Outplacement

Top Outplacement Services in Los Angeles

October 10, 2023 written by Rebecca Ahn

Outplacement
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Looking for the perfect outplacement provider in the Los Angeles, California area? We have you covered.

When it comes to outplacement services, specifically those based in the LA area, traditional providers are easy to find. However, many of the techniques employed by these providers are outdated and do not support what the modern day job seeker needs.

But what does that mean? What should you look for, and how do you select the perfect outplacement firm for you? 

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to conduct your search, compare the different options available, and find the right outplacement services in Los Angeles for your organization, including:

  • What to look for in your outplacement services LA search 
  • Different types of outplacement services in LA (traditional, virtual, and executive)
  • The cost of outplacement services in Los Angeles
  • Special layoff considerations in Los Angeles
  • How to decide which outplacement firm is right for you

Elements Typically Included in Outplacement Services Companies in Los Angeles

Let’s start with what criteria you should be looking for in any decent LA outplacement services. There are some important elements you want to consider when conducting your search in the Los Angeles area. 

Here is a quick rundown of what your provider needs to offer to ensure that you are getting the best deal and the best service possible.

  • No Retainer Fees: These can add up because they cost you money even when you don’t use the service.
  • Next-Gen Platforms: The outplacement provider should use all of the most current technology available to get your staff members back to work in a new, exciting role.
  • Support Anywhere, Anytime: Outplacement is now a digital, online process that should be flexible enough to support the client whenever and wherever they need it.
  • Goodbye, Brick and Mortar: In-person support has its place. However, it shouldn’t be mandatory for your staff members to physically go into a brick and mortar location in order to meet with a coach. This can be done online, which is also where the job search process lives.
  • Until-Placement Support: Instead of using term limits, outplacement is a process that needs time to work and should be offered “until placement.” Your LA outplacement services shouldn’t kick people off of the program if they take a bit longer to find a job.
  • Expert Coaching: While outplacement and the job hunt are digitally-driven, outplacement coaches are still the best way for workers to find new jobs. These experts work closely with job seekers to ensure that the process is tailored to their needs.

These are some of the most important things to look for when shopping for a great outplacement provider in Los Angeles.

Now what sets all of these firms apart from one another? 

Outplacement Services Los Angeles: Traditional Firms

When it comes to searching for outplacement services in LA or other major metropolitan areas, such as Houston, Chicago, and New York, it’s common to come across plenty of more traditional firms that may not necessarily check all of the boxes outlined above. Most of these firms have been doing business the same old way for many years. 

This often includes term limits which terminate their services after a set period of time regardless of whether the client has landed a new job yet. Given the high cost of living in Los Angeles, this can worsen an already stressful situation. 

Right now, Careerminds is the only outplacement firm that doesn’t have a term limit on their services. We work with clients until they are placed, regardless of how long it takes. Not only does this dramatically increase the chances of a client getting placed, it also shows that we stand by our process.

This could also mean these traditional firms are not utilizing all of the technology available to them. For example, many require clients to meet at their offices where they work with them for a set amount of time to revamp their resumes and LinkedIn accounts, and then send them on their way to hunt for work without additional online support. 

Are There Companies Providing Virtual Outplacement in Los Angeles?

The good news is there is a new, more modernized approach to outplacement that will get your outbound employees back to work faster, saving your company’s reputation and protecting you from potential lawsuits. 

The job hunt is no longer about going door-to-door passing out paper resumes. It’s online, and so outplacement should be as well. This is where the rise of virtual outplacement comes in.

Nowadays, some outplacement providers are starting to offer online platforms and e-learning tools that allow clients to virtually receive coaching, help with their resumes, social media account building, and interview preparation.

Now, of course, HR services like outplacement still require a human touch. An online platform alone will not do anyone much good unless there is also a professional coach there to offer assistance and guidance throughout the daunting process. 

When shopping for an outplacement provider in Los Angeles–one of the most competitive job markets in the country–it’s important to look for an outplacement provider that offers a balance of both personal touch and online resources to give you the best outplacement support possible. 

Are Executive Outplacement Services Available in Los Angeles?

