Outplacement services are often provided by outplacement service firms, which are charged with accomplishing a number of specific and important objectives. In order to succeed in the outplacement industries, the businesses and potential employees need to have a basic foundation of outplacement, outplacement solutions and how these services interact with human resource capabilities.

Outplacement for beginners information can be found from a variety of sources. Not the least of which, these options include the resources to:

1. Discover what outplacement services are. Businesses who hope to be successful in the field need to have a good grasp of how to enter the field and make the most of their services offered.

2. Obtain training for the operation of outplace service firms and ouplacement service companies.

3. Find salary information and job outlook research for corporate outplacement services to learn what prospective employees would be anticipating in being hired by your place of business.

4. Investigate prospective tools for use in outplacement services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research outplacement services provided by outplacement companies

Information about outplacement is relatively easy to find. There are many sources which provide valuable and beneficial information regarding the industry and services of outplacement in an understandable manner. This can help businesses to understand what their objectives should be with regard to outplacement and allow outplacement service provider employees a clear cut understanding of their jobs at large with respect to outplacement solutions.

I recommend: Employment Spot offers a listing of outplacement services. Some of the common services offered include job training and a variety of other options. The site specializes in advising visitors as to what to expect from outplacement services. UCSF.edu also offers information about the field of outplacement and outplacement services. This site advises students and potential students on what to expect from the industry.

Provide or offer training for work at outplace service firms and with outplacement service companies

Many employees appreciate opportunities to hone their skills and become more competitive in their workplace environment and career field. It's beneficial for such individuals to obtain training with respect to outplacement services, either offered by the employer or encouraged by the employer as they obtain such accolades on their own.

I recommend: Outplacement service training is provided by ChangeBoard.com., which helps educate interested parties in what they need to do and what they should be accomplishing through outplacement procedures.

Determine the salary information and job outlook perspective regarding outplacement services

An outplacement company would benefit greatly from having a broad understanding of the industry and relevant outplacement information so that they could offer competitive salaries, accommodations and benefits to their prospective employees. Likewise, prospective employees would find such information advantageous in that they would be able to negotiate such employment opportunities at an outplacement service company in a realistic and meaningful manner.

I recommend: StateUniversity.com offers a clear and thorough examination of the job market of outplacement services. This includes the necessary education and training, the costs of this education and services and the employment outlook. WetFeet.com offers a similar examination of the outplacement industry.

Implement tools designed for use in outplacement service firms

In many businesses, tools have been designed to help the employees and the companies themselves work more efficiently. There are a number of outplacement tools available for use in such workplaces, which can make outplacement operations run much more smoothly.

I recommend: OutPlacementTools.com offers a number of services and tools designed to help with the process of outplacement. These include resume builders, financial organizers and career strategizing. Meanwhile, PeopleOp.com discusses seminars available to those needing information and resources regarding outplacement tools.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Businesses don't have to be invested in the industry personally to reap the rewards of outplacement services. Especially during trying economic times, companies are looking to downsize without further upsetting their employees. By offering outplacement services, either through their own efforts or through outplace service firms, businesses illustrate their sensitivity and concern for their employees during difficult times when cutbacks are inevitable and necessary.

Outplacement services can help strengthen the relationship between your company and departing employees, by demonstrating your commitment to their long-term career success. Even if you've asked an employee to leave, you can show them you have faith in their skills, and want to ensure that they thrive long after they leave the organization.

In the past, when companies downsized, they sent employees off with a severance package; today, companies enlist the aid of coaches or outplace service firms to help displaced employees quickly transition into new jobs, or advise them on refining their career skills to make it easier to find employment. As beneficial as this is for the employees, it's also good for the company, by enhancing its image, helping the company reorganize more quickly and efficiently, and reducing the risk of legal liability.

Corporate outplacement services include:

1. Skills, personality and interests assessment
2. Resume updating and customization
3. Job placement and outplacement information
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire an outplacement service company or consultant

Outplace service firms can assist not only in helping employees transition out of the company, but also in helping the company understand the legal issues regarding employee termination. Many outplacement service companies provide career coaches who work one-on-one with employees, helping them update their resumes, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and prepare for new career opportunities. If you're undertaking a company-wide layoff, outplacement service companies can handle the transition process for dozens, even hundreds of employees. And, because they've seen the same situation at many other companies, they'll know what employees need most during this time, and how to make the process easier for both employer and employee.

I recommend: Sai Strategies offers nationwide outplacement services to individuals and organizations, creating and implementing individualized outplacement programs, and working one-on-one with employees at a low per-employee cost. Career Partners International helps companies create outplacement programs, and will also stay on-site while employees are notified, to assist in the transition.

Create your own separation program with online outplacement solutions or software

Outplacement software may cost less than hiring a firm or coach, and can reduce time and cost of outplacement services, while still providing individualized service for your employees. Through online programs, employees can access outplacement information on their own time, even in their own homes. With these systems, employees can take personality, interest and skills assessment tests; search for and apply for jobs; and develop customized resumes.

I recommend: EmploymentTalk is an online system that integrates into your existing HR computer system, and Relational Management offers online outplacement services for displaced employees.

Make an alumni program part of your outplacement services

Even if you've had to lay off employees because of downsizing, you may want to rehire them if the company's financial state improves, or if another position opens up. An individualized outplacement program, combined with an alumni program, helps you stay connected to valued former employees, and gives them a way to stay in touch with colleagues and friends from work. Keeping former employees connected what's going on at the company helps them feel they're still valued members of the company, and may encourage them to refer other prospective employees to your organization.

I recommend: Corporate Alumni creates, oversees and hosts online corporate alumni communities. To learn about alumni programs at other companies, visit the alumni program directory at Job Hunt.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take as much care with your outplacement services as you do your hiring and retention procedures. What former employees say after they leave could have an enormous impact on your company's reputation, and on your ability to recruit new talent.