You should be “on the same wavelength” with your outplacement counsellor. You exchange ideas, talk about strengths, weaknesses and above all your personal goals. If you don’t feel you are in the right place, this will stand in the way of a successful cooperation. Ask yourself a few key questions after the initial interview:
✔ Professional competence: Does the consultant understand what you do in your job? Does he only bring experience in general career counselling, or does he know your industry?
✔ Regional vs (inter)national activity: Does the counsellor only work regionally or nationwide? Does he have international networks?
✔ Personnel resources: Do you have a fixed contact person who is likable? Is there a team behind your consultant who can provide additional input? Is your consultant reliable and easily accessible?
✔ Honesty: Do you feel your counsellor is honest and realistic with his or her assessments regarding your competences and chances on the labour market? Do you feel that you are taken seriously? Are the contracts transparent?
✔ Networking: Is your counsellor so well networked that he/she can place your profile directly with the right people?