Outplacement Consultant

Career Guide

An Outplacement Consultant supports employees who have been laid off or are transitioning out of a company. They provide practical guidance on job search strategy, resume and interview preparation, networking, and confidence-building, often working with clients during a stressful career change.

Key Responsibilities

Run one-to-one coaching sessions focused on career goals and job search plans
Review and improve resumes to match target roles and required skills
Coach clients on interview skills through practice sessions and feedback
Help clients build a networking approach and outreach messages
Guide clients on job search tools such as job boards and professional profiles
Support clients with career direction decisions and realistic timelines
Track client progress and maintain clear notes and action plans
Coordinate with employer contacts and program managers on service delivery
Deliver workshops on topics such as resumes, interviewing, and networking
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive conversations with care

Top Skills for Success

Empathy

Active Listening

Coaching

Career Counseling

Resume Writing

Interview Coaching

Networking Strategy

Facilitation

Stakeholder Management

Client Relationship Management

Time Management

Conflict De-escalation

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Outplacement Consultant

Career Coach

Career Services Manager

Program Manager

Workforce Transition Lead

Transition Opportunities

Human Resources Business Partner

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Learning and Development Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist

Organizational Development Specialist

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Labor Market ResearchLinkedIn Profile OptimizationWorkshop DesignProgram ReportingChange ManagementSales Awareness

Development SuggestionsBuild a repeatable coaching toolkit with templates for action plans, resume feedback, and interview practice. Strengthen knowledge of current hiring trends and common role requirements. Practice leading small group sessions and tracking outcomes to show client progress and program impact.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level50,000 to 65,000 USD

Mid Level65,000 to 85,000 USD

Senior Level85,000 to 115,000 USD

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring tends to rise during periods of higher layoffs and company restructuring. Demand is strongest at firms that provide career transition services and in industries with frequent workforce changes.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Randstad RiseSmartLHHRight ManagementLee Hecht HarrisonVelocity Career LabCareermindsThe Mavens Group

Industry Sectors

Career transition servicesHuman resources consultingStaffing and recruitingHigher education career servicesNonprofit workforce developmentGovernment workforce programs

Recommended Next Steps

Create a sample resume and interview coaching framework you can share in interviews

Take a coaching fundamentals course and practice with real clients through volunteer programs

Learn current job search best practices for professional profiles and networking outreach

Build a simple reporting habit using client goals, weekly actions, and outcomes

Network with career transition firms and ask about typical client profiles and success measures

Collect short client testimonials to demonstrate impact and coaching style