What to do if you’ve been made redundant: Tips from experts
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The media industry is in a permanent state of transition and the era of generative AI is not going to slow that down.
With media agencies, owners and platforms all experiencing periods of change and accompanying redundancies, The Media Leader asked experts across the sector for their tips and guidance for those facing the R word.
Optimise your CV and skills
Your CV is often your first impression. Make it count by focusing on achievements, not just responsibilities.
“I still encounter a lot of people who haven’t put a CV together in decades,” says Matt D’Cruz, managing director at Astrolabe Executive Search. He warns against “listing all their responsibilities rather than foregrounding their achievements”.
D’Cruz recommends keeping your CV concise, with no more than two pages. The person reading it should immediately see a solution to a problem — and to want to meet you to find out more.
Consider this a prime opportunity to enhance your skillset. “If you have the time and money, then post-redundancy is a good time to do additional training courses to fill in any gaps you feel exist in your skill set,” D’Cruz adds.
For those facing immediate challenges, he suggests exploring independent consulting, “which is increasingly a way back into permanent work”.
The Advertising Association’s Advertising & Marketing Training Hub, in collaboration with The Media Leader parent Adwanted UK, is a free resource for anyone in the industry and offers over 500 courses and qualifications covering skills including creativity, media planning, strategy, AI, brand and data.
Greg Grimmer, CEO of Adwanted UK, advises: “We’ve always looked to champion and support the people within our industry and the Training Hub partnership with the AA does just that. I’d recommend anyone facing a recent redundancy to take advantage of this free resource to learn new skills and hone existing ones.”
It features courses from AA members and industry stakeholders, including the Data and Marketing Association, the Chartered Institute of Management, the IPA, Isba and IAB UK.
Define your narrative and embrace honesty
An important first step in dealing with redundancy is to clearly and confidently articulate your situation.
“There is no stigma around redundancy — it’s a result of a business restructuring,” explains Tara Winstanley, partner and media practice lead at Grace Blue. “Be open about the reasons for leaving as any attempt to ‘cover up’ raises questions.”
Meanwhile, it’s crucial to acknowledge your initial feelings, but not to dwell on them. “Confidence is inevitably knocked and it can feel personal or unfair,” Winstanley notes. “Position it pragmatically and honestly; don’t let any negativity creep in. Don’t dwell on your misfortune. Employers are more interested in your resilience, confidence and what you can do for their business.”
Jan Gooding, executive coach and The Media Leader contributor, reinforces this: “The understandable immediate reaction of most people have is fear and shame. Fear over finances and shame that they were the one who was chosen for redundancy, as if it had something to do with their performance.
“Lots us get made redundant at some point. It’s down to bad luck, not bad performance.”
Understand yourself and your value
Before launching into a job search, take some time for self-reflection.
Daren Rubins, founder of Conker, advises: “The first thing is to understand what you’re good at and what you could offer to companies that they don’t already have.”
He also suggests identifying your preferences: “The second thing is to understand what you like, what you dislike and what motivates you. Quick plug for our free online tool, which will help you to identify these areas and highlight the non-negotiables.”
There’s particular value in understanding what you don’t want. “Knowing what you don’t want next is every bit as insightful and useful as knowing what you do want,” Rubins stresses.
Unleash the power of your network… and caffeine
Your connections are invaluable during this time.
Matt Longley, CEO of Mobsta, shares his personal strategy: “I’ve always said that, to get the next role I’ve ever gone for, it’s taken 100 coffees. There are some that go nowhere, some that lead to false starts, some that are inspirational and some that lead to something. Every one of them was valuable time spent.”
“Don’t underestimate the power of your network,” advises Winstanley. She suggests using it to “explore and understand new and related industries, the experiences of others, the insights into other cultures and businesses.
“Networking is less about ‘have you got a job for me’ but more ‘what can I learn and who can I meet’.”
Rubins echoes this: “Unleash the power of your network. Get active virtually (LinkedIn) but also physically, having as many cups of tea as you can. Your next role or engagement will very likely come from someone you already know — or at least through a contact of theirs.”
Katie Ingram, director at Advertising Week Europe, encourages reaching out to those you’ve enjoyed working with: “Think of all the people you have enjoyed working with, been inspired by, managed well or enjoyed working for and get in touch. Your network is vital to keep you active, motivated and may even know of a role that will suit you well.”
“Be kind (to yourself). Positions get made redundant, not people,” says David Clayton, CEO of True & North. “Be helpful. Add value, make introductions, share information and, where you have one, share a point of view.
“People are much more likely to invest themselves in helping you through a tough period if you were there before you needed something.”
Prioritise your wellbeing
Redundancy can take a toll. It’s vital to protect your mental wellbeing.
Phillip Fernandes, product marketing principal at Mint, says: “You need to also prioritise your mental health during this. Treat the job application process as your nine to five (including any time spent on new courses/training).
“That means you also get the coffee breaks, time to call friends and chat, go for walks and continue/start your exercise routine just like you would if you were working any job.”
He cautions against self-imposed pressure: “Don’t punish yourself by thinking every moment should be fully focused on getting the next role. This self-imposed stress will impact your applications and interviews the longer you burn yourself out.”
Annabel McCaffrey, head of support at Nabs, adds: “Facing redundancy can bring up shock, disappointment, overwhelm, a blow to your confidence. But remember: it’s not a reflection of you — it’s a reflection of the times we’re in.
“Take time to process what you’re feeling and know that there are ways to navigate redundancy to help you come through the other side.”
Manage your expectations
Finding your next role may take time, so plan accordingly. Winstanley suggests: “Manage your own expectations and plan your time and finances. Don’t spend all your time job-searching; learn a new skill, get involved in a cause or charity you are passionate about.”
Gooding says: “Work out how long you can survive without a job, because it might be longer than you think.” But do view this period as an opportunity: “An unexpected period out of work is a great time to reinvent, retrain, reassess the many options now open to you.
“Don’t hide away; get out and network. It’s good for your confidence and self-esteem to meet up with people and letting people know you are available is helpful.”
For those in employment, offer support
The media industry is a community and supporting each other is vital.
Ross Sergeant, global head of media at Allwyn, prompts those not currently facing redundancy: “To everyone else, I’d say this: networking isn’t something we do only at a conference or in a sunny town in France. If someone reaches out for a chat, to explore opportunities or discuss potential leads, especially now, this is the moment to step up, meet for a coffee or jump on a quick call.”
Longley reinforces this: “Please listen and make time for others. You may not have a role open at the moment, but you can help by listening and you might know someone that is hiring or you might just have some advice that’s helpful. It’s the least we can do — not just now, but all the time.”
Fernandes encourages proactive support: “If a colleague has been made redundant, check in on them, buy them coffee somewhere in town and have real conversations.”
McCaffrey reminds us that “redundancy also affects team members left behind and managers who have to lead difficult conversations”.
Additional support
You are not alone. Organisations like Nabs are dedicated to supporting media professionals through challenging times.
McCaffrey says: “Consult the Nabs redundancy guide for advice on your rights and the redundancy process. Update your CV and LinkedIn profile, and reach out to colleagues and peers — they might have valuable leads or advice.
“And now’s a great time to boost your skills with a free Nabs workshop.”