Redundancy is never something we expect, and it can be a real curveball in your career. Whether you’re a tech expert in cloud or a project manager whose role has been impacted by a restructure, it can feel like your world’s been turned upside down.

But here’s the good news: redundancy doesn’t define your career. It’s all about how you bounce back and what you do next that counts.

If you’ve recently faced redundancy, here’s how you can move forward, get back on track, and turn this setback into an opportunity for the next chapter.

1. Give yourself some breathing space

After redundancy, it’s easy to want to jump straight into your job search, but it’s important to take a moment for yourself. Don’t rush into panic mode.

Take a couple of days to gather your thoughts, clear your head, and reflect on your career. Emotions can run high at times like this, and giving yourself a breather will help you come back with a clear mind.

This reflection period will allow you to approach the job market with a positive mindset, something that’s vital, especially in client-facing roles like consultancy or project management.

2. Know your entitlements

Before you dive into your next career move, make sure you fully understand your financial position. That includes reviewing your redundancy package, final pay, any unused leave, and checking your contract for any potential restrictions.

It’s also crucial to take a look at any non-compete clauses or visa implications that might affect your job search, if applicable. Knowing where you stand legally and financially helps give you a clear picture of your next steps.

3. Take stock of your experience

Now’s a great time to look back and assess your career so far. Reflect on the roles you’ve enjoyed the most, what you’ve achieved, and where you feel you can add the most value.

Think about questions like:

• What roles or projects did I thrive in?
• Are there areas I want to move away from?
• What skills or experiences do I want to develop further?

This self-assessment will help you craft a clearer job search strategy, allowing you to target roles that match your ambitions and capabilities. Plus, you’ll have a much stronger case to present to potential employers when you know exactly what you're looking for.

4. Update your CV and LinkedIn

Once you have a better idea of your next move, it’s time to update your CV and LinkedIn. Don’t just focus on what you did – focus on the impact you had.

For example, rather than simply stating you managed cloud infrastructure, frame it in terms of the results you achieved. Maybe you reduced downtime by 20% or improved system efficiency in a major way. Employers want to see what you’ve done and the tangible difference you’ve made.

Tailor both your CV and LinkedIn to highlight your relevant skills and experience for the roles you're targeting. A well-crafted profile is essential in the competitive tech market.

5. Tap into your network

Networking is key in any job search, but it’s especially important in tech. You probably already have a strong network, so now’s the time to leverage it.

Reach out to previous colleagues, clients, or hiring managers – even those recruiters you’ve worked with before. Let them know you're open to new opportunities. You don’t have to ask directly for a job; a simple message like, "I’ve recently wrapped up my role due to a restructure and am now looking for new challenges in [area of focus]" is all it takes.

Conversations, not job ads, are how most people find their next role. You’d be surprised at the connections and opportunities that might come your way just by reaching out.

6. Consider contract or consulting roles

Redundancy can actually open doors to new kinds of work, especially in tech. Consider looking into contract or consulting roles, which can offer flexibility and help you keep moving forward while you explore your options.

Contracting allows you to try out different industries and businesses, stay engaged with cutting-edge projects, and build new skills. You can also make valuable connections that could lead to long-term roles down the line.

For those already working in contract roles, now might be a good time to explore different clients or industries, particularly in growing sectors like cloud, data, or cyber.

7. Upskill if it makes sense

If you’ve had your eye on a particular certification or skill for a while, now could be the time to upskill. This isn’t about overwhelming yourself with a full-blown course – it’s about filling any gaps that might give you an edge in your job search.

Whether it’s an AWS certification, brushing up on Agile methodologies, or learning a new coding language, there are plenty of options to stay relevant and competitive. A little investment in yourself can make a big difference in your future opportunities.

8. Stay focused on the future

Redundancy can shake your confidence, and that’s understandable. However, it’s important not to dwell on it too much. The key is to focus on what’s ahead of you, not what’s behind.

Keep a forward-thinking mindset. Speak to recruiters, hiring managers, and industry contacts with confidence in your next step. Emphasise how you’re looking forward to the next opportunity where you can bring your skills and make a real impact.

If you’re unsure of the right way to frame your redundancy, don’t worry – a good recruiter can help guide you through it. A professional approach can make all the difference in how future employers perceive your transition.

Ready for the next step? We’re here to help

If you’ve recently been made redundant and are looking for your next opportunity, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re looking for your next full-time role, a short-term contract, or just want to chat about your career options, we’re here to help.