Redundancies have unfortunately become an increasingly common reality across the PR and communications industry due to various factors, such as economic pressures, business restructures, agency mergers and acquisitions, and the rapid evolution of technology and AI.
While redundancies can feel like a major setback to an individual’s career, it can also be an opportunity to reassess career goals, strengthen professional skills, and explore new avenues.
To understand how PR and communications professionals can navigate this period successfully, Telum Media spoke to three PR and communications recruitment specialists who shared their advice on how to bounce back from redundancy.
Act quickly
While redundancies can come as a shock, recruiters suggest taking proactive steps early on, instead of sitting around and dwelling on the disappointment.
Matt Harrison, Founder and Managing Director of Hope & Glory, said: “Update your CV, start talking to recruiters, call people in your network and get yourself interview-ready.”
Anna O’Dea, Founder of Iceberg Consulting, encouraged a similar mindset. She suggested allocating one to two hours per day for job hunting and creating a spreadsheet to keep track of jobs you’ve applied for, people you’ve spoken with, and application outcomes.
“I wouldn’t recommend taking a break and enjoying your redundancy payout,” Anna advised.
“I’ve seen far too many cases of people waiting to job hunt and running out of money.”
Meanwhile, KJ Green, Founder and MD of The Shortlist, thinks it’s important to strike a balance between processing the news and moving forward.
“Take a breath… then own your story. Give yourself a beat. Then move,” she said.
“Carry it with honesty rather than apology. The more time you spend defending the redundancy, the less time you have to talk about the value you bring.”
Reassess and take the time to upskill
While a professional might want to jump into their next role right away, KJ warned to not let the next role just be a rebound.
In this instance, treating the redundancy as a reset might be more beneficial, as recruiters say that there is value in the opportunity to pause, reflect, and think strategically about the next stage of your career.
“The market has changed. AI, consolidation, and commercial pressure mean the roles coming back are not always the same ones that disappeared,”she said.
“Use this moment to honestly assess where the industry is heading and whether your skills are keeping pace.”
Redundancies are also an opportunity to develop a broader skill set to help candidates stand out in a competitive market, as employers increasingly seek professionals who can operate across multiple disciplines.
"... this is the perfect time to learn more about social media, content, strategy, video editing, and other complementary skills,” Anna said.
“If you need to upskill in a certain area, such as social media, check out online short courses.”
Reconnect, network, and stay visible
In a profession built on relationships, KJ explained that networking and and prioritising reaching out to contacts are key.
“Some of the best PR and communications roles never hit a job board. They’re filled through conversations, referrals, and reputation,” she said.
Matt echoed KJ’s sentiments and recommends avenues of networking, which includes talking to recruiters, reconnecting with old colleagues, attending events and tidying up your LinkedIn profile.
Protect your mindset and confidence
Redundancies can be a mentally difficult phase, affecting self-esteem and a sense of self-worth, especially when people invest a large amount of their identity into their role.
Anna believes the emotional impact of redundancy is often underestimated.
“Your income suddenly stops, you feel anxious, angry or confused, and the stress of finding a job hits you,” she said.
“However, the biggest blow of a redundancy could be your mental health, if it’s not your priority.”
KJ explained that redundancies can often feel deeply personal, but the reality is that it’s not always necessarily an attack on someone’s capabilities.
“It’s about business shifts, restructures, mergers, or changing marketing conditions, not necessarily your value.”
To help maintain perspective during what can be a highly stressful period, Anna encourages professionals to establish healthy routines and focus on factors within their control, such as getting enough sleep.
“Limiting your time on social media (doomscrolling) is the first step to taking control of your mindset and preventing unwanted emotions,” she said.
By focusing on wellbeing as well as job searching, communications professionals can place themselves in a stronger position for whatever comes next.
Be realistic and manage your expectations
Communications professionals are in a competitive market, and even strong candidates find it difficult to secure roles. For this reason, Matt encourages professionals to approach their job search with the same level of preparation they would bring to a major client pitch or campaign. That means tailoring applications, preparing thoroughly for interviews, researching organisations and following up where appropriate.
“Once you accept that it’s a competitive market, your attitude and actions need to reflect that reality,” said Matt.
“The people who tend to navigate this market best are usually the ones prepared to compete harder and stay resilient throughout the process.”
Look beyond the setback and stay resilient
“Redundancy isn't a full stop. In most cases, it's the comma before something better.”
Although losing a role can feel devastating in the moment, Matt has seen many communications professionals land in positions that are better suited to their goals and aspirations.
"Better culture, better boss, better pay, better lifestyle,” he said.
Matt also mentioned how valuable lessons can be learned from redundancies and how they can also be an opportunity to get us out of our comfort zones.
"Sometimes people stay too long because the familiar feels safe," he said.
"Then something happens that forces change, and it ends up being the push they actually needed."
“Redundancy isn't a full stop. In most cases, it's the comma before something better,” said KJ.
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