Redundancy in Additive Manufacturing: How to Bounce Back and Thrive

Redundancy. It’s a word that can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned professionals. But it doesn’t have to be the end of the road; in fact, it could be the perfect opportunity to refocus your career trajectory.

For those in the fast-evolving Additive Manufacturing (AM) world, strategically navigating the job market is crucial. Here’s how to turn this challenging time into a stepping stone to success.

Turn Your Resumé into a Magnet for Opportunities

Your CV is more than a list of previous jobs – it’s an advert, and you’re the product. To make it compelling and stand out from the crowd, why not use a copywriting framework? After all, they work for advertising agencies, and your resumé is your advert, so why not borrow from the experts?

A good one to start with is the AIDA framework (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action):

• Attention: Start with a powerful personal summary. Think of this as your pitch to grab the recruiter’s attention within seconds. Highlight your niche expertise in AM, such as proficiency in CAD software, experience with AM machine operations, or your ability to lead complex production processes.
• Interest: Use the body of your CV to create interest by sharing your achievements. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your impact. For example, “Increased production efficiency by 20% by implementing optimised printing techniques” or “Spearheaded the adoption of a new metal additive manufacturing process that reduced waste by 15%.” These data points will make your CV more memorable.
• Desire: Employers are drawn to candidates who demonstrate a clear fit for the role. Tailor your CV by focusing on transferable skills, certifications (like Six Sigma or AM-specific courses), and soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. This helps them see you as a desirable candidate.
• Action: Conclude with a strong call to action. Include links to an online portfolio or LinkedIn profile showcasing your work. Add a closing line inviting recruiters to contact you, such as “Available for interviews at your earliest convenience.

Pro Tip: Keep your CV concise (up to four pages max) and visually clean. Use bullet points, clear headings, and consistent formatting.

 

Apply Smart, Not Hard

Applying for jobs can be overwhelming, but casting a wide net with generic applications isn’t the answer. Here’s how to make your efforts count:

 

• Tailor every application: Study the job description and match your CV and cover letter to highlight the skills and experience the company is looking for. Use specific keywords they’ve mentioned to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Research the company: Learn about their recent projects, company culture, and goals. Mention these in your cover letter to show genuine interest and alignment.
• Follow up: After applying, send a polite email or LinkedIn message to the recruiter or hiring manager. This keeps your name at the top of their mind and shows interest.
• Track your progress: Use a simple spreadsheet to record the jobs you’ve applied for, contact details, follow-up dates, and responses. Staying organised ensures you don’t miss any opportunities.

 

Pro Tip: Quality trumps quantity. Applying to fewer jobs but tailoring each application will yield better results than a scattergun approach.

 

Network Like a Pro

In a niche industry like AM, your network is your safety net. Expanding and nurturing professional connections can help you uncover hidden opportunities. Here’s how:

 

• Be active on LinkedIn: Share insights, comment on industry updates, and participate in discussions. Posting about AM trends or your own projects positions you as an engaged and knowledgeable professional.
• Engage with recruitment specialists: Build relationships with niche recruiters like Kensington Additive. They often have exclusive job openings and can proactively market your profile to their clients.
• Reconnect with your existing network: Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, or industry peers. Let them know about your situation and ask if they’ve heard of any opportunities.
• Attend industry events: Virtual or in-person conferences, webinars, and trade shows are excellent ways to meet potential employers and stay informed about market trends.

 

Pro Tip: Networking isn’t just about asking for help; it’s about giving value, too. Share articles, congratulate contacts on achievements, and stay visible.

 

Research Companies and Build Your Target List

Rather than waiting for jobs to appear, take a proactive approach by identifying companies you’d like to work for:

 

• Follow them on LinkedIn: Engage with their posts to stay informed and demonstrate your interest.
• Subscribe to newsletters: Many companies share job openings, project updates, and industry insights through email newsletters.
• Analyse their culture and goals: Review their mission statements, recent achievements, and employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor. This will help you gauge whether their values align with yours.
• Prepare for interviews: Knowing the company’s background will make you a stronger candidate. Use this knowledge to tailor your answers and ask thoughtful questions during the interview.

 

Pro Tip: Create a shortlist of 10-15 target companies and dedicate weekly time to engaging with them online.

 

Partner With a Specialist Recruitment Agency

Specialist recruiters can give you a competitive edge. Agencies like Kensington Additive understand the nuances of the AM industry and have established relationships with key players. Here’s what they can do for you:

 

• Market your profile: A good recruiter won’t just wait for jobs to come in; they’ll actively promote you to relevant employers.
• Provide industry insights: They can guide you on salary expectations, in-demand skills, and hiring trends.
• Offer personalised support: From fine-tuning your CV to preparing you for interviews, a specialist agency ensures you’re putting your best foot forward.

 

Pro Tip: Build a strong relationship with your recruiter. Regularly update them on your availability and career goals so they can represent you effectively.

 

Use the Christmas Break Wisely

The festive season is an excellent time to regroup and prepare for the job hunt. With many people on holiday, you can use the downtime to gain an edge:

 

• Update your CV: Reflect on your achievements from the past year and ensure your CV is up-to-date.
• Refresh your online presence: Revamp your LinkedIn profile, add any new skills or certifications, and post an update announcing you’re open to opportunities (use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature).
• Scout potential employers: Use the quieter period to research and follow companies of interest. Set up job alerts for when hiring resumes in January.
• Reconnect with your network: Send holiday greetings to your contacts. It’s a low-pressure way to remind them you’re looking for opportunities.

 

Pro Tip: January is often a busy hiring period, so being prepared beforehand gives you a head start.

 

Turning the Page

Facing redundancy can be daunting, but the right approach can lead to new and unexpected opportunities. Whether you’re optimising your CV, engaging with recruiters, or networking your way into your dream job, remember that the AM industry thrives on innovation – and so can your career.

Need tailored support? The team at Kensington Additive is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s reshape your future.