“Yes” is the only answer if you should take Outplacement if offered. 

Outplacement Services provides a number of great services; I found the following the most valuable part of being aligned with Outplacement:

1.       Sense of progress – Each firm provides a good process for running your search (and usually a consultant to help guide you).  Having a process help you feel organized and focused, which really helps keep your emotion in check because you can see your progress.

2.       Access to their alumni – These folks has been through the process, so they understand how you’re feeling and how to help you.

These are simple “Yes” and “No” questions to ask the person guiding you at the outplacement firm.  If the answer is “No”, then try to get a different consultant or simply set your expectations properly.

1.       Have you been in transition?

2.       Were you in transition more than 6 months?

3.       Did you have over 100 networking meetings?

4.       Did you seek a role at the _____________ level?  (Insert the level you seek)

I don’t mean to offend any consultant, but there’s a big difference between exposure and experience. 

If the person across the table has been through the same as what you are facing, then they are prepared to give you a plan to follow and help you hold yourself accountable to working the plan.  

I always say a happily married divorce lawyer have an idea of what been divorced is like, but does not know what it really is.  Same applies here.