Career Change & Job Outplacement Services: Taking Control of Your Future
Are you feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your current role? You’re not alone. Every year, millions of workers change jobs or careers to overcome dissatisfaction with their current positions.
If you’re considering a career change too, you might be wondering how to navigate this. One of the best things to do is get some help.
Career change and job outplacement services have seen their popularity increase in recent years, as more and more career changers seek professional help finding new jobs.
In this article, we’ll discuss job outplacement services and how they can help you take control of your future.
Ready? Let’s get started!
What are Job Outplacement Services?
Job outplacement services provide one-on-one or group support to people looking for jobs.
If you’re wondering what to do for a career change, hiring a job outplacement service is one place to start.
These services typically help with things like writing cover letters and CVs, interview preparation, and career coaching in general. They may also provide support for networking by sending you information on relevant networking opportunities.
Jesse Hanson, Content Manager at Online Solitaire & World of Card Games, says, “Making a career change can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone. Seeking professional assistance is smart and can help to dramatically cut so much of the stress career changers typically feel.”
What are the Benefits of Using a Job Outplacement Service
Making the decision to use or not to use a job placement service is easier when you understand what to expect from one.
Here are some of the most notable benefits they offer:
Improved Resume
The first thing most job outplacement services will do for you is taken a look at your current CV, to help you adapt it to suit any new roles.
One way that these services achieve this is by identifying and emphasizing any transferable skills and strengths you may have acquired or demonstrated in previous positions.
Interview Skills
Interviews are usually nervy for everyone. This may be doubly true of career changers, who may feel unqualified or unprepared for the roles they’ve applied for.
Job outplacement services may help you overcome this, as they’ll coach you through interview preparation and share insights into the expectations of the job.
Access to Valuable Resources and Networks
Outplacement services typically have access to large networks of potential employers. Instead of firing off shots in the dark, working with an outplacement service may mean that you get connected to jobs that suit your profile better.
According to Jerry Han, CMO at PrizeRebel, “When it comes to finding jobs or any economic opportunities whatsoever, having a large qualified network is an immensely powerful advantage.”
If you don’t have the budget for a placement service, a good alternative would be to use digital tools like LoopCV that help you apply to tons of jobs automatically.
Support System During a Time of Transition
Job searching and career-changing can be quite stressful for professionals, leading many to turn to things like exercise, yoga, horoscopes, and so on.
One commonly overlooked source of relief for job search-related stress, however, are outplacement services. In addition to the services we’ve mentioned above, outplacement services can also be a crucial source of mental and emotional support.
You will likely be provided with a mentor or dedicated customer support staff, who, typically, will provide both career support and some motivation and encouragement.
Hopefully, you now understand how outplacement services can play a crucial role in landing you your next position. Next, we’ll consider the different types of outplacement services.
Employer-Provided Outplacement Services
Sometimes companies hire outplacement services to help to depart staff. These companies may offer support for a number of reasons, which include protecting their brand and preventing lawsuits.
Some people question the wisdom of using employer-provided outplacement services.
In most cases, there’s no reason not to. Since your employer will be covering the costs of using the service, you should take advantage of the opportunity.
However, you should keep in mind that an outplacement service hired by your employer will most likely put the company’s best interests ahead of yours.
Independent Providers
Independent outplacement services are the opposite of employer-provided outplacement.
Individuals can approach these services on their own, seeking help finding a job or transitioning into a new industry.
If you can afford it, using independent outplacement services may help eliminate any potential conflicts of interest.
Group Providers
Outplacement services can be structured to offer support to multiple employees at once. This is often the case when a company undertakes a mass layoff.
Group outplacement services typically offer support through things like workshops and other group activities. They often also create communities that allow for mutual support between employees.
However, since there will usually be too many participants for individualised support, this might mean getting less value for your participation than you would with an individualised program.
Individualized Programs
Instead of joining a group program, people looking to get the most value out of an outplacement experience may consider individualised programs. These programs offer many of the same benefits as group programs do, with the added advantage of one-on-one coaching and support.
However, this can make them significantly more expensive to use. Individualized programs provide a high level of customization, making them ideal for senior executives or individuals with unique career paths.
As we’ve just shared, outplacement services can come in various forms, each with unique pros and cons.
Once you’ve decided on the outplacement structure that best meets your needs, the next step would be to choose the particular service you’d like to work with.
Here are some tips to help you make the best choice, next.
Questions to Ask Potential Outplacement Providers
Not all outplacement services provide the same structures and packages. To be sure of what you’ll be getting, here are a few simple questions to ask before you decide:
What Services are on Offer?
As we’ve mentioned, outplacement providers don’t all offer the same services. First, decide what sort of help you’d like.
Are you looking for assistance with creating a CV and cover letter, or are you more interested in networking and interview prep? Finding a service that caters to your specific needs is the first step in choosing the right outplacement service to work with.
What Are the Costs and Payment Options?
Pricing is another important factor to consider. If you opt for an independent service, getting the answer to this question very early in the process is essential.
Even if you do have the money for a high-end service, you should keep in mind that your budget should match the potential benefits.
For example, high-level professionals like CEOs may gain a lot more value from high-end outplacement services, which are highly personalized.
Are the Coaches Qualified?
A third, crucial question to ask any outplacement service is what credentials their coaches have.
Will these coaches be a good fit for you? You’ll want to be sure that they have actual experience in your industry, and that they’ve worked at a similar level or higher, in comparison to the role you may be seeking.
Taking Charge of Your Career Path
We’ve shared a few helpful tips on outplacement services. If you’re looking to make a job or industry change, these services can provide crucial resources and guidance, helping you apply your time and energy effectively.
If you’re not yet sure a career change is right for you, you may enjoy reading this guide exploring whether you should shift or change your career.
