With all the changes happening in higher education, many brilliant people facing unexpected career shifts. Redundancy – and job hunting – can feel daunting, but it can also be a chance to pause, reflect, and reimagine what’s next while sharpening your skills for your next opportunity.
Remember the influence of your work and be sure to showcase that; demonstrating impact is what sets you apart and shows future employers how you’ll drive real change in their organisation. Claire Launder shares a few points of advice:
- Take time to reflect – Take a moment to acknowledge your impact in your role and the skills you’ve developed whilst in the role. This reflection can empower you to move forward with confidence. Highlight these accomplishments in your CV and LinkedIn profile to showcase your value to potential employers. Be sure to explain how you contributed, especially if it was part of a team effort. Use action verbs to demonstrate the steps you took, and make it clear how you drove results.
- Maximise your impact – Many CVs lean heavily on buzzwords like “stakeholder engagement,” “strategic vision,” and “innovative solutions”. While these terms are compelling, they don’t communicate your impact. Avoid overused buzzwords and get straight to the point. Each bullet point on your CV should tell a story of impact—what you did, why it mattered, and what results you achieved. Focus on deliverables, not just responsibilities, highlighting at least one concrete accomplishment for each role. Be specific; numbers grab attention. Did you increase revenue by 20%? Cut expenses by £10,000? Manage a team of 15? Whenever possible, use metrics to showcase your influence.
- Create a compelling value proposition – Identify what sets you apart. A clear value proposition can be invaluable in showing prospective employers why your unique skills and experience make you the right choice. Think about the problems you solve, the benefits you bring, and how you make a difference. Connecting your accomplishments to the organisation’s goals showcases your understanding of the big picture. This alignment is especially impactful for leadership and strategic roles.
- Be open to interim and consulting roles – You might not have considered it before, but an interim career is a great option! Being available immediately – or knowing when you will be – puts you in an ideal position to start an interim career. To learn more, read this article by John Laycock about starting an interim career or this one by Az Ahmed on how to change lanes from a permanent to an interim role.
- Leverage your network – Higher education is a collaborative and well-connected community. Don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues, mentors, and professional networks for support or new opportunities. Attend sector-specific webinars, workshops, or meet-ups to stay visible and engaged.
- Prioritise self-care and well-being – Change can be stressful, so make sure to take care of yourself throughout this period. Staying grounded with self-care can help you navigate challenges with resilience, and it’s essential for maintaining a positive outlook.
- Upskill to stay competitive – Consider using this transition period to strengthen or expand your skill set. Explore professional courses, webinars, or certifications in areas in which you know the sector needs skills. This can make you more competitive and open up new pathways.
- Stay positive and open to new directions – Remember that your skills and experience are valuable across various sectors, not just in higher education. Stay open to job opportunities you might not have considered before.
Claire Lauder has supported the public sector for over 20 years, providing interim and consultancy solutions to universities, housing associations, local authorities and the NHS. Her speciality is connecting her clients with flexible talent that can help deliver sustainable change, shaping organisations for the future and improving financial and operational outcomes. She has built an impressive track record with public sector leaders and helped many organisations identify the right solution in time-critical situations.
Claire also has a passion for providing careers advice and guidance to individuals, especially to those who have not previously considered an interim career before, but whom have unique insights and skills to offer the interim market. Claire joined Anderson Quigley in December 2021 to focus on supporting higher education, healthcare and social housing with senior interim managers and consultancy solutions. To learn more, you can connect with Claire on LinkedIn or email her.