When companies are faced with laying off employees, it’s not easy for them or for the employees who are offered severance packages. One way to ease the blow is to offer access to outplacement services. While different companies can offer different services, and through varying approaches, the goal is the same: provide support during career transition.
Unfortunately, these services are frequently misunderstood. Some people assume they’ll get a resume review and suggestions and then be on their own. Others feel it’s something they might access after their emotions settle down. Still others choose to skip the benefit altogether.
The truth is that outplacement services can be one of the most powerful tools available during a career transition but only if you understand how to use them effectively.
At Transition Solutions, we’ve spent 35 years supporting individuals through workforce changes across industries, career levels, and geographies. One thing is clear: The value of outplacement isn’t found in a checklist of services but in how those services are tailored, accessed, and applied.
Outplacement Services Are Not One-Size-Fits-All
A common misconception is that outplacement programs are generic. In truth, the most effective outplacement services meet individuals where they are emotionally, professionally, and strategically.
Some people are ready to move quickly after a layoff. Others need time to process change before taking action. A personalized approach recognizes all emotions and approaches as valid.
Transition Solutions designs each outplacement experience around the individual, adapting support based on career level, industry, goals, and timing. This flexibility allows job seekers to engage deeply rather than feeling rushed or boxed into a rigid process. Whether a person needs a few questions answered or a complete A to Z of support, they can feel comfortable knowing it’s available for them.
Make the Most of Your Dedicated Career Consultant
One of the biggest differentiators with outplacement services is the people component. At Transition Solutions, you’re not given a DIY solution; instead, you have a dedicated career consultant to support you throughout your program. Of course, if you really prefer the DIY approach, we honor that as well!
Career consultants can provide support in a variety of areas, including:
- Job-search strategy and positioning.
- Resume writing to craft a true marketing document.
- LinkedIn optimization and networking tactics.
- Interview preparation and storytelling.
- Salary negotiation and offer evaluation.
Many people who work with a dedicated career consultant feel the difference. <i>“I thought I knew everything about the job search, but you helped so much”</i> is feedback we hear often. That’s because even experienced professionals benefit from objective guidance and accountability during transition.
Integration of Technology Tools
Outplacement services should help you build confidence, not create pressure. Transition Solutions’ proprietary CareerDashboard™ is designed for exactly that purpose. The dashboard includes self-directed resources and an interviewing platform with 50 recorded questions that function like an asynchronous video interview. This allows job seekers to practice responding to real interview questions while seeing and hearing how they come across on video.
This type of practice helps job seekers:
- Reduce filler words and phrases, such as um, like, and you know.
- Improve clarity and confidence on camera.
- Become more comfortable with virtual interviewing.
And if you’re interested in leveraging AI throughout your job search, the CareerDashboard™ offers multiple tips on that topic as well. It’s about using all the tools you can to feel empowered and reduce the time it takes to land your next role.
Engage in Community without Losing Privacy
Career transition can feel isolating. That’s why connection matters. But confidentiality matters just as much.
Transition Solutions offers weekly learning module webinars and networking events that provide insights from professionals and peers navigating similar transitions. Participants can learn, share, and gain perspective without pressure. Need a pick-me-up or to commiserate? There’s no better way to do that than with others who are on the same journey as you.
It’s important to note that everything within an outplacement program is held in strict confidence. Past employers and prior colleagues do not know what is discussed, allowing you to speak openly and focus fully on your next steps.
Take Advantage of Ongoing Resources
While there may be a defined timeline for working with a career consultant, based on the length of your program, your support doesn’t end when coaching sessions conclude. At Transition Solutions, you’ll continue to have access to the CareerDashboard™, weekly events, LinkedIn groups, and ongoing content as long as needed. This allows job seekers to move at their own pace while staying connected and supported. With comprehensive support that moves with you, we acknowledge that career transitions don’t always follow a fixed schedule.
Support for More than Traditional Job Searches
Not every transition leads directly to another full-time role, and effective outplacement services can be flexible in that knowledge. Whether a job seeker’s next step is a traditional position, consulting, business ownership, or retirement, Transition Solutions honors that path.
By working with career consultants who specialize in a variety of areas, you will be well positioned for success no matter what the future holds. From pursuing a board of directors position to a passion project in retirement, meaningful conversations help individuals align work with lifestyle, purpose, and long-term goals at every career stage.
Limits of Outplacement Services
While outplacement services are designed to help job seekers find a new role, one thing they rarely offer is actual job placement. For instance, Transition Solutions does not have access to a list of open roles to share with clients. Instead, our consultants teach professionals how to become their own recruiters: how to research opportunities, advocate for themselves, build networks, and navigate the job market strategically.
This approach creates independence, confidence, and long-term career resilience—all of which are vital, especially in today’s job market.
A Smarter Way to Navigate Career Transition
When used fully, outplacement services provide far more than tactical support. They offer structure during uncertainty, clarity during change, and momentum when confidence feels shaken.
As one individual shared after working with Transition Solutions, <i>“I didn’t get this kind of comprehensive support before.”</i> That difference is intentional—and it’s what helps people move forward with purpose.
At Transition Solutions, we have been helping companies and individuals with workforce changes for 35 years. Our strong reputation for consistently delivering exceptional service at value sets us apart.
If you would like more information on our services, please check out our website at https://www.transitionsolutions.com, or you can contact us directly at 888-424-0003 or email us at info@transitionsolutions.com.
Be sure to follow our LinkedIn company page, where we share advice for companies and individuals going through workforce changes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transition-solutions/.
LinkedIn Post:
Going through an unplanned career transition can cause multiple emotions and unease. But there’s a reason that companies that are going through layoffs offer outplacement services: they work! Unfortunately, some employees don’t quite understand what’s included and how these services can help them transition faster. By creating a partnership with your outplacement support provider, you’ll get far more than resume help; you’ll get a strategy for success.
Learn how to get the most out of outplacement services and why a personalized approach makes all the difference during career transition.
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