Outplacement Services: What They Are and How to Use Them

Many severance packages include outplacement services—professional career transition support paid for by your former employer. These services can be valuable if you use them effectively. This guide explains what outplacement offers, how to maximize its value, and when to negotiate for more.

What Are Outplacement Services?

Outplacement is career transition support provided to employees who have been laid off. Your former employer pays the outplacement firm to help you find your next job.

Why companies offer outplacement:

• Reduces legal risk and potential lawsuits
• Maintains goodwill with departing employees
• Protects employer brand and reputation
• Helps remaining employees feel secure
• Can reduce unemployment insurance costs

What Outplacement Services Include

Typical Service Tiers

Basic packages (1-3 months):

• Resume review and feedback
• Online resources and templates
• Group workshops
• Limited coaching sessions
• Job board access

Standard packages (3-6 months):

• Professional resume writing
• LinkedIn profile optimization
• Multiple coaching sessions
• Interview preparation
• Networking guidance
• Job search strategy
• Assessment tools

Executive packages (6-12+ months):

• Dedicated career coach
• Comprehensive resume development
• Personal branding
• Executive networking support
• Targeted opportunity research
• Salary negotiation coaching
• Ongoing support until placed

Common Service Components

Resume services:

• Professional resume writing
• Resume critique and revision
• Multiple resume versions for different targets
• Cover letter templates
• LinkedIn profile writing

Coaching and counseling:

• One-on-one career coaching
• Job search strategy development
• Skills and strengths assessment
• Career exploration
• Emotional support during transition

Skills development:

• Interview practice and feedback
• Salary negotiation training
• Networking skills
• Personal branding
• LinkedIn strategy

Job search support:

• Access to job listings
• Company research tools
• Recruiter introductions
• Networking event access
• Office space for job searching

Major Outplacement Providers

Large Firms

Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH):

• One of the largest globally
• Comprehensive service offerings
• Strong technology platform
• Good for corporate roles

Right Management (ManpowerGroup):

• Global reach
• Strong assessment tools
• Good for various levels
• Integrated with staffing services

Randstad RiseSmart:

• Technology-forward approach
• Good digital resources
• Strong coaching model
• Personalized services

Korn Ferry:

• Executive focus
• Leadership assessment
• Strong at senior levels
• Comprehensive approach

Boutique Firms

Challenger, Gray & Christmas:

• Executive specialist
• Thought leadership in career transitions
• Long track record

Career Partners International:

• Global network of local firms
• Personalized service
• Various specializations

How to Get the Most Value

Start Immediately

Don't wait to engage:

• Contact outplacement provider within days
• Momentum matters in job searching
• Services have time limits
• Early engagement shows commitment

Be an Active Participant

Your success depends on effort:

• Complete all assessments
• Attend workshops
• Use all coaching sessions
• Follow through on action items
• Do the work between sessions

Use What Matches Your Needs

Prioritize based on your situation:

• Weak resume? Focus on resume services
• Nervous interviewer? Use interview coaching
• Limited network? Emphasize networking help
• Career changer? Explore assessment tools

Ask for Specific Help

Be direct about your needs:

• "I need help with executive presence in interviews"
• "I want to transition into a new industry"
• "My LinkedIn profile isn't generating leads"
• "I'm struggling with the emotional aspects"

Build Relationship with Your Coach

Your coach is your advocate:

• Be honest about your situation
• Share feedback on what's working
• Ask for introductions and referrals
• Use them as a sounding board

What Outplacement Does Well

Professional Resume Development

Value:

• Objective perspective on your experience
• Knowledge of what recruiters want
• ATS optimization expertise
• Industry-specific formatting

Interview Preparation

Value:

• Practice with feedback
• Mock interviews
• STAR method coaching
• Difficult question preparation

Emotional Support

Value:

• Normalizing your experience
• Helping process the transition
• Maintaining motivation
• Structured accountability

Networking Strategy

Value:

• Teaching effective networking
• Providing scripts and templates
• Role-playing conversations
• Expanding your approach

