Losing your job is one of life's most stressful experiences— financially, professionally, and emotionally. Outplacement services exist to help you land on your feet faster. Whether your employer provides these services or you need to find your own, this guide explains what's available and how to make the most of the support during this difficult transition.
What's in This Guide
What Is Outplacement?
Outplacement services help employees who've been laid off or terminated find new employment. These services typically include:
Career Coaching
- One-on-one sessions with career professionals
- Career direction and goal setting
- Job search strategy development
- Accountability and support
Job Search Support
- Resume writing and optimization
- LinkedIn profile development
- Cover letter templates and guidance
- Application strategy
Interview Preparation
- Mock interviews
- Common question preparation
- Salary negotiation coaching
- Video interview tips
Networking Support
- Networking strategy
- Introduction facilitation
- Professional group connections
- Personal branding guidance
Employer-Provided Outplacement
What Employers Typically Offer
Many companies provide outplacement as part of severance packages:
- Basic packages: Online resources, group workshops, limited coaching
- Standard packages: 3-6 months of services, individual coaching sessions
- Executive packages: 6-12 months, extensive one-on-one coaching
Major Outplacement Providers
- Lee Hecht Harrison: Large global provider, comprehensive services
- Right Management: Part of ManpowerGroup, wide reach
- Challenger, Gray & Christmas: Executive-focused, strong reputation
- RiseSmart: Technology-enabled, modern approach
- Career Partners International: Global network of local providers
Maximizing Employer-Provided Services
Tips for Getting the Most Value
- Start immediately: Don't wait—engage with services right away
- Use all sessions: Don't leave coaching hours unused
- Be specific: Tell coaches exactly what you need help with
- Do the homework: Complete assignments between sessions
- Negotiate for more: If offered minimal services, ask for more
If You Weren't Offered Outplacement
Ask for it. Many employers will add outplacement services if requested, especially during severance negotiations. It costs them less than you might think and helps with their reputation.
Independent Outplacement Services
If your employer didn't provide outplacement, or you want more support:
Private Career Coaches
- Services: One-on-one coaching tailored to your needs
- Cost: $100-300+/session
- Finding coaches: See our guide on finding a career coach
Resume Services
- Professional resume writers: $200-1000+ depending on level
- Executive resume services: $500-2000+
- LinkedIn optimization: Often bundled or $100-300 standalone
Online Platforms
- TopResume: Resume writing and job search services
- The Muse: Career coaching and job search resources
- LinkedIn Career Services: Resume review, coaching
Free Resources After Job Loss
Government Resources
- State unemployment offices: Job search assistance, training programs
- American Job Centers: Free career counseling, resume help, job listings
- WIOA programs: Training and education funding for displaced workers
- Veterans services: Specialized support for veterans
Non-Profit Organizations
- Dress for Success: Professional attire and career development
- Goodwill: Job training and employment services
- Jewish Vocational Services (JVS): Open to all, career services
- Local workforce development boards: Varies by area
Online Free Resources
- LinkedIn Learning: Free with many library cards
- Google Career Certificates: Affordable, industry-recognized
- YouTube: Extensive interview and job search content
- Indeed Career Guide: Free resources and articles
Emotional Support During Job Loss
Job loss isn't just a practical challenge—it's an emotional one. The grief, anger, fear, and shame can be overwhelming. This is where many outplacement services fall short.
Common Emotional Responses
- Shock and denial: "This can't be happening"
- Anger: At employer, economy, self
- Fear: Financial concerns, uncertainty about future
- Shame: Feeling like a failure
- Depression: Loss of purpose, identity, routine
- Anxiety: About interviews, rejection, starting over
Marina AI: 24/7 Emotional Support
Marina AI provides always-available support for the emotional side of job loss:
- Process the shock: Talk through what happened without judgment
- Manage anxiety: Cope with financial fears and uncertainty
- Handle rejection: Process application rejections without spiraling
- Build confidence: Prepare mentally for interviews
- Available anytime: 3 AM panic about finances? Marina is there
- Cost: $33.33/month unlimited
Why emotional support matters: Job search success depends heavily on mindset. Desperation shows in interviews. Depression leads to half-hearted applications. Processing your emotions isn't a luxury—it's essential to landing your next role. Learn more.
Additional Mental Health Resources
- EAP services: If still covered through end of employment
- Therapy: For depression or severe anxiety
- Support groups: Job loss support groups, many free
Creating Your Support Plan
Immediate (First Week)
- Understand your benefits: Severance, unemployment, COBRA
- Engage outplacement: If provided, start immediately
- Set up emotional support: Marina AI for daily processing
- Tell close contacts: Controlled disclosure to inner circle
Short-Term (First Month)
- Update materials: Resume, LinkedIn, references
- Develop strategy: Target roles, companies, approach
- Activate network: Inform contacts you're looking
- Start applying: Quality over quantity
Ongoing
- Daily: Job search activities, emotional check-ins with Marina AI
- Weekly: Networking conversations, strategy review
- As needed: Coaching sessions, skill development
You Will Get Through This
Job loss is painful, but it's not the end. Many people find that their next role is better than what they lost—better fit, better pay, better satisfaction. The key is staying active, getting support, and taking care of your mental health along the way.
Marina AI is available right now to help you process what you're going through—no appointment needed.
Need support after job loss? Try a free session with Marina AI—available 24/7 for the emotional side of career transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should outplacement services last?
Adequate outplacement typically provides 3-6 months of support for most professionals, longer for executives. If offered less, try to negotiate for more. The average job search takes 3-6 months, so services should ideally cover this period.
Should I take the first job offer I get?
Not necessarily. Financial pressure is real, but taking a wrong-fit job often leads to another search soon after. Evaluate offers against your goals and minimum requirements. That said, if you need income immediately, a bridge job while continuing to search is valid.
How do I explain being laid off in interviews?
Be honest but brief: "My role was eliminated as part of a restructuring." Don't badmouth your former employer. Quickly pivot to what you're looking for and what you bring. Layoffs are common and understood—interviewers care more about your qualifications than why you're available.
What if I can't afford paid outplacement services?
Use free resources: government job centers, library resources (many have LinkedIn Learning access), non-profit career services, and online content. Marina AI at $33.33/month provides unlimited emotional support at a fraction of coaching costs. Focus paid resources where they matter most (resume writing, if yours needs major help).