4 tips for the perfect outplacement process

Are you offered help in finding other work? If so, you can get that help from an outplacement agency. But which agency or career counselor is best for you? In this blog, I give you four tips that can help you put together the perfect outplacement program for yourself.

#1 Think about what you need

When you are allowed or required to look for other work, there are a lot of things that come up. Maybe you really have to get used to the idea, for example, and don't feel like applying for a job right away. Maybe you don't really know what kind of work you want to do. And if you do know this then you need to work on your application skills, your LinkedIn profile, your network. What kind of help or information would you like to receive? And maybe you would also like to be guided by someone with specific knowledge, experience or characteristics. Before you start looking for the right mentor, think about what you think is important and would like to see reflected in your journey.

#2 Be well informed

It is quite possible that your employer already has contacts with outplacement agencies. Ask about their experiences with these agencies. Also, if that is not clear, ask if you can choose your own agency. People around you may be able to give you good tips or share their experiences. Do you have one or more agencies in mind? Then ask if you can drop by for an informal meeting. During the conversation you can explain your needs and get information about the possibilities the other agency can offer you. If that fits what you need, and it feels right, then you can make a choice.

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#3 Choose your team

At some agencies, you will have a permanent career counselor, while at others you will deal with several people. What about the agency of your choice? An outplacement process is hard work; you will probably need expert advice as well as support and sparring partners. Fantastic if you can find all that in one person, but you may also build a team. Acquaintances, friends, colleagues and family can also be part of that team. Ask people if they want to help you and specify what you need from these individuals.

#4 Check your expectations.

Writing letters, taking courses, having conversations, looking for jobs. Looking for other work takes time and energy. The outplacement agency teaches you how to do that well and smartly. Sometimes people think that outplacement agencies are like employment agencies, with a window full of jobs to choose from. It doesn't usually work that way. Fortunately not, because then you would have little choice. What you can expect is that the agency thinks with you, offers expert advice and practical tips to increase your chances of success. And, of course, an outplacement counselor offers support when the going gets tough and heartfelt congratulations on finding that job!

Now that you've put together the right track and the right team and you know what to expect, you're ready to get started. Good luck!

- Katja Oostergetel
Career Coach