How to explain redundancy in an interview and on your CV

If you’ve experienced redundancy, it’s easy to be concerned about how it will affect your future opportunities. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to communicate it clearly on your CV and in interviews.

Remember, you’re not the only person who’s been made redundant, and there are several reasons for it that don’t reflect poorly on you as an employee.

As you start your job search, it’s time to decide how best to explain your redundancy on your CV and in interviews and own the narrative. Here are some ways to acknowledge your redundancy as you search for a new role. 

Your career can bounce back from redundancy

If you’ve recently been made redundant, you may feel as though you’re facing an uncertain future. Once the initial shock subsides and your thoughts turn to the job search.

However disheartened you may feel, know that you can make a difference to another employer. Many people have been through redundancy and you shouldn’t feel ashamed of your current situation.

How soon after redundancy can you start a new job? 

Once your employer makes you redundant, the terms and conditions of your contract and redundancy package will determine when you can start a new job. If there are no restrictive clauses, you can start a new job once your redundancy notice period ends. 

Explaining your redundancy to a new employer on your CV

Does being made redundant look bad on a CV? No. Companies make such decisions on commercial grounds. Redundancy is never a personal reflection of you, your skills or your value. When addressing your redundancy on your CV, make sure you follow our guide: 

1. Include the start and end dates of your previous employment 

Be honest and succinct about your redundancy on your CV. Include the start and finishing dates for your last period of employment. Showing how long you worked for your employer will help you appear open about the situation.  

2. Clearly address your reasons for leaving 

In one or two lines, explain how your employment ended. Discuss this in the context of broader organisational or economic changes. Then you can use the rest of the space to talk about your skills and experience.  

3. Highlight any key achievements from your last role 

Try not to dwell on your redundancy on your CV. Your main focus should be on any recent achievements or projects that you are proud of. Learn how to enhance your CV with quantifiable evidence of your skills, competencies and results. 

4. List any activities you’ve been involved in since being made redundant 

Talk about how you have been spending your time since being made redundant. Mention any upskilling in the professional summary section of your CV. You can also add any voluntary work to the work experience section.  

How to explain your redundancy in an interview

If you feel nervous about the interviewer asking for more details, prepare and practise your answers in advance. You can also try taking into account the below strategies: 

1. Take the opportunity to explain the circumstances of your redundancy 

If the interviewer asks you to expand on the circumstances of your redundancy, be ready to elaborate. Specifically, mention whether there were multiple redundancies in your department. You may also want to discuss how you responded to the risk of redundancy, to demonstrate your proactive attitude. 

2. Reference your successes from your previous role  

Your accomplishments are no less valid simply because of your redundancy. Talk about the achievements that best demonstrate your suitability for the job. 

3. Talk positively about your previous employer 

Don’t blame or speak negatively about your previous employer. Any discussion should be in the context of your learning and achievements during your tenure. Explain how you are refocusing on your new career goals and exciting next steps.  

4. Explain why this particular role is a good fit for you 

Don’t give the impression that you are looking for a short term solution for returning to work. Make it clear that you are interested in this specific opportunity. Describe why this is the logical next step for you and why you’re the right choice for the job.

Turn your life after redundancy into a rewarding new chapter in your career

Employers are going to understand your situation. Addressing your redundancy clearly and in a positive manner won’t damage your chances of securing a new role. In fact, many employers appreciate an immediately available candidate who doesn’t have to work a full notice period.

Keep focusing on the positives in your life and career. Try to apply a growth mindset to your situation. You will learn a lot from this experience, even if you can’t see it right now. Good luck!

What to do next

Once you’ve finished the first draft of your CV, it’s time to review. Discover how to replace overused clichés here, or return to our full series on writing a CV.

Meanwhile, if you’re preparing for an interview, learn how to explain any gaps in your CV.