Redundancy CV template

by Michael Cheary

Are you looking to return to the workforce after being made redundant?

Let’s face it - redundancy is rarely part of the plan. It can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you, leaving you wondering what on earth to do next (and perhaps worrying that your future involves far too much daytime television). But here is the good news: redundancy is a business decision, not a reflection of your ability. In the current economic climate, it is becoming increasingly common, and employers are more understanding than ever.

The trick is knowing how to present your experience - and the gap in your employment - in a way that shows you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Here is everything you need to know about writing a CV after redundancy:

Download your free redundancy CV template

Ready to get started? Click the link below to download our redundancy CV template in Word format.

How to structure your redundancy CV

When you have been made redundant, the structure of your CV remains largely the same as a standard CV, but with a few subtle tweaks to control the narrative.

You want to draw attention to your skills and achievements, rather than the fact that you are currently out of work.

Here is the best order to follow:

1. Contact details
2. Personal statement
3. Key skills
4. Employment history
5. Education
6. Hobbies and interests (optional)
7. References

This layout ensures you hook the recruiter with your potential before they even look at your employment dates.

CV layout: dos and don’ts

CV layout examples

Preview of our redundancy CV template

How to write a CV after redundancy

Here’s our advice on how to write a CV that focuses on your future potential rather than your past exit.

1. Contact details

Keep this simple and professional. 

Include your full name, phone number, and a professional email address. You can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile if it is up to date (and if it isn’t, now is the time to fix that).

And remember, you don’t need to include your full address, date of birth, or marital status.

2. Personal statement

This is your elevator pitch. It is the first thing a recruiter sees, so you need to make it count.

Start with who you are and what you can bring to the table. You can reference your redundancy here, but keep it brief. 

Use a phrase like 'looking for a new opportunity following a company restructure' to frame it professionally. Then, pivot immediately to your skills and what you are looking for next.

Redundancy personal statement example:

'Proactive marketing manager with seven years of experience driving brand growth and digital strategy. Proven track record of increasing online engagement by 40% and managing six-figure budgets. Currently available for new opportunities following a role redundancy due to company restructuring. Eager to apply strong leadership and analytical skills to a dynamic marketing team.'

How to write a personal statement

3. Key skills

Including a dedicated skills section is a great way to highlight your capabilities without tying them to a specific timeline.

This is especially useful if you are worried about a gap in your employment history. By placing this section above your work experience, you are telling the recruiter what you can do before showing them where you did it.

Focus on a mix of hard skills (like software proficiency or languages) and soft skills (like communication or adaptability).

Five CV skills employers look for

What are transferable skills?

4. Employment history

This is often the part people dread most after being made redundant. But there is no need to panic.

List your roles in reverse-chronological order, and when you get to your most recent role, be honest about the end date. 

In the description, focus on your achievements. What did you deliver? What problems did you solve?

If you have been out of work for a while, be proactive. Have you been volunteering? Working part-time? Taking a course? Doing freelance work? Add these to your CV to show you have remained active.

How to list redundancy on a CV:

You don’t need to write 'Made Redundant' in big bold letters next to your job title. You can simply include a bullet point at the end of the role description stating: 'Role ended due to company-wide restructuring.' or 'Position made redundant following department closure.'

How to explain a gap in your CV

5. Education

Keep this concise, listing your qualifications in reverse-chronological order.

If you’re a recent graduate, your education might go higher up the page. But if you have been in the workforce for a while, this section can sit below your work experience.

Include the institution, the dates, and the qualification achieved. And, you don’t need to list every single GCSE unless you are just starting out (Maths and English are usually sufficient to mention).

Which parts of my education should I include in my CV?

6. Hobbies & interests

A Hobbies and Interests section is optional. However, if you lack any notable work experience, this section can be a great way of getting your personality across.

Ask yourself: will they help you get the job, and would you be happy to expand on them at an interview? If not, they’re probably worth leaving out.

Hobbies and interests: Should I include them in my CV? 

Six extracurricular activities to add to your CV

7. References

The golden rule here is usually 'References available upon request'.

However, if you left your last role on good terms (which is common with redundancy), a reference from your former manager can be a great way to prove that your departure was purely business, not behavioural.

If you have a supportive ex-boss, ask if they would be happy to be a referee. Knowing you have that backing can give you a serious confidence boost.

How to get a reference

Frequently asked questions about redundancy CVs

Should I mention redundancy on my CV?

You don’t have to explicitly state 'redundancy' in your CV if you don't want to, but you should be prepared to explain why you left your last role. However, honesty is the best policy and trying to hide it creates more questions than answers. A simple, one-line explanation is usually all that is needed.

How do I explain a long gap after redundancy?

If it has been a few months (or longer) since you were made redundant, do not panic. Use your CV to show how you have used that time. Have you learnt a new skill? Done some temp work? Renovated a house? Employers just want to see that you haven't been staring at the wall. Frame your time off as a period of personal or professional development.

Can I treat redundancy as a career break?

Absolutely. Sometimes redundancy is the push you need to take a step back and evaluate what you really want. If you took some time out to travel or spend time with family, own it. Just make sure you emphasise that you are now fully recharged and ready to return to work.

How to deal with redundancy

Redundancy pay: What you need to know

Next steps

Redundancy is a stumble, not a fall. With a great CV, you’re ready to get back out there.

Here is what to do next:

• Upload your CV to Reed.co.uk to get headhunted by recruiters.
• Set up job alerts so you never miss a new opportunity.
• Check out our cover letter templates to pair with your new CV.
• Read our tips on how to find a job fast.

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