When your role is made redundant, it is never easy. The experience can bring a mix of emotions – sadness, frustration, embarrassment or even anger. For many, telling people about your role redundancy (and that you’re looking for a new position) is one of the hardest parts of the process. While losing your job is difficult in itself, sharing that news with others can feel like rubbing salt into the wound. There’s also the matter of what to say if you’re asked in a job interview why you left your previous role.
But here’s the truth: redundancy is a reality of modern working life. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It doesn’t mean you’re not good at what you do. It simply means that your role was no longer required. This is often due to restructuring, budget cuts, company closures or changes in business priorities. It’s a business decision, not a personal reflection of your skills or value.
And while telling people about your role redundancy may feel uncomfortable, it’s also one of the most important things you can do to move forward in your job search.
Why it’s hard to talk about redundancy
When you lose your job, your confidence can take a hit. You may feel embarrassed or worry about how others will perceive you. Some people fear judgment or pity, while others simply don’t want to revisit what may have been a painful or abrupt ending to a job they enjoyed.
This discomfort often leads people to stay quiet about their situation – not just socially, but professionally too. And that can be a mistake. If you don’t let others know you’re looking for new opportunities, how will they know to help you?
Remember, most people have either experienced job loss themselves or know someone who has. Redundancy is common and increasingly normalised. By being open, you’re giving others the chance to support you through referrals, leads, introductions or simply encouragement.
Let your network know you’re looking
Once you’ve had some time to process the redundancy, it’s time to activate your network. Reach out to former colleagues, industry contacts, friends and professional acquaintances. Let them know your situation and what kind of role you’re looking for. Otherwise, by not sharing the information that you are available and looking for work with others, you may miss out on the potential job leads that your network of friends and associates could bring to you.
You don’t need to write a long, emotional message. Keep it short, factual and forward-looking. Here’s an example you could adapt for email or LinkedIn:
“I wanted to let you know that I was made redundant from [Company Name] last week, so please update my contact details. You can now reach me on [new phone number] and [personal email address]. I’m currently looking for a new opportunity in [mention industries, roles or skill areas]. If you hear of anything suitable, I’d be grateful if you could let me know.”
You may be surprised how helpful your network can be once they know you’re open to new opportunities.
What to say in a job interview
When preparing for interviews, one of the key challenges is telling people about your role redundancy, especially if you’re asked why you left your last job. It’s a common interview question, and it’s important to handle it with honesty, professionalism and a calm mindset.
If the redundancy still feels raw, it can be tempting to vent. But an interview isn’t the right place to share negative feelings about your former employer. Instead, focus on presenting a neutral, fact-based explanation that reflects emotional maturity and perspective.
A good approach is to write a short ‘script’ ahead of time, so you’re not caught off guard. Practise saying it aloud until it feels natural and confident. Here’s an example of how you might explain your situation in an interview:
“My position was recently made redundant. The company made five roles redundant in my business unit at the same time, and there had been several rounds of restructuring over the past year. While I was disappointed to leave, I understand that it was a business decision.”
If relevant, you could also add something about what you’ve done since:
“Since leaving, I’ve focused on staying active professionally by completing [name of training course], updating my skills, and exploring new opportunities that align with my experience in [area of expertise].”
If you are receiving outplacement services, ask your consultant or career coach to provide you with frank feedback and advice on how you could improve your script or delivery.
Leave the baggage behind
It’s natural to feel frustrated or hurt after a redundancy, especially if it came as a shock or if you disagreed with the decision. But carrying those emotions into conversations with future employers, or even your wider network, can hurt your job search.
Before you start telling people about your role redundancy, it helps to come to terms with what happened. Talk things through with a trusted friend or family member. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, consider speaking to your GP or a mental health professional. Sometimes just having someone to listen can make a huge difference.
If you’re receiving outplacement services or career coaching, use the support available. Your consultant can help you shape your messaging, practise interview responses and build your confidence. Don’t be afraid to ask for honest feedback, this it’s an essential part of moving forward.
Focus on the future
While the redundancy is a key part of your recent work history, it’s not the whole story. When telling people about your redundancy, try to shift the focus to what’s next. Talk about the type of roles you’re targeting, the skills and experience you bring and what excites you about your next career step.
Here are a few tips to help you stay positive and future-focused in your conversations:
- Be brief about the circumstances of your redundancy. You don’t need to go into detail.
- Emphasise your readiness to take on new challenges and how you’ve used your time productively.
- Tailor your message depending on who you’re talking to. A close friend, recruiter or former colleague may each need a slightly different version.
Taking back control of your career
Telling people about your role redundancy might feel daunting at first, but it’s a key step in getting back on track. The more open and clear you are about your situation, the easier it becomes to rally support, generate leads and feel in control of your career journey.
When your role is made redundant it doesn’t define you. It’s what you do next that matters. So be brave, be honest and start the conversation. You never know where it might lead.