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We’ve all been there, and it can happen to any of us, at any time. Redundancy, takeover, sometimes the company takes a new direction and your face no longer fits. Finding yourself between roles can be an incredibly daunting period. At the senior executive level the roles are fewer, the recruitment process longer and more complex, combine that with the fact your confidence may have taken a bit of a knock. It is one of the most difficult things you can go through, and statistically speaking, most of us will experience it at some point in our careers. The key to a quick resolution is how we approach the task of securing that next role. The stress of losing a job can seem overwhelming, however, there are many things you can do to take control of the situation, maintain a positive outlook, and find a renewed sense of purpose.
Our jobs are much more to us than just the way we make money. Of course we should all work to live, not the other way around. However, they are also part of what defines us, influencing not only how we see ourselves, but also the way others see us. They help give our lives meaning, structure and a sense of purpose. And that’s why suddenly finding yourself between roles can be such a difficult thing to experience. It is important you give yourself time to adjust to such a significant change in circumstance. The process is akin to grieving in many ways, so it’s vital we treat the process as such. Acknowledge that you are in a very stressful situation, and negative feelings are an entirely normal reaction to what is happening. It is also important to maintain a positive outlook. I speak from experience too, not just a text book. You must think of your job loss as nothing more than a temporary setback. Of course it is perfectly normal to feel upset and angry, and while it is OK to externalise that to a sympathetic ear or two, such as close friends and family, it is not one for your wider business network or anybody connected to the company you’re leaving. Maintain your professionalism and integrity at all times.
Take stock of your situation
If you do find yourself between roles, for whatever reason, my first piece of advice would always be to take a little break to evaluate the situation. Take some time for yourself, take stock. You don’t have to start looking for a new job the day after you get made redundant. However, it is critical you don’t let it get you down, you must avoid feeling sorry for yourself. A short break can help you evaluate what has happened, and how you learn from the experience to best move forward with your career. It is essential you try and identify if there’s anything you could of done differently in order to make positive changes that will help you in your future career. We’re all human, the key is how we learn from our experiences.
Update your CV
It’s important you update your CV to ensure that it includes your most recent role, experience and achievements. Freshen it up a little too, and take the time to ensure it presents your career history in the best possible light. Run it by some close contacts on your business network. If you register and apply for a role through Barron Williams, we expect that your CV ticks all the boxes a client is looking for before we’d forward it on. You could also take this time to polish your skills, maybe fill a few gaps you feel are missing on your CV, take the opportunity to take courses that will improve it or add some new strings to your bow. There are some excellent online distance learning courses in senior management and leadership. Also, make sure you keep abreast of what is happening in your specific field or industry sector.
Start applying for that new role
Applying for a new role can be a full-time job in itself. Stay positive and focussed. Don’t just sit back and wait for that next role to come to you. Proactivity is the key. As well as browsing relevant websites, keep a look out for opportunities in local/national newspapers and trade magazines etc, check the vacancy/submit CV pages on the websites of relevant businesses and trade organisations, and utilise the power of social media with online career networking sites such as LinkedIn. It can be tempting to apply for everything you can do but I would always advise against this strategy. Think quality over quantity. A targeted search for the right roles is much more effective. Screen and apply each application with care, ensure you’re a strong match to the job description and take your time with any covering letters, application details etc.
Networking is key
At the senior exec level a good network is the best way to find your next role. You really do find out who your friends are when you’re out of work. The good ones will rally around and help in anyway they can. If you’ve taken the time to foster a strong business network, then this is the time to use it. When you’re in this difficult situation, that network can be the place you’ll quickly identify your next role. The vast majority of job openings at senior level may never be advertised, they are filled by networking and word of mouth recommendation. Start with former colleagues and your close network of business contacts such as suppliers, customers etc. Networking is a two-way street too. Its like the old saying “be nice to those you meet on the way up because you may meet them on the way down”. And that holds true in this situation. Those that help you, make sure you repay them down the line. When you’re back in your next role, you can advise and help those that follow you.
There is no denying that going into the market unexpectedly is a difficult thing to do. Staying positive isn’t always easy when you are between roles. However, somebody once said to me that if you haven’t experienced redundancy, found your face doesn’t fit after restructuring etc, have you really taken risks in your career? Risk taking is what truly makes us stand out from the crowd. It shows confidence and determination. It is the best way to make people stop and look at you as a leader. The most successful business leaders understand that continuing on the same path for too long is a recipe to stagnate and find yourself typecast. Getting stuck in one industry sector or role, being seen as the CFO and never the CEO. Calculated risks are often the only way we can move forward in our careers. After all, isn’t business by its very nature a risk? Just make sure any risks you do take, that your network is there to turn to for support and advice. And by the way, don’t wait until you need your network to work for you. If you haven’t built it already, build it now!
If you’re looking for your next role, then please feel free to Upload Your CV or Call Us for an exploratory conversation. If you’re looking for a senior executive for your organisation, please use our Client Upload Form or Call Us now.
