Outplacement: our experience

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Why outplacement? Sharing our experience

Senior Consultant and Coach Liisa Raudsepp shares Tripod’s experience.

What is the difference between career counselling and outplacement? A client usually seeks career counselling at their own initiative (paying for it himself/herself), while outplacement is an extra offered by the organisation to employees whom they have laid off. Outplacement has a number of benefits both for the individuals and the employer.

The first topic that comes up in outplacement is the thoughts and feelings concerning lay-off. If an individual has been released suddenly, the decision may come unexpected and be quite shocking. Even if there is information available about the upcoming downsizing, it can still be hard to take in that you have been laid off.

The predominant feeling that comes with lay-off is disappointment. It is common to feel that the organisation did not really value you and how this overrides all previous positive experience. That is why it is important to have an opportunity to discuss these feelings on neutral grounds, to overcome the associated loss and proceed to action. Examining the emotions that come up helps make peace with the lay-off and maintain a positive attitude to the employer. For some people the lay-off can be a welcome change because they have thought about moving on for a long time but have not had a proper impulse.

Another psychological issue that can surface is self-confidence. Being laid off can feel as if being dumped by one’s partner, and make the ‘dumpee’ doubt his/her values, skills and strengths — would they be enough to succeed in the future? Again, this does not apply to everyone, as there are also people who will immediately start looking for new employment opportunities. If necessary, it is possible to focus on strengths and vision regarding future employment at outplacement sessions. It can be a perfect moment to take your time and think about what you really want. What are your expectations for life in general and for work and career? This is a chance to think big and find a more satisfying job.

Apart from that, the process is similar to career counselling (setting goals, plans, drafting a CV and LinkedIn profile, job interview role play, coaching to achieve goals).

Clients may expect that the counsellor will look up suitable vacancies for them during outplacement to find a new job for them. In Tripod, we still proceed from the main definition of counselling, i.e. to focus on supporting the client in their search for a job. As a Chinese saying goes: Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, and you feed him for life.

Tripod has several years of experience in career counselling and outplacement. When interested, please contact