Expertise Q&A - Outplacement

What are outplacement services? Outplacement services are a package of career transition services provided to terminated employees, usually let go through no fault of their own. Reasons may include a company-wide reduction-in-force resulting from an acquisition, merger, or general restructuring. The career transition services are designed to help prepare terminated employees to better position themselves in the job market and make what can be a difficult transition time, a positive opportunity for exploration and personal growth.

Why offer outplacement services? The benefits of helping former employees through their career transition are twofold. First, terminated employees who feel valued and supported through their job search are less likely to engage in legal action against the company, or share negative experiences with their friends. Second, reductions-in-force impact the entire company, not only those being let go. By offering outplacement services to former employees and treating them well, you can boost current employee morale and maintain a positive image in the labor market. This can be critical when your organization moves back into a growth mode.

Why engage an outplacement firm? Engaging an outplacement firm helps terminated employees break their emotional tie to your company, replacing it with a temporary or lasting bond with their outplacement consultant who will support them during the transition time.

Why choose VF&Co? Since 1995, Valerie Frederickson & Company (VF&Co) has been the gentle alternative to the mass-market, one-size-fits-all approach of larger outplacement firms. The VF&Co team has extensive experience in corporate outplacement and career transition and has access to more than 180 partner or employee offices in every major city of the world. Our custom services are designed to assist both individuals and groups of affected employees to quickly prepare themselves to face today's difficult market conditions and greatly improve their ability to find new employment. Our goal is to make the experience humane and professional while building confidence in each individual.

What services do typical VF&Co outplacement packages include? Outplacement packages usually encompass a group workshop component followed up by one-one-one coaching sessions and access to our state-of-the-art web based solution that allows resume preparation, assessment tools, global job search and interview training. Other services offered include:

• Severance package surveys and planning
• World-class corporate and employee communications
• Notifier training and on-site take-outs
• Career Transition and specialized Workshops
• Therapeutic support from professional career counselors
• Job search strategies
• Web-based portal for easy employee access to helpful tools 24/7
• Career and job search counseling and coaching
• Career self-assessments and inventories
• Resumes, cover letters, and executive summaries
• Onsite and virtual job fairs

The VF&Co team can also provide individual executive outplacement packages developed to address the unique needs of the senior executive in transition. We use a proven process of career strategic planning, job search marketing plans, coaching and counseling, and facilitated networking, including personal introductions to key contacts within our network.