NEWS has been bleak for many employees in Notts recently.

The announcement of cuts and job losses at Notts County Council, together  with news of struggling businesses in the city  – where worsening figures for finances are at odds with the picture in the  Midlands as a whole – puts many people at risk of redundancy.

With redundancy comes a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from fear, panic  and desperation to relief and excitement.

The insecurity redundancy can bring is not to be sniffed at. However, the  opportunity to make a change in your job or career can have life-changing  results, bringing  a renewed sense of fulfillment.

When faced with losing your job, it can be difficult to focus on the  opportunities that may lie ahead. Many organisations will provide you with an  outplacement support programme. However, if they are not in a position to do so,  the following steps will help you prepare for your job search and career  transition:

1. Create a personal inventory: Before putting pen to paper and updating your CV take stock of your skills,  interests, values  and experience. This information will ensure you aim for the  jobs that require your skills-set in an industry or organisation which interests  you and aligns with your values.

2. Write up your CV: Identify the top ten skills you enjoy and are competent at. For job  satisfaction, up to 70 per cent of these skills will need to feature in your  next job so ensure they are highlighted in the top half of the first page. Don’t  let your CV trail over three pages – you can fill in all the details at  interview.

3. Develop your network: Don’t turn your back on your current organisation just yet. Ensure you speak  to as many people as possible to gain useful contacts and information. Having a  good network will help  put you in touch with opportunities.

4. Embrace social media: So many employers are moving to social media to advertise positions and find  potential candidates. If nothing else, create a profile on LinkedIn.

5. Use recruitment agents: identify recruitment companies that service your  industry and get in contact with your CV. Checking their website regularly is  essential to keeping up to speed with vacancies.

Surfing jobs boards is all too often what people facing redundancy do, but  statistically it is the most ineffective method of job searching. Utilising a  multi-faceted approach to job searching is, without a doubt, the most successful  method of securing your next move.

If you are having trouble getting started and need some support, please do  get in contact on penny@pennystrutton.co.uk or call 0797 197  9541.