Laid Off? A Primer on Outplacement Services

Did your company provide outplacement after layoffs?

Met a Wall St person today. He has been with the same firm for over 10 years, and was recently laid off. He definitely felt a bit lost by being laid off - "I haven't had to look for a job in a decade. Where do I start?"

His former firm paid for an outplacement service, but he had no idea how to navigate the agency. When he had a call with them, he felt that they were just going through the motions, and weren’t truly engaged or listening to him.?

Does this sound like you?

Here's some outplacement agency basics that might help:?

• Even though “placement” is in the name, do not expect them to place you into a job.
• The agency gets paid by a company a set amount per ex-employee to provide some basic career assistance, and help people not feel so lost or stuck, for a set period of time (see below on how to possibly extend it).
• They are motivated to bring ex-employees in to "start the clock," and bill the company for how many actually use the service.
• Companies use outplacement services to reduce risk of retaliation, keep up appearances that they care about their ex-employees, and (hope to) maintain morale with those who remained.
• The agency doesn't care if you get a new job while using their service. Individual coaches might, and if you find one with a good network, make friends and leverage their network.?
• Let me be clear: This is not a knock on outplacement agencies. They do provide a service, and it will work for some people.

That said, HOW you use an agency is the important thing.

When you first meet the contact, here are questions to ask to give you an idea on what they will and won't do for you:

• What services do you provide?
• Is there one on one coaching, or group coaching?
• Is it in person?
• Do you have an office?
• How long has the company contracted your agency to help me?
• When does the clock start?
• Does this conversation count as "on the clock?"
• Can I put it on hold if I don't need it for a while (vacation or another reason)?
• If I come back for one day, can I put it on hold after??
• How many times can I put it on hold?
• Do you provide networking opportunities with other laid off people that are using your agency?
• Are your coaches certified? Which certifications?
• How experienced are your resume writers? Can I see some examples?
• Do I get to pick my coach or resume writer? Can I meet with a few to get a feel of who I may fit with the best?
• What industries do you serve? Does your agency have a specialty?

Their answers will give you an idea on how to effectively use their services.

What other questions might you ask an outplacement agency?

Side note: When I was laid off, I made a connection with a coach, and they were kind enough to give me much of this advice on how to best use their service, as well as some inside baseball on how they operate.

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A few last minute tips:

Always present yourself with a positive attitude. Bitter and angry is NOT sexy. You have to be “attractive” to everyone you meet, especially coaches, but really anyone you talk to. You never know.

Nobody wants to hear your story about how or why you got laid off. The stock answer should simply be "I was laid off because of a firm wide reorganization." And move on to...

Have a 30 second elevator pitch ready to go at all times. No details, just big themes.

Always talk about the future, and what you’re looking for in jobs and industries.

If someone wants to introduce you, always say “Yes, and.” Improv your way to growing your network.

Best of luck to you as you navigate your job search! You will be fine, and you will be awesome at your next job!