'I’ve seen many women gain strength from this’ — How to navigate the changing career waters, as told by an expert

With an acute understanding of the world of business and the unique ability to recognise and Aharness talent, Catherine Muirden is helping women just like you to navigate increasingly tricky professional waters in inspiring ways

At a time when redundancies are rife, and many careers are on hold, feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the future is entirely understandable. Still, you needn’t face the uncertainty alone, says Catherine Muirden. A People Director, who has spent over 30 years of corporate life hiring and developing talented people, Muirden’s career has seen her take on many pivotal roles. She formerly served as Group Head of Recruitment at Marks and Spencer before navigating her way through the years of the financial crisis at Barclays. Most recently, she led the People team in the turnaround of the Co-op’s UK Food business. Now, in what she calls her semi-retirement, Muirden coaches and mentors business leaders, and somehow finds time to be a Trustee on the National Galleries of Scotland board.

To say she knows a thing or two about business is a considerable understatement, and we can’t think of anyone more qualified to comment on the current career climate. Now, exclusively in Hood, she reveals what to expect when redundancy may be a reality, and how to turn what seems like a professional setback into a liberating lifeline.

Image courtesy of Philipp Berndt via Unsplash

The prospect of redundancy is looming over many at the moment; for those in limbo, what should they do?

Well, first of all, don’t pretend it’s not happening! Face into reality, but keep calm. I’ve seen people who bury their heads in the shifting sands, and when change happens, and they are faced with upheaval, they are immediately on the back foot both emotionally and practically. That leads to panic, and panic is unhelpful.

Is there any way to prepare yourself for an impending redundancy?

Practically, first, check the contractual arrangements you have with your employer, and get familiar with your redundancy terms. If you’re not sure if these measure up legally, you can check Gov.uk/redundancy-your-rights, or consult Citizens Advice, ACAS or your union if you are a member.
Emotional preparation is a tough one. Redundancy is a form of dismissal from your job, and that feels hurtful, especially if you have built a long-standing psychological relationship with the company you work for. How could the organisation do this to you? It’s a common reaction. However, the fact is that your organisation has to do what’s good for its own survival; try to accept that it’s the job that has disappeared, and it is not about you personally. Keeping your CV up-to-date is obvious preparation but, much more importantly, keep close to your nearest and dearest, whilst cultivating relationships with former colleagues and connections.
Friends and family are important for three reasons: firstly to offer you a sense of what’s essential and enduring in life, when you are swimming in uncertainty. Secondly, they will, if you ask, offer you an honest appraisal of what you are good at, so you can concentrate on your strengths as you seek out a new role. Nothing like a bit of affirmation when you’re feeling unsteady! Thirdly, your friends are there to give and receive emotional support which we are all in need of in this uncertain world. And remember, they need your support as much as you need theirs. Similarly, colleagues who have seen you at work can sum up the essence of you, and that’s important when imagining yourself in a new role. If you want to understand your strengths, why not test out something like Marcus Buckingham’s strengths finder. I’ve been reading his books for years and met many people who’ve gained insight from him. Check out Marcusbuckingham.com to learn more.

Redundancy can throw up lots of mixed emotions, specifically for women. In your experience, do women take the news and process it differently to their male counterparts?
That’s an interesting question. I’ve led many change programmes in business over the years, and I’d always remind people that redundancy sparks a whole range of emotions no matter the gender of the individual: one person’s despair could be another’s delight. I would say, however, that I’ve seen many women gain strength by turning to their friends after the initial shock, to talk it through, and gain advice and support. I would also say – and it’s often said – that women need to demand just as much as men when it comes to striking the redundancy deal, and securing the right and equitable package in a new role.

For those looking to opt for voluntary redundancy, is there anything they need to be aware of beforehand?
Give yourself plenty of time to consider your options, and if you think the time frame is too short, see if you can negotiate a little breathing space within the consultation period. It’s called consultation for a reason! Make sure you get some financial advice. You may find yourself dazzled by a lump sum, without realising its financial long term impact, for example, on your pension hopes. So I would advise speaking with an independent financial advisor, a certified financial planner or, if your employer offers it—take all the financial advice you can get. Secondly, do your research into your next career options. The internet is overflowing with online courses, continuous professional development, and academic opportunities, so make use of these resources.

