How to update your CV after redundancy

Redundancy says nothing about the quality of your work — most redundancies are about the role, not the person in it. Before anything else: update your contact details and most recent dates, check your most recent role is fully described, and decide whether you're targeting a similar role or something different.

Your CV doesn't need to explain why a role ended; that's usually a conversation for a cover letter or interview, if it comes up at all. If you do want to reference it, keep it neutral and factual, for example: 'Role made redundant as part of a wider restructure' — never anything that reads as an excuse or an apology.

The end of a role doesn't reduce what you did in it. Keep your dates, responsibilities and achievements from the affected role exactly as they were — this is still real, current evidence of your skills, and often your most recent work experience.

Decide early whether you're aiming for a very similar role, where your existing CV mostly just needs updating and tightening, or a genuine change of direction, where it's worth also reading the career-change CV guide and mapping your transferable skills.

Pull together what you'll need before you start applying: specific results and projects from your most recent role, any skills or qualifications gained along the way, and people who could act as references if asked.

A redundancy doesn't change the basic rule of job applications: each CV and cover letter should be tailored to the specific vacancy and job description, not sent out as one generic version.

For guidance on your rights during redundancy or notice periods, Acas and the National Careers Service publish official, up-to-date guidance. Career Auntie can help with your CV and applications, but it isn't a substitute for legal or employment advice.