According to The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment there has been 226% increase in the number of redundancies in May 2009 in comparison to the same time in 2008 which is a shocking statistic. You may well be very secure in your current role but the reality is that most people will know someone that has been affected by the recent wave of redundancies.
Being made redundant can come as a harsh blow and a huge dent to the self-esteem. It is critical to remember the main reason for the majority of redundancies is the disastrous effects of the global economy on UK business. There aren’t many sectors that have been left unscathed and whilst the number of qualified facilities managers has steadily increased, so has the competition from skilled immigrants entering the UK whether it is for housing jobs, charity fundraising jobs or any other job . There is no doubt though that times are tough.
It really isn’t all doom and gloom though. As a recruiter specialising in facilities related roles we are now seeing employers actively recruiting and are currently working on over 100 temporary and permanent roles in facilities management. Many organizations, particularly in the health and education sector, are keen to capitalise on the glut of quality candidates that may not have moved or been available in more prosperous times. Some of these burgeoning areas have shown a definite increase in demand for candidates in the FM function. For instance, in the NHS, all Trusts have to be actively working to reduce their carbon footprint by 2010 and have consequently been seeking FM professionals with this particular skill-set. This has been reflected across the market where there has been a distinct rise in roles that require experience within energy management. Many Trusts have large targets to cut their utilities, not only for environmental reasons but also to make much needed cost savings. This is just one of many examples and demonstrates that there are always work opportunities - it’s just a case of finding them.
So how can you help and support yourself, a friend or colleague - should the worst case scenario arise? Here is a practical action plan to give focus to creating that much needed solution:
Deal with the current situation. If redundancy is imminent, plan ahead. Agree your terms with your employer and be sure to leave amicably as possible as you will need your employer to provide a good reference. Remain professional at all times and consult HR for support and advice.
Keep your chin up and get focused. Spend some time thinking about the job you really want. Take time to take stock and ask yourself what you really want to do and what motivates you. It can be tricky when you're anxious about when the next pay is going to come through, so plan your finances at the same time. Either way, don’t waste the luxury of having time to consider and plan.
Structure your day as you would if you were working. It’s easy for the newly jobless to lose the discipline of the daily office regime and it is still important to invest time and effort into job hunting. Facilitating a working routine will provide you with this focus and productivity. Review your key skills: Are you strong at project management? Do you have demonstrable experience of making cost savings? Do you have strong technical project skills? What are your USPs? – know them and be prepared to talk about and evidence them.
Review your CV. You now have time to actively appriase your achievements and ensure you are sold to your best advantage. Create a short summary profile/biog and use this as a synopsis at the top of your CV summarising your best bits. Creating a number of tailored CVs is also highly advisable, particularly if you are trying to enter new industries or sectors as a facilities manager. When HR or employer is reviewing your CV, it needs to be totally relevant.
Register with agencies. Work with at least 3 leading recruitment agencies and register with those are aligned to the industry you wish to work in. Seek detailed guidance and support when being put forward for roles and keep in regular contact.
Apply direct. Scour the papers, trade press and job boards. Make this a daily part of your routine.
Prepare for interviews. Interviews can be the most daunting part of the recruitment process, no matter how talented you are. You're being judged over a very short space of time, so maximise the chances of demonstrating your potential. Read the job spec and anticipate questions around this. Plan your answers and talk them through with a friend or colleague giving examples of key achievements and scenarios.
Network like a professional. Networking has mushroomed especially with the recent proliferation of networking sites. At the very least get a profile set-up on Linked-In. Recruiters and employers use this as a way of finding good candidates.
Finally, consistency and commitment will pay off. Ensure you keep up your routine, follow-up and be proactive. Be positive, professional and make an impression. It is only a matter of time before you find the new job.