Is there any support out there for those recently made redundant?

There’s a lot of support, whatever your circumstances. If your organisation offers outplacement, then take it, because it’s free and it will teach you something new about how you present yourself as a prospective employee. In Scotland,  a good start is Myworldofwork.co.uk/redundancy-help-scotland. This website can take you down all sorts of career routes and may inspire you to do something you hadn’t thought of before, like setting up your own business.

Image courtesy of Unsplash

Do you have any tips on bouncing back from redundancy?
If you can afford to, take a deep breath and give yourself some time to recover. Collect your thoughts and brush up your CV by asking for views about what makes you different, and a great, prospective employee. You should look inward and realise what you’re good at, and ultimately what gives you joy. I began my university life in a law school—it didn’t give me joy, and I therefore failed. I had to change course quickly. It taught me a lesson about pursuing the things that give you a sense of contentment, and that allow you to flourish naturally. Through years in business, specifically in HR and recruitment, I have learned that meaningful work, rather than status or reward, provides happiness for most people in their working lives. Lastly, life in the job market is so much about relationships, just as it is in working life. If you’ve always thought that ‘networking’ was superficial and unproductive, think again. I always keep my network fresh and alive, and if someone offers me help, I take it and reciprocate. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s about the power of community, and the need for people to achieve great things by relying on one another. I have seen many, many people move into a new and more satisfying job after the shock of redundancy. It can happen!  

Many people won’t have applied for new jobs for a long time—do you have any advice for those concerned about interviews or are perhaps unsure how to write their CV? 
There’s a wealth of advice available. I must have reviewed thousands of CVs in my lifetime, and the ones that stand out are those which truly describe the personality and talents of the person; not just what they’ve done, but who they really are. That can make CV writing a bit of a slog, but it’s worth it. However, this is where the descriptors of friends and former colleagues come in. They will say things about you which you wouldn’t if you are a typically modest achiever. But listen to them, and put what they say on your CV.

For those who are starting out in their careers, these last few months will have likely been disheartening. Do you have any advice for people in this position?
As far as imagining a career is concerned, I’d recommend a recent find which is Morrisby.com. There’s something for all ages there. I’ve been helping a few youngsters recently, and I am constantly amazed by their range of experiences—some of which they discount on their CVs because they think they aren’t work-relevant. If the experience taught you something, get it on your CV. It might just be the thing that makes you stand out to a potential employer.

Which careers do you believe are the most stable?
No crystal ball, I’m afraid. Tech jobs are certainly moving
at pace; we all need IT support as we work online. Most professional jobs now are being impacted, or enhanced if you like, by artificial intelligence, but this can make what’s left in those roles much more satisfying. I predict a growth in the care sector, as our ageing population increases—these will be the roles which will be vital to sustaining a healthy society. Then there’s the growth of renewable energy. However, no career could really be described as stable because of constant change within each sector. The best way to future-proof yourself is to keep learning, whether for employment or professional development. The more you have to offer, and the more experience you gain, the more potential you have to carve a career you find rewarding.

Your CV is as diverse as they come. Is that something you’d recommend to others—to gain varied experience?
Forget about vertical career ladders. From some years now I’ve been talking about the career ‘lattice’ rather than the ‘ladder’; I’ve taken several diversions from the ‘traditional’ route myself, and the risk is definitely worth the fun. One of my favourite podcasts at the moment is Squiggly Careers, which you can listen to at Amazingif.com/listen, and it’s confirming for me many of the things I’ve taught others over the years. I highly recommend it.

For many, the dream is to turn their passion into a career. Depending on what that is, do you have any advice?

I recently met an ex-services man whose dream was to open a fish and chip shop in the Highlands. He was shocked at
how helpful other fish and chip shop owners were in giving advice and support, despite the perceived competition! You’ll be surprised at how people are willing to help; I believe we’re living in times where our generosity is stretching further than before. From my own experience, I love the visual arts, and through volunteering on a board, I’ve ended up as a Trustee of the National Galleries of Scotland. My advice is to start
as a volunteer, or set up a little online business as a hobby alongside your current job, and who knows where it could take you. Learning and being open minded is essential—there is no such thing as too much of it, and you never know what it’ll spark in you.