How to cope with redundancy during the Coronavirus pandemic
A recent survey conducted by British Chambers of Commerce found that over the next three months, nearly a third of companies are predicted to make some of their employees redundant. Redundancy is rarely a worry-free experience and can affect an individual's well-being as well as their finances.
At Crimson, we want to help IT professionals get back on their feet after being made redundant. So, we've put together our top tips for coping with redundancy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Check out in-demand jobs
Think about which roles are essential in the current environment, and which ones suit your skillset. Currently, Agile Software Developer vacancies are the most popular industry-wide, and other jobs containing the words' developer' and 'Javascript' are commonly advertised.
Develop your skills, or learn a new one
There are high levels of competition across vacancies; you can combat this by improving your current skills or by learning new skills that will compliment your existing skillset. Redundancy can often mean a chance to do something you wouldn't have otherwise done, so make the most of it. For example, The Open University offers free courses in a wide variety of subjects. Remember your new skills don't have to be work-based, why not take up a new hobby or do some charity work?
Create a digital CV
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, focus on your experience and skills. Awards, endorsements, or online courses are also worth noting and will help you to stand out from other applicants. Your heading should reflect your expertise and point out your current situation, i.e., 'Experienced CIO looking for new opportunities.' You can let recruiters know you're looking for work by changing your LinkedIn settings.
LinkedIn has a great online community, so share your opinions and interests; this will help you grow your network. We all know the saying, "it's not what you know, it's who you know," networking has a significant impact when on the hunt for a job.
Tip: Try looking at the LinkedIn page FurLearn, which supports those who are furloughed or made redundant during Covid-19, and includes seminars focusing on personal brand, mental health, physical health, and more.
Ask the experts
Recruitment consultants are skilled at writing CVs, interview techniques, and matching candidates to the perfect role, but choosing the right recruitment agency for you is essential. Instead of signing up to a variety of agencies, choose a specialist IT recruiter like Crimson. We specialise in permanent and contract IT recruitment. Our Executive Search team also works with technology leaders. We also offer CV advice and workshops to improve your network.
Perfect your video interview technique
With assessment days and face-to-face meetings off the menu, employers are opting for video interviews instead. Video interviews can be a daunting prospect; Crimson has prepared a helpful guide on video interview techniques.
Remain positive
According to Totaljobs, jobs in IT are amongst the most advertised positions. Remote working is likely to continue; therefore, many organisations will look to improve infrastructure. If you have been made redundant, take time for yourself, and remember that you didn't fail, the market did. Maintain a routine, take care of yourself, and begin your new job hunt slowly by managing it in stages.
Additional Support:
https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/coronavirus-and-work/coping-with-redundancy/
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
https://www.acas.org.uk/your-rights-during-redundancy
