In today’s tough economic climate, with downsizing and layoffs and where corporate decisions have such a major impact on the lives of individuals, more and more companies are seeking the assistance of top outplacement services and firms. Business has been booming for leaders in this specialty industry; names such as Waldron, Lee Hecht Harrison, DBM, Right Management, and CareerCurve dominate the outplacement market.

Why do companies seek the services of others during layoffs?  The truth is, most in-house HR departments are ill-equipped to help transition their own employees while trying to juggle corporate downsizing and terminations. They also lack the expertise and professional resources to navigate these employees to a safe harbor. Well-managed companies understand that a smooth, seamless transition for their employees into the waiting arms of coaches will reflect favorably on the company. At the opposite end are employees who are ‘dumped’ into the marketplace and thus harbor bitter and angry feelings toward their former employer.

 The unique selling proposition (USP) of all these outplacement firms is that they provide one-on-one coaching for the newly dismissed employee. Each of these companies vies for market share within a highly competitive environment, as they tout their services, staff, tools, and recruitment resources. They all advertise their multidimensional programs, which provide first-class career transition services with a personalized review of each candidate’s résumé, marketing plan, and strategy for a speedy turnaround in the current market.

According to CareerBuilder, “over 75% of companies use outplacement services because of the great benefits [they provide], including improvements in their organization’s image, productivity, profits and staff morale. Using outplacement services also reduces the stress of the human resources and the management team.”

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conducted a poll in October 2008 to determine how many companies were using outplacement services for their downsized employees. SHRM found that 38 percent of employers—most were large sector companies—indicated that they would offer outplacement services for their laid-off employees. (Information wasn’t readily available for the nonprofit or government sector positions.)

Fees for outplacement coaching, purchased by the downsizing organization, range from $1,000 to upwards of $15,000, depending on the position and level of the employee, the years of service at the organization, and the amount of money a company has dedicated toward investment in the employee.  Some employees are given one month and others up to a year including an office and office services.

All of these organizations know and understand the importance of coaching. Coaching makes a difference in helping employees deal with their own job insecurity and anxiety coupled with the lay-off blues. Transition coaching helps the dismissed employee to understand his/her critical skills and abilities within the labor market and determine the best and most appropriate course of action given the age, career, skills, and aptitude of the individual.

Our Unique Selling Proposition

Alumni Career Services (ACS) at the University of Utah provides the same services that the fancy outplacement firms offer and has been doing so for more than eight years. We at ACS employ a coaching model that is fundamental to our program paradigm.

As a career transition coach, I partner with our alumni and clients to keep them moving forward through this reinvention process so that they are able to reach their career goals and minimize the downtime between jobs.

A coach can lead you forward to help you:

• Clarify your goals
• Assess your career options and identify your strengths and assets
• Access the resources necessary to explore career opportunities and alternatives
• Prepare your résumé, cover letter, and career transition plan
• Research the job market and dig out those ‘hidden’ opportunities
• Prepare you for interviews and salary negotiation

Our fees are a fraction of those outplacement firms charge. In addition, we offer similar tools, a list of job opportunities, and specialized coaching. We are plugged into companies and their needs and job leads; plus, we have a thorough understanding of the economic job market in Utah.

Alumni Career Services at the University of Utah are the perfect alternative, particularly if your company fails to provide outplacement services for you. If you have been downsized, laid off, come talk to me.

For reading this article, I will offer one hour of free coaching. Just mention that you saw this article when you call to make the appointment. (Offer valid April 1-30.)

Julie Swaner, Program Manager Alumni Career Services,
(801) 585-5036

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