Well the worst has happened and the company I was working for has fallen on hard times in the credit markets. Bad news, some of their offices have been completely closed and my role made redundent. (generaly a cost cutting excercise they won't be starting anymore new projets for a while)
Not having much luck getting in front of people for an interview, seems like hard times with a lot of applications comming in for every role. On top of this all the adverts seem to want a very specific experience eg must have NHS/medical experience.
I am already a prince 2 qualified PM since 04, but what to do?
I am not in a desperate cash position (good payout after 9 years service and low overheads - only rent etc.) Do I just persist with the endless applications or would I be better off making good of the spare time and enrol on a course with something like PMP or ITIL to try and improve my skillbase.
Are there even any suggestions for good ways to get back into the workplace before too long, which I am concerned will begin to look bad for potential employers?
Finaly, do I dare to consider the dark side of contracting, I have up to now ruled out these roles because I wanted to get back into another permanent and long lasting role. Time is passing.
thanks in advance,
Phil Saving Changes...
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Richard HowProgramme Management Consultant| How Associates LtdHarthill, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Phil
I know how you feel , I was made redundant in 2005, I ended up going contracting, I did one 6 month contract and they offered me a permanent role which I took. Set up an account with an Umbrella company so you can take on a contract at short notice and not have to worry about tax and accountants. You can always create a limited company later if you want or need to. The next thing to do is contact everyone you know in the same industry who may just know of a vacancy. Make sure you get your cv up to date and make sure it contains all the right key words to describe your experience. Most agencys use databases that scan cv's in the use text searches to match candidates to jobs.
If you were nearer to me I'd say send me your CV but its a bit of a journey from where you are to where I work. Saving Changes...
I have pulled out the stops in the past week or two and a few of the feelers I put out before that I assumed to be dead are also comming to life. So fingers crossed.
First phone interview tomorow. :)
Great! and thanks again for the helpful suggestions.
Hang in there Phillip,
I've had 2 redundancies in my working career - one unexpected and the other planned.
However, in both cases, it was hard long work to find another role.
Many, many applications and calls to my network produced a trickle of interest. Then, after several months, a flood of enquiries and many offers.
I've gone from permanent to contracting to permanent to contracting and back again. Its about how you feel when you interview with your prospective employer. Ask plenty of questions during the interviews to get a good feel for the company you might be working for.
Above all, hang in there and never lose faith!! The minute you do that and they'll smell that you've given up.
And, use your fee time to skill up.... do that PMP training and get the certification. It goes a long way these days!!
Best of luck with all opportunities that WILL come your way.
Cheers....Geoff Saving Changes...
Rob MartinConsulting (Contract)| Microsoft (Thailand)Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Hang in there.
I have been contracting for the past 15 years and it pays to have as many contacts as you can in the likely circumstance that
a. the project is canned
b. cost cutting means they look at expensive resources
c. you finish early
If you have good references, good results and are prepared to work outside your comfort zone, I am sure you'll do OK in getting work.
I've been made redundant from one Project in Hong Kong that was canned (We sort of expected it..... Insurance companies are notoriously fickle when it comes to risk) and bounced back quickly to fill in the work void.
I believe more courses are not the answer. Avoid becoming a school professional, in my opinion.
Rob Saving Changes...
"Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious and immature."
