108: More than a hire: Redundancy, resilience & rebuilding confidence
Summary
In this episode, Laura speaks with Shanika-Marie, about what really happens behind the scenes of recruitment, and what happens when your own career suddenly takes an unexpected turn.
What begins as a conversation about recruitment quickly becomes a much more personal discussion about resilience, confidence and rebuilding. After unexpectedly losing her role and spending 16 months out of work, Shanika shares honestly how redundancy affected her confidence, mental health and sense of identity, and how therapy, family support and a belief in herself helped her navigate one of the most challenging chapters of her career.
Alongside her personal story, Shanika offers a fascinating insight into the world of Talent Acquisition, what candidates often misunderstand about the hiring process, and how employers can shape the candidate experience.
She also shares practical advice for anyone navigating today's competitive job market, from making your CV stand out to understanding the growing impact of AI on applications.
For anyone who has experienced redundancy, a career gap or the uncertainty of searching for their next opportunity, Shanika's story offers a powerful reminder that your career is only one chapter of your story.
Key Takeaways
In a competitive job market, how you present yourself, including your CV and social media presence, matters.
AI is changing the way candidates approach applications and how recruiters assess them.
Try to detach from the outcome during your job search and avoid allowing individual rejections to define your confidence.
Your personal brand is something to protect and build throughout your career, not only when you are looking for a job.
Leading people who are more senior than you can be an opportunity to grow rather than something to fear.
Redundancy can affect far more than your career. It can impact your confidence, identity and mental health.
A career gap doesn't have to be something you hide or apologise for. You can own your story and explain what that period meant for you.
Your career is only one chapter of your story, it does not define your whole identity.
About the Guest
Connect with Shanika-Marie John on LinkedIn.
About the Host
Connect with Laura Witcher on LinkedIn.
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