Managing Your Career - Learning From the Redundancy Experience

This morning, an outplacement client expressed her deep concerns
that acknowledging that she had been made redundant during an
interview would make her "look like a failure". When I am providing
outplacement and career coaching, this is something I hear frequently.
I am always keen to stress that whatever the taboos previously
associated with redundancy, this is no longer the case. Even leaving
aside the current economic recession, it is generally accepted that at
some point in our modern careers we are likely to be affected by
redundancy. This is recognised by employers.If you have been affected
by redundancy already, there is no guarantee that it will never happen
to you again. However, there are a number of considerations to think
through that may reduce the risk in your next role:1. Be prepared. If
it happens again don't let it take you by surprise - redundancy is
rarely a complete surprise to those affected. Keep abreast of company
and industry developments. Look for indicators such as a downturn in
company profits, loss of a major customer, etc. Put together an action
plan now before the situation becomes pressurised and emotional.
Cultivate your personal contacts network; it will become very
important in any future job search. Use e-tools such as LinkedIn to
facilitate this. Keep your basic CV up-to-date.2. Keep your skills
relevant to the job and keep developing them. Be aware of the wider
market and trends within your business. If your role is in an area
that is likely to be outmoded, for example, by new technology, a
cheaper workforce, etc., look around for different roles in which to
apply your skills. Maintain awareness of those skills which are
transferable.3. Ensure your performance meets, and preferably exceeds,
those standards set in your appraisal/performance objectives. Think
with your employer's "hat" on - if redundancy were looming what would
seriously make them want to keep you? (Try to be objective - people
commonly believe that the company could not do without them, usually
that is not true). Maintain a good record of punctuality, reliability,
low sickness rates (where possible), and so on. Be seen as a good,
personable employee.4. Keep aware of developments within your industry
and stay abreast of current vacancies, salary rates and so on. If you
consider that redundancy is on the horizon you may then be better
prepared to find a new job.And finally,5. Maintain control and
'ownership' over your career, throughout your career. Do not allow
that focus, or dependency, to shift to your employer. No one will ever
care more about your career than you should do.