It’s a worrying period of uncertainty when your company goes through a restructure and there is a real threat of redundancy. You may have already been thinking of leaving anyway – after all, isn’t the grass always greener on the other side? But when the choice has been taken out of your hands it’s a different story. What can you do to smooth the transition? Here are x ways you can prepare for your next opportunity, while you still have a job.
1. Be Nice to your Colleagues
What do you think your colleagues would say about you when you leave the room?
Be honest.
Your answer could give you a clue towards the ease at which you move to your next opportunity. It’s all too easy to take the relationships we have with our colleagues, good or bad, for granted. First of all, develop the helpful side to your nature. Always be open to offer any help. Go above and beyond. If they are facing redundancy too, there is an ideal opportunity to help.
For example, here’s a great question to ask over lunch ‘If all jobs paid the same, what would you do?’ You never know, but you may have a friend who can help them to take a step in the right direction. Supporting people in their passion means that you’re not only showing an interest, but they’re more likely to help you in your hour of need without you even needing to ask. You’re also more likely to get a well crafted reference when you leave.
2. Update your Linkedin profile
Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is a good reflection of who you are, your approach to work and the type of opportunity that appeals to you. Need some further support with this? Unsure where to start? Click here.
3. Get recommendations on LinkedIn
It’s one thing saying how wonderful you are on LinkedIn. It’s so much more powerful to allow other people to do it for you. Target at least 3 recommendations from colleagues, former colleagues and other contacts who can big you up.
4. Discuss possible career ideas with friends
The more people who know what you’re really passionate about, the more eyes you have that can spot opportunities when they arise. It’s a beautiful moment when someone says `I know someone who can help`.
5. Speak to someone who works in your desired industry
This is where LinkedIn can come in handy. Start off by using your current contacts, then move on to friends of friends/colleagues both online and offline. Get to a point where you can perhaps meet your intended contact for a coffee and talk informally about their role and your ideas.
6. Do something new, but small
Change can be difficult, especially if you’ve been working in the same organisation or doing the same role for a number of years. If you desire a complete change career after redundancy, that’s a big thing. You can get used to change by introducing small changes in other areas of your life that won’t cause too much upheaval. For example, start an evening course or join a gym. Do something new that you think you’d enjoy. In other words, start moving carefully out of your comfort zone. You’ll then be more ready mentally for bigger changes that lie ahead.
7. Speak to an expert
What if you don’t know what to do next? A Career Coach can help you to maintain your confidence, identify your options, assist you in identifying your best skills and help you to create an effective job searching strategy. He or she can also keep you accountable to your goals and actions, giving you the occasional kick up the backside if necessary!