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Tips Help Laid Off Workers during Current Economic Recession

In wake of the current economic recession, many companies have had to shut down, eliminate jobs, or lay off workers.  Most laid off employees are being presented with severance packages, which in many cases, include outplacement services.

Emily Westerman, associate director, Office of Career Management at New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (www.scps.nyu.edu), is an expert in career management, planning and development. 

"Having spent four years working with clients in a major financial institution's internal outplacement service, I saw first hand, the impact of this support and resource in assisting individuals in moving forward after unexpected job loss," says Emily Westerman. "In many cases, I saw individuals turn life long passions into their next career."

Below are Westerman’s tips for employees on how to maximize the benefits of an outplacement service experience –

Assess all the services that are available and prioritize which ones will best meet your needs.  Many companies offer services to employees to assist them with their career transition and job search, whether it’s an outplacement or career transition firm that has either been contracted by the company, an internal function that has already been in place, or a role that is taken on by individuals in the HR department. Individuals delivering outplacement services typically have combined backgrounds in career counseling, recruiting, human resources, and other related areas.

Establish a relationship with your outplacement counselor.  “Think of your outplacement counselor as a supporter and adviser,” advises Westerman. “They can also be a sounding board for challenges you are facing during this transition.

Before your initial meeting, think about whether you want to continue to work in the same industry or role. “If you ever thought about making a career change, this is a perfect time to assess skills, interests, needs, values and preferences with a professional specializing in assisting people with career transitions,” says Westerman. “Many outplacement services include assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs Type indicator that identify different career areas you may want to explore based on your interests and personality preferences.”

Make a point to attend workshops being offered to assist you in your job search. Every workshop provides an opportunity to connect with others, gain support and receive expert advice on job search strategies like effective networking techniques.

Use the outplacement venue as a temporary workplace. Many outplacement services include providing an office or cubicle with access to computer, phone, and fax and copy machines. This provides a venue for conducting your job search in a supportive environment with all the necessary tools for an effective job search. Westerman advises, “Treat the outplacement venue as a temporary workplace where you dress accordingly and spend the entire business day focusing on your job search at least several days a week.”

About Emily Westerman
Prior to working at NYU-SCPS, Emily Westerman was assistant director in the Office of Career Services at Yeshiva University in New York. Prior to that, she worked in the Department of Career Services at JP Morgan Chase. Since March 2002, Westerman has had adjunct appointments as instructor and career counselor for the NYU-SCPS Center for Career, Education, and Life Planning. Emily earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Albright College and her M.A. in Counselor Education from Fairfield University. She also has an SCPS Certificate in Adult Career Planning and Development. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, and the Association of Career Management Professionals, where she served as a board member and officer for three years.