Q:  WHAT IS OUTPLACEMENT?
A:  Outplacement refers to those services provided to departing employees to help ensure a smooth and successful career transition.  It focuses on establishing their career goals and interests, job-search preparation, resume development, individualized marketing strategy and campaign, interview preparation and job-offer evaluation.

Q:  WHY SHOULD A COMPANY OFFER PROFESSIONAL OUTPLACEMENT SERVICES?
A:  By offering employees whose contracts are being terminated the opportunity to optimize their employment search in a reassuring context, a professional outplacement program enables the company to safeguard its image and the morale of its employees. It gives their departing employees the extra edge they need to be successful. In recent surveys, it has been concluded that 93% of individuals offered the services of a reputable, professional firm land within their specified time frame than those who are not offered professional services.

Q:  WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OUTPLACEMENT?
A:  Wouldn't you prefer to know that you have support for your employees at this challenging transition?  That you have provided them with the means to be updated about trends in the current market?  That you have given them the opportunity to meet with experienced career transition consultants who held high-level human resources and management positions in prestigious companies and have passed this knowledge onto their candidates?
Interviewing is just one aspect of the job search.  To get to that important step, you have to have:  written a positive exit statement, developed a professional resume, written effective marketing letters and networked.  The market is competitive; interviewing techniques are more sophisticated than ever, and companies are looking for individuals who demonstrate the ability to thrive in the so-called career resilient workplace.  By working with a qualified outplacement firm, you are giving your employee that extra edge that is needed to succeed.

Q:  HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO FIND THEIR NEXT POSITION?
A:  No two job searches are alike.  In these turbulent times, the search may be taking longer than in the past...but the good news is that our candidates are the ones who are finding the jobs because we are with them every step of the way in securing their new opportunity. Many factors will influence the length of time it takes to find another position, especially the right position.  The marketplace, their ability and willingness to network, and their emotional state and flexibility play important roles.  Our consultants work with them to determine what they bring to the search that can shorten the process, and what challenges they may face that increase the duration. We coach them on the best methods to approach the market and the importance of presenting their qualifications to the employer.

Q:  IS THE PROFESSION REGULATED?
A:  Generally, there is free access to the profession.  However, many quality firms belong to the Association of Career Firms North America of which Celeste M. Calfe, CMF is the President. ACF North America is the trade association for the career management industry and its world-wide voice. Founded in 1982, its members make up over 70% of this billion dollar industry, employing thousands of professionals in hundreds of offices. Members provide a wide range of services: career management, human resource consulting, executive coaching, leadership development, succession planning, outplacement, workforce deployment, and assessment. They are partners with clients in human resource management around the world. Member companies have an unwavering commitment to provide the highest quality services while adhering to stringent ethical standards and a code of conduct. Member firms also must submit to strict guidelines for providing coaching services and must have certified coaches on staff. In fact Celeste M. Calfe, is a Career Management Fellow (CMF) within the industry and this is the highest certification a professional can obtain.

Q:  IS SEVERENCE MANDATORY?
A:  There is no federal law requiring employers to offer severance pay, but, many choose to do so to obtain an edge in recruiting, keep a positive image during downsizing and reward employee loyalty and service. Several states, including Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island and all of Europe require employers to extend severance benefits under certain circumstances. It is advisable to check state requirements accordingly.

Q:  IS CERTIFICATION NECESSARY?

A:  In my view, YES it is! When you employ a consultant to work with your employees you are looking to have the best services available for them in their final phase of company-provided training. The Institute of Career Certification International provides the guidelines and coaching necessary for consultants to secure their certification. Celeste M. Calfe, CMF of Calfe & Associates holds the highest certification available as a Certified Management Fellow and is one of a select few who hold this in the world. Others, who take their commitment to their craft seriously, usually hold the CMP (Certified Management Professional) certification with many others holding the PHR and SPHR designations from SHRM. When a consultant takes the time to obtain their certification you can be guaranteed they are the best of the best in the industry, they keep current of innovative coaching methods and hold their candidates in utmost esteem.