Limitations of Outplacement

They Don't Find You a Job

Reality check:

• Outplacement provides tools and support
• You still do the work of job searching
• They won't hand you job offers
• Success requires your effort

Generic Advice

Common complaint:

• Templates may feel cookie-cutter
• Advice isn't always industry-specific
• Large firms may be less personalized
• Push-back if recommendations don't fit

Time Limits

Typical constraints:

• Services expire (3-12 months typical)
• Coaching sessions are limited
• Access to resources ends
• Extensions rarely offered

Variable Quality

Coach matters:

• Quality varies by individual coach
• Request a different coach if needed
• Ask for someone with relevant experience
• Don't settle for poor fit

Negotiating for Better Outplacement

When to Negotiate

In your severance negotiation:

• Ask what outplacement is included
• Request upgraded services
• Ask for extended duration
• Request executive-level services

What to Ask For

Upgrade requests:

• Longer duration (6 months vs. 3)
• Executive package vs. standard
• Additional coaching sessions
• Dedicated coach vs. group programs

Alternative asks:

• Cash equivalent if you prefer self-directed
• Specific firm if you have a preference
• Resume writing without full package
• Extended access after time limit

How to Position the Ask

Sample language: "I understand outplacement is included. Given my 15 years and senior level, I'd like to request the executive package with dedicated coaching for 6 months rather than the standard 3-month program."

Severance negotiation guide →

Alternatives to Outplacement

If You Prefer Cash

You might ask for:

• Cash equivalent (often 50-75% of service cost)
• Stipend for your own career services
• Professional development allowance

DIY Approach

Free or low-cost alternatives:

• LinkedIn Learning
• YouTube career content
• Free resume reviews
• Networking through your own contacts
• Career center at your alma mater

Private Career Coaching

If you hire your own:

• More control over provider selection
• Potentially more personalized
• Continues as long as you pay
• Can choose industry specialist

Costs:

• Career coaching: $100-500/hour
• Executive coaching: $300-1000/hour
• Resume services: $200-2000
• Full programs: $3,000-15,000+

Making the Decision

Use Outplacement If:

• It's already included in your package
• You need structured support
• Resume/interview skills need work
• You benefit from accountability
• You're uncertain about next steps

Negotiate Alternatives If:

• You have strong job search skills
• You prefer self-directed approach
• You have a robust network
• You know exactly what you want
• Cash would be more valuable to you

Red Flags in Outplacement

Warning Signs

Low-quality indicators:

• Only group sessions, no individual coaching
• Very short duration (1-2 months)
• No actual resume writing (just review)
• Inexperienced coaches
• Poor technology platform
• High caseloads per coach

Questions to Ask

Before engaging:

• How many clients does my coach work with?
• What's my coach's background?
• How many sessions are included?
• What's the average time to placement?
• Can I switch coaches if needed?
• What happens when the time limit ends?

Maximizing Your Time

First Month

• Complete all assessments
• Get resume professionally developed
• Establish relationship with coach
• Set clear goals and timeline

Months 2-3

• Use interview coaching
• Practice networking
• Refine job search strategy
• Address any skill gaps

Months 4-6 (if available)

• Continue coaching as needed
• Focus on active opportunities
• Negotiate offers
• Transition support

Before Time Expires

• Download all resources
• Save templates and materials
• Get final resume versions
• Thank your coach
• Ask for any remaining support

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Key Takeaways

1. Engage immediately — Start with outplacement right away
2. Be active — Your effort determines the value you get
3. Use your coach — Build a relationship and be specific about needs
4. Focus on gaps — Prioritize services that address your weaknesses
5. Know the limits — Outplacement supports but doesn't replace your effort
6. Negotiate if possible — Ask for upgrades in your severance
7. Watch the clock — Services expire, so use them fully

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Related Resources:

• Resume Writing Guide →
• Interview Preparation →
• Networking Strategies →
• Severance Negotiation →
• LinkedIn Optimization →