Beyond the base-level outplacement services offered by both traditional and more modern Los Angeles firms, you can also find some that offer additional services for executive outplacement. This includes career transition support for senior executives such as C-suite, directors, and corporate decision makers. 

If your layoff or reduction event will impact senior level executives in Los Angeles, you will want to include this level of service in your outplacement support. This can be very helpful for those senior executives to proactively navigate their next career move in a more challenging and fulfilling way, especially if they wish to transfer their considerable skills and experience outside of the defined niche in which they’ve previously established themselves. 

Outplacement providers like Careerminds can offer these senior executives highly customized guidance through their unique and increasingly arduous job search process.

How Much Does Outplacement Cost in Los Angeles?

When considering the cost of hiring outplacement services, it’s important to consider the opportunity cost or how much it will cost your organization if you choose not to offer any outplacement support to employees you are letting go. 

This could incur avoidable costs in litigation or damage to your brand reputation, which could in turn hurt your sales or remaining employee retention. Offering outplacement can also save you money by cutting short the length of time you’ll need to pay out unemployment benefits. 

So there are considerable potential cost savings for your organization that come with hiring outplacement support. But what about the actual cost of the outplacement services themselves? 

This will depend on a few factors, such as which specific services you want included, how long you want to offer these services to your outgoing employees, and how well your chosen outplacement firm utilizes technology to more affordably scale their services. 

It’s common for companies to spend in the neighborhood of three to four percent of base salary on outplacement services. In Los Angeles, this can get rather expensive considering the high cost of living index. Of course, this price will vary depending on the factors mentioned above and what type of firm you go with, whether Careerminds or another LA outplacement firm. 

Make sure to download the pricing information for our Careerminds outplacement programs with the button below:

Special Considerations When Conducting Layoffs in Los Angeles

Now that you know how to find your ideal outplacement LA provider, let’s talk about the situations in which you’d need to use these outplacement services–meaning when you are conducting any layoffs or other reduction events. 

Remember, holding a mass layoff or plant closing might require that you also comply with regulations set by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, both at the federal and California state level. 

This includes providing written notice to your affected employees with written notice, as well as to federal and state-level agencies, to ensure that you are treating your employees fairly and avoiding any potential penalties. 

Make sure to read up on the specific California WARN Act regulations and definitions for companies conducting business and/or impacting employees who are working in the state of California. 

Outplacement Services Los Angeles: Key Takeaways

We’ve now covered the different types of outplacement service providers you can find in the Los Angeles area, including their strengths, weaknesses, and tips to keep in mind. But how do you figure out which provider is the right one for you? 

Selecting just the right outplacement provider for your organization can be tricky. There are a lot of traditional providers in Los Angeles that incorporate practices, such as term limits and lack of scalable online support, which are less ideal in today’s job market. 

But remember, that landscape is changing. There is a rise of virtual outplacement services which offer more affordable and scalable support. There are also options to provide more customized outplacement support for senior level executives.

The most important part of outplacement is putting the needs of the client first and foremost. This requires flexibility and the willingness to put the service to the test, opting to forego term limits, and combining virtual-based assistance with a human touch.

Ultimately, it comes down to which outplacement LA provider is right for your organization’s specific outplacement needs. So make sure you thoroughly research the company’s website, read their blogs, and look up any reviews of their services. 

You will also want to talk directly to their coaches and representatives to discuss your individual situation, gauge their expertise, and fully evaluate all of the options you are considering. This should also include scheduling a demo with your top choice outplacement providers to see a real example of what they can offer and make sure it’s the right fit for you.

Want to see a demo of our Careerminds outplacement services? Schedule one here:

Rebecca Ahn

Rebecca Ahn

Rebecca is a writer, editor, and business consultant with over 10 years of experience launching, managing, and coaching small to midsize companies on their business, marketing, and HR operations. She is a passionate people advocate who believes in building strong people, teams, and companies with empowering culture, content, and communication that facilitates meaningful results at every level and touchpoint. In her spare time, Rebecca is an avid traveler and nomad who also enjoys writing about travel safety and savvy. Learn more on her LinkedIn page.

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