Carer Diva wrote a great post on how frequently people pass up free career advice. Eve Tahmincioglu references the fact that many companies that go through layoffs offer career assistance services (often referred to as outplacement) as part of their severance packages to employees but many don’t take advantage of it. I am constantly surprised by the number of people who decline outplacement services. This service is offered at no cost to the displaced employee and generally includes a multitude of services ranging from resume guidance, to assessment, to career coaching. Yet many people never take advantage of these services because they are too angry, stubborn, or proud to see their value. Here are the most common objections I hear regarding outplacement services.
- Will an outplacement service find me a job? If not, what’s the point? Outplacement firms don’t recruit for open positions, but they do prepare you for interviews and help you get in front of recruiters. They can give you a competitive edge in a tight labor market.
- My resume is in good shape. I don’t think I need any help. Hmmm. And just how many resumes have you written in your life? Two or three? Doesn’t it make sense to have a professional give it a once over, just in case there is a way to improve upon the quality of the content?
- I’m a great interviewer; once I get my foot in the door, I always nail it. So how are you getting in the front door? Have you explored every possible strategy, optimized your network, and created a killer resume? Is it possible that a coach could offer up a new strategy to add into the mix?
- I have a lot of contacts and finding work shouldn’t be a problem. Fantastic! What’s your plan for executing on that strategy? Do you have a way to manage, systematize, and track your contacts? What’s your follow up plan and what do you plan to do when you hit networking obstacles? A coach might have some fresh advice for you.
- My resume is circulating on the various job boards. I think I have it covered. Yep, you have it covered. You have blanketed the boards with your resume and you now represent the low hanging fruit that few recruiters want to touch. There are better strategies for creating visibility for your candidacy and a coach can walk you through them.
Let go of the past and remember that the outplacement firm is not connected to your former company; they are merely providing a service to their employees. If you were eligible for outplacement services and declined, contact the person who administered your severance package and see if the resources are still available. If not, check out the Career Solvers home page for some free resume and job search downloads.
Great post, Barbara and so necessary! I recently began contributing on a project basis to a company that offers outplacement services. I am amazed at the type of information and support they offer job seekers, many of which would never have paid for that type of comprehensive assistance. I think you hit the nail on the head when you wrote, “Let go of the past and remember that the outplacement firm is not connected to your former company.” Why else would someone not take advantage of free assistance!? Even if the resume or job-search campaign is perfect, it can’t hurt to have someone who helps for a living, help!
In the case of the few professionals who I have provided assistance to via this outplacement service, they have employed my (otherwise $200+ per consult) assistance free! Again, great post.
Rosa,
I think sometimes reality sinks in several months later and at that point people wish they had taken advantage of the free services. By that time it is often too late. A layoff evokes so many emotions and sometimes the grief or anger clouds the person’s judgement. I see that all too often. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!