So, you were let go from your job, and the company included outplacement services as part of your severance package. At first, it might feel reassuring to have some support as you search for a new position. But consider this: while outplacement services claim to guide you through each step of the job search process, their impact is often limited, and success rates can be surprisingly low.
Limitations of Outplacement Services
The most important thing to understand is that outplacement companies do not represent you. They represent your former employer, and their goals are quite different than yours. By offering outplacement, companies seek to demonstrate corporate responsibility, protect their reputation, preserve morale among remaining employees, and maintain positive relationships with former employees. Whether outplacement succeeds in helping you find a new job is not the priority for your ex-employer.
Here are just a few of the limitations you will encounter when relying on outplacement services:
- Lack of industry-specific expertise: Outplacement consultants often lack in-depth knowledge of your specific industry, meaning they are not likely to fully understand your skills, experience, or career path. Their guidance is usually generic advice that you could get out of a job-hunting guide rather than targeted insights.
- High candidate-to-coach ratios: With too many candidates per career coach, outplacement providers often deliver generalized guidance that doesn’t address specific job search challenges. This diluted support is rarely impactful in helping you navigate competitive, high-level job searches.
- Basic resume services: Resume support in outplacement is often limited to templated formats, which are inadequate for higher-level roles. It lacks the customization needed to truly stand out in competitive markets.
- Generic interview preparation: Outplacement interview coaching is frequently conducted in group settings with general tips rather than personalized strategies. It lacks the tailored approach that resonates with specific roles and industries.
- Limited, outdated contact lists: While outplacement consultants may provide a list of companies or recruiters, these lists are often outdated and lack key industry contacts. They also rarely offer insights on how to approach these contacts or craft messages that resonate. Additionally, the lists often miss numerous relevant companies with open roles, limiting their usefulness.
How Is 20/20 Foresight Different?
20/20 Foresight Executive Marketing & Job Finding Program provides services far beyond what you will get with outplacement.
- One-on-one career guidance from industry experts: You get a dedicated senior consultant with more than ten years of experience in the real estate, financial services, and professional services industries, plus a researcher for personalized, white glove service that others can’t match. We take time to get to know you and what you want from your career. And because we are also executive recruiters, our career coaching is steeped in 30 years of experience and thousands of placements.
- A compelling resume that works: We are experts in the art and science of resume writing. We know what hiring managers are looking for, so we know how to make your resume compelling. In many cases, we create multiple versions to position you effectively across various industries and roles.
- Professional social media branding: In today’s digital age, a strong LinkedIn presence is essential. We develop a polished social media profile that highlights your accomplishments and aligns with your career goals. A well written LinkedIn profile will give you credibility and establish you as a trustworthy potential candidate.
- Individually tailored interview coaching: As seasoned executive recruiters, we understand the interview process inside and out. Over multiple coaching sessions, we’ll critique and fine-tune your skills. You’ll walk into interviews confident and prepared.
- Personal introductions to key decision-makers: We craft your story and market your skills and experience to leading companies and organizations. We have the most extensive database of decisionmakers in the real estate and financial services industries and a powerful digital platform that allows us to connect with them on an individual basis. Each week, we contact 200-300 companies and 300-500 recruiters a week on your behalf.
- Securing the best offer: We have arranged more than 15,000 employment agreements and have accurate, real-time data on compensation packages for those in your exact role. Armed with this information and our expert negotiation strategies, you will be able to secure the optimal offer.
The most valuable thing we provide to our executive marketing clients is results: Our success rate is 93%. Within the first six months, many of our clients are placed in a job they want, not one they settled for. In fact, many of our clients receive multiple job offers. In the last five years alone, we’ve placed more than 500 executive-level professionals in positions around the world.
To learn more about 20/20’s Executive Marketing & Job Finding Program, schedule a conversation today with one of our experts by emailing foresight@2020-4.com.