Coping with redundancy and the recession

Give yourself structure

Create a routine for yourself, just as you would for a typical working day.  Divide the day into chunks allocated to aspects of job hunting, whether it’s researching job vacancies, ringing up contacts or getting further information, and stick to your plan. Include breaks and set a finish time. If you find it hard to work from home, try using your local library.

Explore alternatives

Consider short-term voluntary work, such as helping out a charity or local school, fundraising or taking part in a project for a company. Voluntary work can offer new experiences, get you noticed by employers, and add to your skills and enhance your CV. For instance, volunteering as a trustee for a charity could give you the experience of chairing meetings, strategic planning and advising others.

Many people find redundancy gives them a chance to explore different career avenues. Even if you don’t want to change career, it could be worth looking at openings in other sectors. Take into account your transferable skills and consider where you might use them. Employers are said to ‘hire for attitude and train to skill’ so even if you do not meet all the criteria for the job, as long as you have the essential requirements, don’t disregard it.

You may be attracted to a more flexible working pattern than the typical office hours. Consider alternative work styles such as working from home, contract work, portfolio work or self-employment.

Take a proactive approach to job hunting; make the most of your contacts through networking.

Develop your CV

Make sure your CV is up to date and targeted to each job you apply for. Match the style of CV to your application, whether it’s chronological or skills-based. Decide exactly what information you want to present, why and how. Remember that direct and simple language is the most effective.

The Prospects website has detailed advice on writing CVs, with guidelines on content, style and samples of different CV types.

The OU course Make your experience count helps you plan your personal and career development, including advice on how to put together an effective CV.

Update your skills

Whether or not you are employed, maintain your continuing professional development (CPD) as part of your strategy for lifelong learning.

Find financial advice

If your salary has been hit by redundancy or recession you may be entitled to financial help from your employer or from the government. Seek advice from your professional organisation, your trade union, independent financial advisers or your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

• Credit Action, a national money education charity, has produced money manuals with practical steps to help you manage your finances.
• The BBC offers online advice on money matters for people coping with recession and redundancy, including a  debt test and a financial health check.

• Money Saving Expert has weekly updates on the latest deals and other ways of saving money.