Reader Leila is looking for a new job for the first time in two decades – and it feels like a different world. Jobs Guru James Innes is here with some advice.
Feeling Out of Touch After Redundancy
It's easy to feel like the world has moved on. After 20 years with the same company, redundancy can knock you for six. It's not just the job loss; it's the feeling of being shoved back into an unrecognizable jobs market. The last time you applied for work, there was no talk of ATS and AI. You feel like you've gone from settled and experienced to completely out of touch overnight.
But don't panic. The job market has changed considerably, but that doesn't mean you are obsolete. You're just a little rusty at a game you haven't played in a long time.
How the Job Market Has Changed
Everything is faster, more crowded, and less personal. Jobs appear and disappear online, and you often deal with systems before speaking to a human. The language has changed too: profiles, keywords, personal brand. Some of it is useful, some is old guff dressed up as modern wisdom.
What still matters is that employers want someone who can do the job, fit in, and make their life easier. Don't talk yourself into thinking 20 years of solid experience counts for nothing.
Advice for Long-Service Job Seekers
Redundancy after a long stretch is particularly brutal. You don't just lose the job; you lose your bearings, routine, confidence, and professional identity. But long service is not a weakness. The danger is allowing it to make you sound hesitant or out of date. Your job is to ensure potential employers quickly see the value in your loyalty, depth, and experience.
Learn the modern job-hunting basics, but don't underestimate your background. For more guidance, check out James Innes' book, The Job You've Always Wanted, available now from Pearson at £16.99.
