WHAT IS OUUTPLACEMENT?

March 25, 2009


WHAT IS OUTPLACEMENT?


Outplacement can be the biggest gift you could possibly get—or a big disappointment So much depends on the effectiveness of its delivery.

Basically, Outplacement is offered to employees who are being terminated from a company. It can happen at anywhere from a huge bank to a small manufacturing company—and everything in between.

Often, big companies who specialize in this service are called in to do the project. They charge a lot, and generally have the process mechanized to a fault. There are lots of group sessions. Data bases are shared with clients, and sometimes other companies let them know that there are job vacancies at their companies. Often there are resource libraries. They provide a format for Resume writing, and there are even sometimes videos on Interviewing and so forth. It’s a “package” project. There is scant one-on-one interaction.

Hopefully the process works well for participants. Sometimes it does, and clients are able to move on to other jobs. Clients can also be disappointed at the service they receive.

As a Sole Proprietor Career Coach, I too provide Outplacement services for corporate clients, and I believe my approach is effective and a bit unique.

Obviously there is just one of me, so the buck stops right here. Generally my projects include from thirty to fifty participants, and the success ratio is high.

We start with private, individual discussions with each participant. Being downsized is a strongly emotional occurrence, and it is essential that there is a neutral party to talk through the situation.

We look at their current Resume and start revisions for the next Targeted job situation. Particular attention is given to the Professional Summary part of the Resume.

Additionally, we craft a Cover Letter that can be adjusted to any company, position, or situation. The Resume and Cover Letter is the Professional Presentation, and vitally important.

We spend time Targeting the person’s next move. If the Target is right, and realistic, the job search process will be much easier.

Effective Interviewing skills are crucial in today’s marketplace. The first, initial, interview must be maximized in order for the candidate to move ahead into further discussions with a decision-maker.

Every participant gets a session on Salary Negotiation—what to do and not to do—so they are ready when the discussion of money comes up.

General Counseling is offered as needed. The main objective here is to be sure that the displaced worker does not drown in feelings of isolation and panic.

Effective Outplacement goes a long way. People are achieving good job offers even in the market we see today. Outplacement Services can contribute significantly to a more optimistic and healthy mind set. It is far too easy today to adopt a stance based on fear and worry.

Setting realistic goals about what kind of job—and when—can be helpful. It might well be necessary to take something we label as a “bridge” job for a while, in order to reach attainable goals that will be available later.

If you aren’t getting an Outplacement Package, perhaps you can consider the services of a Career Coach on your own. Often, for example, people come to me just for Resume Writing, or Interview Training.

Get in touch and we can talk about your special needs. www.bethross.com