Redundant and struggling

[shinyteapot]

Hi everyone. First thread I've started on MN so please bear with me!

I've recently been made redundant from the only job I've done as an adult. I was a good performer at my role but a technicality means that I have to go regardless.

I'm really struggling with the process of applying for new roles and having to sell/promote myself. I have difficulty thinking of examples even when I've done these things as naturally as breathing over the years. I feel so low about everything and it's starting to consume my every waking moment.

Does anyone have any tips they can share that have worked for them?

Thank you in anticipation of your help :)

Sorry that sounds awful. Is there an adults careers service in your area that could give you some confidence building and support with CV and interview prep. Maybe ring your local council and enquire that way? Or could any friends help you with a mock interview or reading over your applications?

That sounds really tough. Have sent a pm

Talk with a friend who worked with you, they will remember tasks, skills and strengths that you might not.
There are also books, online and in libraries that will help you learn how to promote yourself.

Do you have your old job spec to refer to ? This might help inspire examples of things you did in your previous role. It's sounds as though you are going through a tough time at the moment. I wish you luck in your job hunt.

You need to approach this like a job.
Sit down with pen and paper and work through a specific day at work. If you have your diary/notebook/emails for that specific day all the better. In your head visualise getting to work and then work through the day. As you do this write down everything you did e.g. emails, phone calls etc. and the subject. Don’t worry about details at this stage.

Then leave it and don’t think about it. As you go through the day other thoughts will pop into your head as you remember more detail. Keep adding to your notes. You may find you wake up with other recollections.

Do the same for other specific days but try to focus further back e.g. 3 months, 6 months etc.

Also list the skills you use e.g. MS Word, drafting letters etc. Again keep adding to the list.

This will help your memory recall and you will start to remember more and more. Use your notes to start drafting examples of you work.

HTH

I always used the STAR method in interviews and rehearse examples in advance from areas I read on the job advert / job description. STAR is Situation, Task, Approach and Results. It helps me so I don't start babbling and have a focussed response.

For your CV, no more than 2 sides of A4, no photo. Put your Name at the top then general location, LinkedIn link (if you have a profile), email address and phone number.

Make sure you have a short, punchy personal statement and tweak it so it reflects the main requirements of the job you are applying for.

CV's now don't factually state what you did i.e. I managed budgets. You put it in a new light e.g. Managed multiple budgets totalling over £10 million; collaborating with Finance so Company X'’s money was used as effectively as possible.

Personally I only ever put the highest level of education on there and I left hobbies out as it is not relevant to my role.

Good luck.

What job/industry were you in? You'll need to tailor your CV to the skills now sought for that industry.
For us - our team needs to work closely with one other, so we want to see the human in your CV, a big list of achievements and money saved or made isn't enough - mention building relationships, working with people, collaborating, supporting, sharing knowledge/training/mentoring/coaching/ being self aware and organised - we need people who work well with others.

@shinyteapot

Sorry you are in this horrid situation

Start writing examples
Think of the three sections to organise each example.

Context - ie the situation
Actions - what you did.
Results - what happened

Search the internet for the sort of questions for your industry or role and think of examples for those.

Writing the examples down will help you organise your thoughts and ensure clarity.

So so hot skip this.

Good luck and hope this helps.