Redundant!

[Rosie.]

I've just heard that my job will be redundant in a couple of weeks. I've never experienced redundancy before - do prospective employers view any applications negatively if you are not currently working as a result of redundancy? And should I do temping in any gaps in employment or just focus on the job hunting?

[mkt]

redundancy unfortunately is a way of life now. employers understand that and wont view it negatively. not yr fault after all. im sure they'll take the work u did do into account more than the fact that u are now unemployed. i found a lot of employers do however view gaps in employment in a slightly negatve light so it may be worth u temping or even take a short course to learn a new skill.....other than that u could say in any interviews that following the unexpected redundancy u used the time forced upon u to take a well deserved holiday...or to re-evaluate what u want to do with yr life and now believe that (position applied for) is definitely what u want to do!

at the end of the day always try to make things positive when in interviews.

[Hermia]

I have found employers to be very understanding about redundancy so I don't think you need to worry about that.

If your unemployment goes on a while just make sure you have something to show for that period. Grab any free courses on off, update your skills etc. Eg at my local library you can take teach-yourself-ECDL courses and you just pay for the exam. I have been in the situation of going for a job interview after spending a year unemployed. I don't think the interviewer was too worried about that as unemployment rates were high at that time. She did question me about what I'd done in that year though.

[CheekyChops]

Rosie, I do feel for you. My job is redundant as of tomorrow! (Friday) and I still haven't found anything.

If one more person says 'But you are brilliant, I'm sure you will get something soon..' I will smack them!

At the end of the day, I live alone and have no-one else to pay my mortgage/bills. Every interview I have had has also had about 300 other people after the same job - it is so dishearteneing and depressing, I could cry.

I keep my fingers crossed for us both!

[Rosie.]

Thanks for your replies - all useful info. CheekyChops I have my fingers crossed for you that you will find something soon too; try not to smack anyone in the meantime! (But I can really relate to that as everyone keeps saying that to me too!) Count to ten ...

[Electrochem]

I have been made redundant 3 times and it is very demoralising.

It may take a bit of time, but you will get a job.

Remember it is not your fault. Make sure that the company has gone by the book (there is plenty of information on the web) and don't be hoodwinked.