You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know… | Career Management

When I was made redundant during the GFC, my previous organisation funded a Career Transition/Outplacement Program that helped me with my career management. I had never heard of such a program; I didn’t know there was an industry full of people who wanted to help and were qualified. I decided quickly it was something I wanted to utilise for my career management as:

• It wasn’t going to cost me anything.
• I wasn’t an expert in looking for a job.
• I wanted to make sure I had the most up-to-date resume in a contemporary format.
• I didn’t know what the latest trends or methods for job seeking were.
• I had not been in that space before so I would have been mad to not use the experts in that field.
• I wasn’t sure about my skills and future opportunities.

It’s ironic now that in the process of being made redundant and accessing the program, I ended up working in that very industry, and I now spend my days assisting people just like me. I have found a fulfilling and meaningful role in an industry that I totally unaware even existed, and one that I am now very passionate about.

As I have described in previous blogs, part of my role is to speak to those individuals whose roles have been made redundant and to assist with their career management. I have been that person and my tips from experience are:

• Remember it is the role that has been made redundant and it’s not personal.
• Take up the program! I understand the frustration or disappointment with the forced circumstances but take control of your career management and turn the situation to your benefit – it’s about learning too.
• Take advantage of your ex-employer’s funding and assistance to progress your career. This is an opportunity to re-assess where you are and what you want to do next. We all aspire to be happy at work, given that we spend so much time there. Find out what to look for in your next role to ensure you give yourself the opportunity to enjoy your job in a good environment. Career Transition programs help you decipher what this looks like for you to make informed decisions in your career management.
• Use the opportunity to get a great resume and collateral that you know will highlight your skills adequately and hit “the mark” to get to the next stage of the hiring process or into the interview. This is an opportunity to tap into the experts to make sure your resume does not end up on the “No” pile. Don’t underestimate the time it takes to produce a great resume rather than a good one and don’t assume your resume cannot be improved.
• The more effort you put into the program the more you get out of it, and the quicker you will get your result.

It all comes down to “you don’t know what you don’t know” but please take up every opportunity offered to assist you with your career management during this time of job transition.

Navigating today’s rapidly evolving workforce requires proactive and strategic support. OnTalent’s Career Management Services are designed to help organisations and professionals stay ahead of the curve. We offer tailored programs for individuals, teams, and executives, addressing current and future challenges. Whether guiding employees through transitions, developing emerging leaders, or ensuring dignified exits, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes. Let our Career Management Services support your journey towards achieving your career goals by emailing [email protected].

Deborah Saunders is the Relationship and Services Manager for the Careers, Leadership Development & Consulting Services division of OnTalent. She has over 20 years’ experience in customer relations and has managed and co-ordinated workflow and projects within the career and leadership development sector across Australia over a ten-year period.