When you’ve got an upcoming interview for a Pharmaceutical, Medical Device or Life Science role, getting through the interview stages will be at the forefront of your mind.
You will want to impress the interviewer and navigate the questions like an expert.
But what happens when you’ve got a redundancy to explain?
First of all, don’t panic.
Organisational transformation, restructuring, and downsizing can all result in redundancy. And additionally, since Covid-19, markets have shifted incredibly. There have been redundancies on a massive scale in some sectors, so it is essential to remember that you’re not alone in this problem.
However, you will still want to explain your redundancy to the hiring manager in a way that gives you the best possible chance of landing the position.
So, here are six strategies to explain redundancy in your interview to satisfy your potential new employer.
1. Always Be Ready to Answer
Always be prepared to tackle the question about the circumstances of your previous job ending.
Be prepared for this question, and don’t be vague. Answer with assurance, and this will instil confidence in the hiring manager that you took your redundancy in your stride.
As a side note: before you get to the interview stage when you are applying for roles, always include your previous positions’ start and end dates on your application or CV for transparency.
2. Take the Opportunity to Explain
Explaining redundancy might feel uncomfortable, but if you take the opportunity to clarify the situation fully, this will give you a chance to frame the loss of your position in a better light.
Instead of simply saying “I was made redundant” in your answer, prepare an explanation about what was happening in the company at that time.
The scenario surrounding the redundancy is critical; for example, there may have been multiple redundancies, budget cuts, or the redundancies could have been an unavoidable result of the pandemic.
The truth is that redundancy can happen to anyone – it is not a bearing on your skills or abilities. Explain honestly and openly, and this will help you build trust and rapport with the interviewer.
3. Talk About Your Success in the Role
As I mentioned, being made redundant is no reflection on you as a person or your achievements.
Some people might feel less comfortable talking in detail about a role they were made redundant from, but remember to reference the position as you would any other. Talk about your success in the role from which you were made redundant and bring attention to everything you achieved for the company before you were made redundant.
Remember to use positive language and avoid negatively discussing your former employer. A phrase such as “while I was disappointed to be made redundant from this company, I was proud to have achieved my targets, and it has allowed me to refocus my career goals” can have a positive impact.
4. Addressing Time Since Your Redundancy
You should always address gaps on your CV during the job application process, which goes for redundancy, too.
A redundancy can sometimes exacerbate CV gaps; for example, being made redundant and the subsequent period of looking for a new role can affect a candidate’s confidence, no matter where they are in their career.
If you have been looking for a new position since your last redundancy and have been unsuccessful, try not to let this affect your confidence. Focus on the things you have been doing to find a new role. Mention skills training, personal development, volunteering – demonstrate to the employer that you have been proactive in using your time since your redundancy.
5. Staying Positive
There is no shame in being made redundant – always keep in mind that it was the position and not you that was made redundant.
Often, from redundancy can spring new and exciting opportunities that may not have presented themselves to you beforehand. View your redundancy as a chance to kick-start your career again – if you have been made redundant from your Pharmaceutical, Medical Device or Life Science role and are wondering how to navigate the job market, we can help.
6. Working with Kinetic to Find a New Role After Redundancy
The period after redundancy in your career can be uncertain, and for this reason, working with a Pharmaceutical, Medical Device or Life Science career expert can help.
Kinetic can support you with everything you need to get your career back on track – from CV help to finding and arranging interviews. When you are faced with the prospect of searching for a new role after redundancy, the help and advice of a trusted expert are what you need.
For more information about how we can help, get in touch with me today on +971 (0)4 442 0921 or contact our team of career experts by clicking here.
Thanks,
How Kinetic Can Help
Kinetic sources professionals locally and internationally for leading multinational, regional and local Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices companies, including Consumer Healthcare organisations.
If you need help sourcing the best candidates for your pharmaceutical or medical device organisation who will help drive your business forward this year, get in contact with us today.