7 Characteristics of a Reliable Outplacement Company
Are you laid off and looking for a new job? If you are, then you may be asking yourself if outplacement companies can really help.
What is an outplacement company?
Outplacement consultants work with recently laid-off employees to provide them with highly personal career coaching, resume writing services, interview training, and employment guidance. Only at this crucial time, when a person is suddenly downsized or let go from their job, will outplacement consultants actually work with the individual proactively to help them discover what they really want from their career path and how they can get there.
7 Characteristics of a Reliable Outplacement Company
1) Certified Outplacement Consultants
Look for a company in the US that is a member of the Association of Career Professionals International. They have all been through extensive training with top career coaches from around the country.
2) Timeframe to Follow
It’s important to find out how much time you’ll be working with your consultant. If you’re not too sure about job hunting, then maybe 6 months would be best. For someone who is certain they’ll want to make the transition back into another company in 6 months, even 3 months can be helpful!
3) Personalized Career Planning
Outplacement companies typically offer several career planning sessions with their clients. The idea is to help you determine what your strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits are so that you can more fully understand how you fit into the marketplace. Under this process, a consultant will ask you questions such as:
- Why do you want to change jobs?
- How would your current job provide new challenges or experiences for you?
- What is your dream job?
- How many people do you think would be interested in hiring you with your current skillset and experience?
4) Customized Resume Assistance
Your resume should really emphasize what makes YOU stand out from the crowd. An outplacement consultant will work closely to help provide a winning resume that is easy for potential employers to read. Usually, a resume writing service will include a copy of your resume, a cover letter, and references if needed.
5) Accessible Advisers
Is there someone you can always call to ask questions? You need that one person who is accessible seven days a week to answer your questions or give direction as you search for employment opportunities.
6) Focused Interview Training
Your consultant can also provide you with interview training. The goal is to help you not only answer the questions that are typically asked but to help you think of what questions YOU want to ask in return! Some common types of questions they will teach you how to answer and ask include:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why were you laid off?
- Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
7) Customized Job Search Assistance
Is someone available to help you put together a list of potential employers to contact after your resume has been sent out? Having several job leads increases the likelihood that one or two companies will want to speak with you.
Conclusion
Finding a new job is all about getting out there and working with someone who has the experience and knowledge to get you results. Generally speaking, an outplacement company’s main goal is to help you find a new career path that not only fulfills your needs but also provides the personal satisfaction of “finding yourself” through work.