Dealing with redundancy in your CV

It is very important to say that no one should feel embarrassed about redundancy (or being laid off in the US). Particularly in these turbulent economic times there is no stigma attached to it. You can be sure that the people who are going to read your CV may well have faced redundancy themselves or know someone who has. So my first tip is to be completely open when you describe your redundancy on your CV. Simply put the end date of your last job and don’t forget that this can be your contractual end date, even if you have been at home for a couple of months on “gardening leave”. You can then choose either to add a brief sentence in your CV or in your covering letter stating that you were made redundant “following a re-structure of the business” or a similar clear and simple explanation. If other people were made redundant at the same time as you then mention this. Don’t forget to add the details of a reference from your last employer if available.

The advantage of being absolutely open about your redundancy is that it immediately removes any suspicion that you might have left for some reason other than redundancy, perhaps for poor performance or for some disciplinary reason. Make sure that you are clear about all the circumstances around your redundancy and be prepared to answer any questions that come up at interview.

Having experienced redundancy myself, I can honestly say that it was a positive experience. I had some extra money from the financial settlement and some time off to reflect on my career to date and to decide what I wanted to do next. In my case I made the decision to work for myself, but whatever your personal circumstances it is a time for new beginning and the chance to move on in your career. Embrace it!