Understanding Outplacement Services
Outplacement is typically any type of career transition service provided during a reduction in force. Many organizations across the world take advantage of third-party service providers who are experts in this area. These organizations can provide support and training to HR and line managers who have to notify employees, in addition to providing services to the affected employees.
Types of Outplacement Services
Services differ according to the level of the employee in the organization, ranging from individualized career transition support (for more senior levels) to group resume writing and job search technique workshops. The benefit to the employee is that it kick-starts them into the transition with professional support from experts who understand the emotional challenges of being laid off. Further, for many, it may be the only time they stop to truly evaluate their skills, abilities, competencies, needs, wants, and options. Having been a career counselor and outplacement consultant for many years, I can tell you that most people gain good insight working with outplacement providers.
Outplacement vs. Recruitment Services
It is important to differentiate outplacement from recruitment services. The typical outplacement firm is not a recruiting firm, although they usually have professional links to headhunters, etc. They do not promise to find you a job; rather, they teach you techniques to look for work, and they can assist you in polishing your networking and interviewing skills.
Historically, individuals who are offered outplacement services are less likely to litigate and often make the transition to the next role in a shorter amount of time.