After being laid off, executive-level employees are given career guidance, coaching, and other types of assistance in finding new jobs through executive outplacement. An outplacement firm’s services vary depending on the firm’s philosophy and resources, the types of services paid for by either a corporate or individual client, and the client’s specific needs. Typically, executive outplacement begins with a resume review, and the employee may be offered workshops and training in job-search skills, as well as access to supportive services such as cover letter writing and ongoing job coaching. The length of time a laid-off employee can participate in an executive outplacement program varies significantly and is determined by the laid-off executive’s ability to find new employment as well as the terms of the outplacement service’s contract with the client or the client’s former employer.
There are times in business when terminating the employment of one or more employees is in the best interests of the company. Many of these businesses, on the other hand, recognize the importance of recognizing these employees’ contributions by assisting them in finding new jobs. As a result, these businesses may include executive outplacement services as part of a severance package for employees. Many companies specialize in these services and may provide a variety of job search and placement assistance. In some cases, an employer has the option of choosing which services will be available to terminated employees. The budget sent by the terminating employer is usually used to make the decision.
The availability of a job coach to terminated employees is a common feature of executive outplacement services. The ideal job coach is someone who is familiar with vocational counseling and business hiring practices and can advise his or her client on effective job strategies as well as potential job-search challenges. In some cases, the job coach may offer his or her clients the chance to participate in mock interviews to help them feel more at ease during the interview process. In addition, these interviews allow a job coach to observe his or her client’s behavior and mannerisms in order to provide constructive feedback. Other services that may be available include group networking meetings where job seekers can offer each other support, feedback, and potential job leads, as well as online and classroom job search training.