Buy a clearly defined outplacement programme
Outplacement supports departing employees through career transition and is often commissioned by the employer. Procurement should clarify the services, personal support and programme organisation. It cannot promise a new job by a fixed date.
Define the brief and participant group
Do you need support for one person, several individual engagements or a shared programme? Describe roles, sector, languages and regional job markets without names or personal departure histories. A common core can have different additions for different groups.
An initial design engagement can define the programme before participants are identified. If delivery is planned, an exact headcount helps compare quotes. Specify what support the company wants to offer and fund.
Compare individual and group support
Individual support allows space for personal goals and confidential questions. Groups can work on shared subjects such as job-search strategy or interviews. In a combined model, check how much personal support is included for each person.
| Format | Clarify for comparison |
|---|---|
| Individual support | Sessions, adviser and availability |
| Group programme | Group size, content and practice time |
| Combined model | Shared modules and individual components |
From career review to job search
A programme may review experience and strengths, identify possible roles and develop a search strategy. It can include application materials, interview practice and networking. Agree concrete services rather than just general access to digital content.
Some programmes also support entry into a new role or review training needs. Check what is included and who pays for extra courses. Active placement, coaching and providing job information are different services.
Agree duration and access clearly
Compare programme duration, number and length of personal sessions and platform access. Access for several months does not automatically mean regular individual advice. Ask when the term starts and how later enrolment affects it.
Agree terms for extension, interruption, non-participation and starting a job. Time-limited support differs from an arrangement tied to a specified ending event. Ask for precise conditions and limits.
Communication and practical delivery
Agree how the offer is explained, who coordinates enrolment and when sessions can begin. Group programmes need suitable venues, languages and time windows. Digital support needs clear access and technical assistance arrangements.
Remote, on-site and combined programmes can serve different needs. Check adviser availability and support for regional or international job searches. A module list alone does not establish personal fit.
Confidentiality and other responsibilities
Separate organisation of the employer-funded programme from personal counselling content. Agree administrative updates and the basis for any other sharing. Confidential content is not automatically part of employer reporting.
Outplacement does not replace reviewing termination, a social plan or other employment-law questions. Public employment services and labour-market measures have their own responsibilities and individual assessment. A private programme does not promise public funding.
Compare price and actual support
Compare the same headcount, duration and individual/group mix. Clarify whether prices are per person, group or project. Design, travel, rooms, extra sessions and translation can change the total.
| Item | Quote question |
|---|---|
| Personal support | How many sessions and what availability are included? |
| Shared modules | What group size and content are offered? |
| Extensions and extras | What does extra time or another person cost? |
Preparation and process
The request needs participant group, planned headcount, languages, region, services and start. Do not send names, CVs, termination letters or health data. Personal content is handled later directly with participants through suitable channels.
After selection, agree the programme, responsibilities and updates. Information and enrolment, personal career review, agreed search support and completion follow. Assess quality through delivered support and feedback; placement rates without comparable starting conditions offer little insight.
Frequently asked questions
Is outplacement recruitment or placement?
It may include search support and sometimes active placement, but not necessarily. Specify services and distinguish coaching from placing someone in a role.
Are group programmes always cheaper?
Shared modules can distribute effort. Total cost also depends on size, personal support, venues and duration. Compare equivalent support beyond the per-person price.
How long does support last?
The programme term is agreed and is not the time needed to find a new job. Check start, sessions, extensions and ending conditions.
What does the company learn from counselling?
Separate administrative information and agreed updates from confidential content. Agree recipients and the basis for sharing in advance.
Will public employment services fund the programme?
A private outplacement offer does not automatically qualify. Public measures are assessed individually by the responsible bodies under their own conditions.
Can I request programme design first?
Yes. Describe the expected occupational groups and organisational setting. Agree design and later support as separate scopes.
