More companies are helping fired employees find new jobs by providing outplacement assistance. Some people greatly benefit from this assistance, suing the process to re-establish their career goals and find better jobs. Others find the process a futile exercise that simply prolongs the job search. If you have been given outplacement counseling as part of your termination package, this article may help you work more smoothly and get better results from your experience. If you happen to be paying for your own career counseling, it can help as well.
Most people start the outplacement process in some state of shock, dazed at having lost a job.
There is a tremendous urge to get into a productive routine, to see immediate results. Expectations vary tremendously. Some people erroneously think outplacement advisers will provide interviews and line up jobs. In each area, you will typically be given homework assignments - books to read, written exercises to complete and career issues to consider. Then, you will meet with your adviser, usually one hour a week, to discuss your insights and progress.