addressing your redundancy, be upfront and honest with hiring managers—it’s better to acknowledge it than try to hide it.

7. Engage with a recruiter

“Being back on the job market can be a daunting prospect, especially when dealing with the uncertainty that redundancy brings, but connecting with a recruiter can make this process a lot more manageable,” suggests Alex.

Not only will a recruiter provide much-needed advice when it comes to your resume and interview technique, they’ll also give you invaluable market insight and introductions. “Recruiters can provide access to jobs that aren’t being advertised, such as commercially sensitive roles – access you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get.” 

8. Be open-minded and positive in your approach

“When it comes to your job search, it’s important to remember that you might not be offered your dream role straight away, particularly in the current market – so be flexible with your expectations,” Victoria says.

On the other hand, the search might well introduce you to roles you hadn’t previously considered, so prepare to be open-minded and assess every role on its merits.

“When it comes to the interviews themselves, approach them positively, focusing on what you can bring to the role and not dwelling on the redundancy and your former employers,” she says.

Moving forward

If you’ve been made redundant, remember that it doesn’t define your career—it’s simply a step in your professional journey. By staying organised, reassessing your goals, and making the most of the resources available, you can turn this challenge into a valuable opportunity.

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