With hundreds more job cuts being announced everyday, and Taoiseach Brian Cowen warning of unemployment figures reaching 400,000 by the end of the year, it is important to be prepared, as an employer, to manage redundancies efficiently in a downturn, and as an employee, to brush up on your job seeking skills.
Company managers need to avail of support services when dealing with the pressure of redundancies. They must seek out guidance on how to deal with redundancies – how to offer employees support for coping with redundancy, as well as assistance in getting back into the workforce.
Employees need advice on preparing updated CVs and cover letters, as well as guidance when preparing for interviews and salary negotiations. They must be pro-active in their search for employment, and constantly be aware of, and ready to apply for, any relevant jobs that become available.
Irishjobs.ie has recently introduced a new online outplacement service to its subscribers called Horizon, which aims to provide employers and employees with all this support in times of job uncertainty and redundancy.
Other services offered with Horizon include giving job-seekers a secure online personal account where they can manage and update their CV and apply for jobs. By signing up for job alerts, they will be notified when suitable jobs come up. Also by posting their new CV on the IrishJobs.ie CV database, potential employers can find them easily. Once they have updated their CV, Horizon will provide them with a professional editor to give their CV a make-over.
Jane Lorigan, Managing Director, IrishJobs.ie, said: ìWe are currently going through a very challenging period for both employers and their employees. Redundancies are on the increase and there is a real need at this time for a cost effective outplacement service that is affordable for any company. Horizon gives employers the chance to maintain goodwill with those facing redundancies, and more importantly provides those being made redundant with help and support. We trust that Horizon will provide honest, professional advice for both employers and employees when it is most needed. ì
Information about Horizon is available at www.irishjobs.ie.
Looking for a job in a downturn? Online recruitment company Irishjobs.ie introduces a new service
Company managers need to avail of support services when dealing with the pressure of redundancies
