With today’s bad economy, more and more companies are finding themselves faced with the situation of having to reduce headcount to remain competitive. As part of this process many firms consider using the services of an outplacement firm. Outplacement is a service for people who are soon-to-leave or have recently left their place of employment. Usually, an employer hires an outplacement service to help a displaced employee transition successfully to a new job.

Here are five tips to consider when selecting an outplacement firm:

• Be clear about the types of services provided – group or individual one-on-one outplacement. For the majority of outplaced employees, if your budget permits, individual outplacement is the preferred option since it provides one-on-one support that will help them move forward more quickly than they would on their own.
• Areas of Specialty. Another factor to consider when selecting an outplacement firm is whether it is important to you that they have experience working with the type of displaced employees you will be sending them. A related factor is whether it is important to you that the outplacement company specializes in dealing with companies like yours.
• Experience with Current Job Search Practices. How important is it to you that the outplacement firm be experienced with Internet job search techniques? Is it likely that the Internet will play a key role in your displaced employees’ job search strategy?
• Length of time support is provided. Another factor to consider when selecting outplacement services is the amount of time you feel the displaced worker would require outplacement support. In general, the more senior-level the position, the longer it will take the displaced employee to find suitable employment.
• Costs. Outplacement costs must be considered when selecting an outplacement firm. Check to see whether outplacement costs are clearly defined and stated on the outplacement firm’s web site and in their marketing materials. Are there affordable packages available that provide the services you feel your displaced employees would most benefit from without providing unwanted services?

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