Do I Need to Tell a Future Employer About My Redundancy?

By: Emma Eilbeck BA (hons) - Updated: 28 Feb 2013 | *Discuss

 

Tweet

Telling people you have been made redundant is not something that is easy to do and it can be especially hard to tell any future employers.

There is no reason to feel ashamed of being made redundant, but for many people it brings out emotions of fear and shame when they think about telling people about their circumstances.

If you are particularly worried about telling any future employers about your redundancy there may be circumstances when you do not have to reveal it.

These questions should help you decide whether it is right for you to tell any future employer about your redundancy.

1) Are You Still in a Consultation Period?

• A) Yes, I am still in consultation for another few months
• B) I am coming to the end of my consultation
• C) No, my consultation has come to an end

2) Has Your Employer Asked Why You Left Your Old Job?

• A) No they have not asked
• B) They have asked when I left but not for the details
• C) Yes they have asked why I left

3) How Long Ago Were You Made Redundant?

• A) Over two years ago
• B) Within the last year
• C) Very recently

4) Have You Done Any Type of Consulting/Small Jobs Since You Were Made Redundant?

• A) Yes, I have done some freelancing work
• B) I have done some odd jobs
• C) No

5) Is The Job You Are Applying For in Any Way Connected to Your Old Employer?

• A) No, not in any way
• B) It is one of my old company’s competitors
• C) Yes, it is part of the same company

Your Answers

Mostly A- You Are Not Required to Tell Your Employer

Similarly, if you have been redundant for a long period of time but have been doing some type of work in-between there is no reason to divulge why you left a firm more than two years ago. It is ultimately up to you whether or not you decide to tell your employer, but if they have not asked and you feel uncomfortable telling them the best policy might be to keep it to yourself.

Mostly B- Don’t Be Afraid to Tell the Truth

If the company you are applying for a job with is in any way connected to your old company or is a fierce competitor, they might already know about the redundancies at your firm and see it as a bonus to be gaining you as a result. From your answers it sounds like you are borderline in terms of the information your new employer needs to know, so the best thing to do could be to play it by ear and do what feels right.

Mostly C – Honesty is the Best Policy

If it is part of the same company you would be ill advised to not tell them because the chances are they will already have researched you. Hold your head up high and be proud of your achievements and your qualifications, the more confident you are in yourself the more confident they will be in employing you.

Don’t be afraid of being truthful with a future employer regarding your redundancy. You can work it to your advantage and explain how it has given you the chance to reassess your career plans. An employer will be impressed by any volunteer or extra work you can show you have done while being redundant, no matter how small.

The important thing to remember is that being made redundant is not the same as being fired or dismissed and any future employer will be impressed by your honesty and motivation if you are able to apply it to a new job.

Next Page

Offered Alternative Job, Will I Still Get Redundancy Money?

What are Career Coaches?

Deciding What Type of Job you Want

Important Interview Tips

Looking for a New Job

Title:

Miss Ms Mrs Mr Dr Rev'd Prof. Other

(never shown)

Firstname:

(never shown)

Surname:

(never shown)

Email:

(never shown)

Nickname:

(shown)

Comment:

Validate:

Enter word: