Executive Outplacement Services Don’t Work
Executive outplacement services don’t work. If you’ve been laid off recently and assigned an outplacement service as part of your severance, you probably already know this. And if you’re a company shopping for an outplacement firm, listen up. Your strategy to hire a big-box service may not benefit the people who need it the most – your employees.
In this article, I explain why:
Executive Outplacement Services Don’t Work (And What to Do Instead)
Hey there, senior leaders and HR pros. If you’ve been laid off and handed off to an executive outplacement firm, you already know the deal—it often feels like a waste of time. You’re given a cookie-cutter process, outdated job search tactics, and a hefty price tag with little to show for it.
Sound familiar?
As the voice behind A Life After Layoff, I’ve helped thousands of executives—CEOs, CHROs, CIOs, VPs, and Directors from small, medium, and large companies—land their next roles without the fluff and frustration of traditional outplacement.
Let’s break down why executive outplacement services don’t work and what you should be doing instead.
The Problem with Executive Outplacement Services
1. Generic, One-Size-Fits-All Advice
Most executive outplacement firms rely on assembly-line processes. You get access to pre-recorded webinars, a resume template, and maybe a LinkedIn “strategy” that’s the same for everyone. Traditional outplacement services often use a cookie-cutter approach that seems pretty much the same as everyone else’s.
But if you’re a high-level executive, your job search differs from that of a mid-career professional. You’re targeting a different market and need to adjust your strategy for your audience.
Even how you look for a job differs from that of a normal job seeker. A senior-level director or executive won’t find nearly as many suitable jobs in the classified section of their newspaper (or the LinkedIn job boards)
According to Arielle Executive, many of these firms fail to offer personalized, high-touch coaching tailored to executives’ unique needs. Your leadership profile is nuanced—you might need to position yourself for board roles, explain a gap in C-suite experience, or refine your personal brand.
But you’re stuck with cookie-cutter advice instead of real, targeted feedback.
Want a better approach?
Check out my guide on how to build your personal brand for executive-level job seekers. (Hint: You should be doing this even if you’re not an executive job seeker. Everyone has a brand, even if it’s no brand at all!)
2. Outdated Tactics That Waste Your Time
The executive job market moves fast, but many outplacement firms are stuck in the past. They push outdated networking techniques—like mass connecting on LinkedIn—even though roles paying $400K+ aren’t found there.
As Jackson Stevens points out, these high-level positions are often filled through private equity networks or executive search firms. If your outplacement coach is telling you to spam job boards and send cold outreach messages, you’re already behind the curve.
Instead, focus on strategic relationship-building. I coach executives on how to tap into their networks the right way—without feeling salesy or desperate.
3. Coaches Who Have Never Hired an Executive
Here’s a big one: Who’s actually coaching you? Many outplacement firms hire mid-level career coaches or even temporary consultants with no executive hiring experience. Often, they’re sent out with little to no training on how companies hire and give disjointed advice.
These advisors often have never sat on a hiring panel for a C-suite role. So how can they coach you through a rigorous board interview or help you negotiate a multimillion-dollar package?
I’ve been evaluating executive candidates on the other side of the hiring table. That’s why my approach works—I know exactly what recruiters and hiring managers look for at this level.
4. Psychological Assessments Instead of Real Market Strategies
Some executive outplacement services rely too much on psychological assessments and career reflection exercises. While self-awareness is great, it doesn’t get you hired. And besides, who has time to waste discovering what career they should pursue based on their preferred ice-cream flavor?
Kinsley Sarn explains that many outplacement programs include 360-degree feedback and personality assessments, but these don’t prepare you for real-world challenges like tough recruiter questions or market positioning. They basically just waste time and slow you down from what’s really important: Getting back to work quickly.
Executives need practical, actionable job search strategies. Not therapy sessions.
5. Expensive Fees for Little Return
Let’s talk money. Executive outplacement isn’t cheap.
According to ADP, costs can range up to $20,000 per executive. FindMyProfession reports fees between $249 and $15,000. For many SMBs and even large firms, that’s a massive investment—especially for a service that delivers mediocre results.
I’ve spoken with CHROs who felt completely shortchanged after spending thousands and seeing no real job search progress.
Why executive outplacement services don’t work?
Because they’re overpriced and underdelivers. They just leaves the candidate searching out other career coaching options on their own dime. (Not exactly employee-focused, don’t you think?)
6. Poor Networking Advice That Gets You Nowhere
Networking is everything at the executive level. But many outplacement firms teach ineffective, scattershot methods—like cold emailing hiring managers or sending mass LinkedIn messages. And what happens? Crickets.
Jackson Stevens highlights this issue, explaining that real executive networking isn’t about volume—it’s about deep, strategic connections. If your networking strategy feels like shouting into the void, it’s not you—it’s bad advice.
I show executives how to connect with the right people in the right way—leveraging alumni networks, industry connections, and high-level referrals.
What Actually Works for Executive Job Seekers?
If executive outplacement doesn’t work, what should you do instead? Here’s my approach:
1. Get Direct, Honest Feedback on Your Hiring Profile
Executives don’t need generic resume templates—they need insight into what’s holding them back. I pinpoint weaknesses in your experience, personal brand, and interview style, and I give you a concrete plan to fix them.
👉 Check out my Resume Rocketfuel course for a strategic, executive-level resume approach.
2. Leverage Modern Job Search Strategies
Forget outdated job boards and cold outreach. I teach executives how to tap into high-level hiring channels, like private equity firms, retained search consultants, and exclusive leadership networks.
3. Work with Someone Who’s Been on the Other Side
I’ve hired executives. I’ve seen what makes someone stand out—and what makes them blend in. If you want real, recruiter-backed strategies, I’ve got you covered.
4. Get Networking Right
Effective networking isn’t about sending a hundred messages—it’s about building the right relationships. I help executives navigate this process, ensuring you’re talking to the right people in the right way.
Traditional Outplacement vs. Our Service
| Aspect | Traditional Outplacement | Our Service |
|---|---|---|
| Feedback Style | Generic, pre-packaged, assembly-line process | Personalized, action-focused, recruiter-informed |
| Strategies and Techniques | Often outdated, e.g., LinkedIn for high-level roles | Up-to-date, leveraging executive networks |
| Coach Experience | Mid-level staff, lack hiring experience | Direct recruiter experience, senior-level focus |
| Approach | Clinical, psychological assessments, cookie-cutter advice | Practical, market-ready advice delivered in a down-to-earth manner. |
| Cost | Up to $20,000 per executive. Out of reach for all but the largest employers. | Cost-effective – as little as $999, affordable for small and medium-sized businesses. |
| Networking Advice | Awkward, ineffective, leads to silence | Strategic, targeted, focused on quality connections |
Ditch Traditional Outplacement. Get Real Results.
If you’re ready to take control of your job search, skip the overpriced, outdated outplacement services and work with someone who gets it. Let’s get you back in the game—faster and smarter.
👉 Book a free consultation today at https://www.alifeafterlayoff.com/outplacement/
Because at A Life After Layoff, we turn endings into new beginnings—the right way.
