5 Career Mistakes to Avoid After a Redundancy
Rebuilding After Redundancy: Avoid These 5 Common Career Mistakes
Experiencing a redundancy can be disorienting. It affects more than just your employment status, it can shake your sense of identity, purpose, and financial security.
But amid the uncertainty lies an opportunity: a chance to pause, reflect, and realign with what really matters to you and your career.
At Next Steps, we’ve worked with hundreds of individuals at this exact crossroads.
Through our coaching and career support, we’ve seen clear patterns emerge, particularly around five common missteps people make after redundancy.
The good news? Each one has a better path forward.
Rushing Into the Wrong Job
The Pitfall: It’s tempting to say yes to the first offer that comes along. The pressure to secure income and “get back on track” can feel overwhelming. But moving too quickly can trap you in a role that doesn’t align with your strengths, values, or aspirations.
A Better Approach: Take a moment to reset. Ask yourself: What energises me? What kind of work environment helps me thrive? Use tools such as values cards or career anchor assessments to gain clarity. Identifying your non-negotiables early will help you evaluate opportunities with more confidence and discernment.
Sending a Generic CV and Cover Letter
The Pitfall: In an urgency to apply widely, people often send out the same CV and cover letter to every job. This one-size-fits-all approach tends to blend into the background.
A Better Approach: Tailor your documents for each application. Use keywords from the job description and focus on achievements that demonstrate value and impact. Start with clear outcomes: What problems did I solve? What measurable results did I deliver? A targeted application shows professionalism and self-awareness—and it dramatically increases your chances of being noticed.
Neglecting Your LinkedIn Presence
The Pitfall: An inactive or outdated LinkedIn profile can work against you, especially as many recruiters use the platform to scout talent.
A Better Approach: Refresh your profile. Update your headline to reflect your target role or industry, and use the ‘About’ section to tell your professional story. Turn on the “open to work” feature and start engaging—share posts, comment on others’ insights, or reflect on topics relevant to your field. It signals to employers that you’re active, informed, and ready for what’s next.
Avoiding Your Network
The Pitfall: Redundancy can trigger feelings of embarrassment, which leads many people to withdraw from their networks. But most new opportunities come not from job boards, but from conversations and connections.
A Better Approach: Reach out to your former colleagues, mentors, and trusted contacts. Let them know you’re exploring your next steps—not that you’re asking for a job. Most people want to help and are happy to offer insights, leads, or introductions. Reconnecting with people who believe in you can also help rebuild your confidence.
Letting Redundancy Define Your Worth
The Pitfall: Losing a job can feel like losing a part of your identity. Without support, it’s easy to fall into a mindset of self-doubt or defeat.
A Better Approach: Give yourself space to process the emotions—but don’t stay stuck in them. Focus on your capabilities, achievements, and what you’re proud of. Consider working with a coach to clarify your direction, shift your mindset, and reframe the experience as a stepping stone, not a setback.
You’re Not Alone…
Redundancy is a challenging transition, but it doesn’t have to be a solo journey. At Next Steps, we provide tailored career coaching, CV and LinkedIn support, confidence-building strategies, and practical tools to help you navigate this next chapter with clarity and strength.
Let’s make your next step a purposeful one.