For those of you facing the uncertainty of redundancy.
In 2018, I faced the same situation with Sainsbury's.
Unfortunately, this will continue to be commonplace in retail over the coming years due to the changing landscape.
It can be a horrible feeling, but you can turn this negative situation into a positive one.
One where you come out with a job better than the one you are being made redundant from.
How do I know this? Because it's exactly what I did.
I had only ever worked in retail when I faced redundancy and I had limited knowledge about the job search market as a result.
It took me months to figure it all out, my notice period was up before I had made any progress.
So I've put together this article to share what I wish I knew back then, so you can learn from my mistakes!
- You need to be specific with what you want if you want to stand out (I want a job> I want to work in HR> I want to be a HR business partner > I want to be an HR Business Partner in hospitality).
- Watch this video if you want to try something new in your career.
- Time will fly, it's easy to think you've got plenty of time but if you don't crack on each day it could take months. Keep track of your daily activity levels (e.g daily applications, daily conversations) and challenge yourself to DO MORE each day.
- You will get rejected. Either the job wasn't right for you or you need a better strategy. Don't take it personally.
- If job search websites are the primary method you are using to apply for jobs then you're in trouble. You need to be prepared to do what 93% of people are not willing to do...
- ...get networking. 100 conversations are more effective/productive than 100 faceless 1 click-apply applications. It's a good way to get a referral. You've probably seen a lot of your peers posting on LinkedIn already!
- Speak to people and decision-makers in the industries you want to join. Search for them on LinkedIn.
- Don't get put off applying for a job because it asks for qualifications or experience you don't have. Watch this video if you have doubts.
- Only include the things on your CV/resume that are relevant for the specific job you want. Make a list of the top 5 skills mentioned in the job description and ensure they are covered extensively on your CV/resume.
- Follow up with each application. Follow up with each interview, and follow up with everyone that doesn't reply to you. Follow up, follow up, follow up!
- Take my FREE Retail Escape Scorecard, it'll show you gaps in your job search strategy and provide you with actionable steps on what to do about it.
- Join my Retail Escape Membership. It can be a lonely and frustrating world when you're faced with redundancy. Join my supportive community and have private access to someone that's been there and will keep you on track (AKA me). It is only £27 a week. You have access to hours of the best job search and career change strategies so you don't have to waste any unnecessary time (when time is of the essence). Turn this situation into a positive one and secure the career you deserve!
#retail #careerchange #redundancy
