Appeared in France in the 1980s, Outplacement allows senior managers with several years of experience (10 years on average) to bounce back on the job market after an economic dismissal or a voluntary departure from their company. It can be individual or collective. In fact, around 60% of outplacement missions concern groups of employees of more than 1000 individuals.In any case, it is important that you are well informed and well prepared so that this transition does not end in failure. Here are therefore 10 mistakes to avoid when choosing your outplacement platform or consultant.
1- Not having a career plan
Depending on your profile (senior manager with 5 to 15 years of experience), it is important that you have a clear idea of the next steps to take in your career, your professional project. This is especially important if you are a middle manager. Indeed, outplacement is increasingly extending to more modest profiles (middle managers with less than 5 years of experience for example).
2- Not negotiating terms well
In general, your employer pays for the outplacement firm even if there is no obligation to do so. The costs are generally estimated between 15 and 20% of your annual gross salary. This explains the reluctance of several managers to use outplacement firms. In fact, less than 5% use consultants.
3- Rushing to choose your platform
You have just lost a job. So you want to bounce back quickly. It is legitimate. Don't rush though. Take the time to discuss with several consultants in order to choose the one who best understands your aspirations and who will therefore be able to give you the best advice and better guide you. Opt for an experienced consultant. It is the assurance that he has large networks. It could be of great benefit to you.
4- Do not grieve your dismissal
If you had to ask for an outplacement consultant following economic unemployment, you will have to permanently turn this page in your life and open another one. A new window of opportunities is opening up for you.
5- Let yourself go to discouragement
Finding another job, even with an experienced consultant, can take months or even years. On average, eight out of 10 managers find a job again after less than 12 months. So you will have to be patient.
6- Do not develop a network
In general, after 5 to 10 years of experience, you have had time to develop a network. If this is not the case, you will have to work on this first project with your consultant. Do not hesitate to participate in the firm's activities, workshops or collective events. These are ideal networking opportunities. Also, be aware that the probability of finding a job through a network is 70% at the age of 40 and 90% at the age of 55.
7- Do not control your communication
You must be eloquent. Practice making pitches (know how to present yourself in a maximum of 2 minutes in front of an interlocutor or an audience). Participating in group work will help you do this.
8- Not having a plan
It is important that you proceed in successive stages with goals to achieve at each stage. Do not hesitate to celebrate the battles won, were they small in your eyes. It will motivate you more.
9- Do not do a progress report
This event in your professional career is also a time to take stock. Do you want to continue in the same sector of activity or make a move towards the job you have always dreamed of? Depending on your profile, discuss it with your consultant and take the opportunity to raise the bar if necessary.
10- Rely on headhunters
Even if many use it, it would be better if you had several strings to your bow. In addition, you should know that only 10% of managers who have requested the services of a headhunter find a job. In short, using an outplacement platform (or redeployment) is far from being an easy task. But with a good guide and a good method, it's easier.
