Mojisola Obazuaye

I helped a very senior former colleague on his job search last year.

He was in a director-level role before he exited due to organisational restructuring. He had been applying for almost a year before reaching out.

Less than 30 days after his first message to me, he landed 2 interviews and then an offer in a different sector he had never worked in.

Before his message, he had left me multiple comments, thanking me for my posts.

He was someone I knew, beyond the job.

He was a leader who served. You could access him.

When we worked together, I asked him to help sponsor one of my indirect reports, and he made the time.

I am sharing this to say your network remains one of the best ways to:
- land jobs and new opportunities faster.
- AI can't replace strong networking and people skills.

What I leaned on to help him:
- His authenticity.
- I recommended companies where he would thrive.
- I helped him lean on his network.
- I prepped his CV to speak to his strengths, achievements, and leadership.
- His interview was like a chat because he leaned on people who know him.

Your network can help you level up faster. Build a good one.
- Remember, don't be a taker
- Think: what can I give to this person too? 
- Here is what to do when someone views your Linkedln profile: https://lnkd.in/e3FhJYTe

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How I ask for help and get positive response 99% of the time:

- Warm greeting.
- Introduce myself.
- Find alignment.
- Ask for the help I need with humility.
- Offer something back and mean it.
- Show gratitude.
- End message

Let's put it into practice:

Dear Lovelyn,

I hope you are doing well and enjoying the sun. The weather is been amazing here in Cx.

My name is MJ Obazuaye, HR Leader & Career and Executive Coach. I currently lead HR in ABC and help Executive Leaders to maximise their careers and leadership potentials.

I have followed your work for 2 years and it is incredible to see how you continue to shape your industry. I find your program on leading with empathy rewarding. Brilliant work!

I have recently drafted an article for JUMP Magazine and would love to hear your feedback on it. If you can please review at a time most convienient to you, that would be much appreciated.

I am truly grateful for your time and consideration.

In the meantime, if you need my help with any of your projects, it would be my pleasure to help. I see you are working on leaders who make more leaders, how is that coming along?

Thank you again and speak soon.

Best Wishes,
MJ

Do you feel like you may get a No and don't ask for help?

The most important element -
- demonstrate genuine interest in the person!

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I was working on the shop floor when I got offered my first HR role.

The Recruiter used to come pick his launch during my shift.

We chatted casually as I offered excellent customer service.

When the store was closing down and everyone made redundant, he asked me to send him my CV.

When I sent the CV, he said 2 things:
- I knew there was something about you.
- You did not belong on the shop floor. Of course, I knew that.

He interviewed me and sent me to an amazing HR opportunity. It was a temporary role.

That role was the break I needed.

At the time, I had ZERO HR experience but two 1st degrees and loads of transferable skills. Most importantly, I remained my true self even on the shop floor.

He changed my life!

Do every job well. Someone is watching.

Less than a decade I am a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, Director of HR & Executive Coach.

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Can saying you were made redundant in your interview be a red flag?

Having spoken with a few people who were made redundant, that has been their experience. Someone said, "as soon as I mentioned redundancy, the silence became loud"

What should you do then?

No, don't lie.

Instead,

✔️ keep the reason for your departure brief, factual, and positive. Avoid playing the victim or speaking negatively about your previous employer. For example, say:

The business shifted its strategic direction, and my entire department was impacted by the reorganisation

OR

My role was made redundant due to budget cuts and not performance related.

✔️ Immediately shift the focus from your job loss to your achievement. For example, say:

During my time there, I was proud to have [mention 3 achievements,], that relates directly to the role you are interviewing for and show how you can achieve the same for them.

✔️ Then, share what you have been doing since then. For example, say:

While being made redundant was unexpected, it has given me the chance to refocus on my career goals and seek out a role, like this one, that is a perfect match for my experience. I have also dedicated some time to acquire knowledge of AI for Business or mention relevant skills.

✔️ Verbalise your needs or ask for the job:

I am now ready for my next challenge and genuinely excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to (name the company) and contribute to your team/company.

Thank them for their time and keep your head up high.

What was your experience in your job search after a redundancy?

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Career Acceleration Program.

4th of May at 11pm sharp.

Career Acceleration Program is my signature program that covers 5 pillars - High Impact CV in our AI world, Strategic Job Search, Interview Preparation, Personal Branding for Career Progression & Story-telling.

DM me now. Let

See you in class.
Mojisola

Your NO 1 Career & Life Cheerleader