Sarah had been with her prominent financial services company for more than 12 years, steadily climbing the ranks to become a respected team leader in the marketing department. But when the company announced a major restructuring, her role was suddenly made redundant. What could have been a prolonged period of anxiety turned into an outplacement success story, thanks to our Careers in Motion program.
Uncertain about the future
For the first time in more than a decade, Sarah faced the daunting prospect of finding a new job in a competitive market. The news of her redundancy left her feeling uncertain about the future. Unsure of where to start, she turned to the outplacement services provided by her employer for support.
Initially, Sarah was hesitant to engage with the outplacement program. She felt overwhelmed by the prospect of starting over and wasn’t sure if the service could truly help her in such a competitive job market.
“When I first heard about the restructuring, I was in shock. I had been with the company for so long that I hadn’t even considered the possibility of having to start over somewhere else. The idea of job hunting after all these years was intimidating, to say the least. I wanted to find a new role quickly, but I also wanted to ensure it was the right fit for me.”
After a gentle nudge from a colleague who had previously benefited from similar support, she decided to give the outplacement program a chance.
Finding a role aligned with her values and goals
The first thing that struck Sarah was the personalised approach. Her consultant took the time to listen, not just to her professional achievements but also to her personal aspirations. This wasn’t just about finding another job; it was about finding the right fit, a role that aligned with her values and career goals. Through a series of thoughtful conversations, they identified her core strengths and the unique value she could bring to a potential employer.
“From the moment I started the program, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. My consultant was incredibly supportive and understanding. She didn’t just focus on the practical aspects of job searching—she also supported me to work through the emotional impact of losing my job.
“She helped me see my redundancy not just as an end, but as an opportunity for reinvention. We identified my key strengths, skills and passions and explored new industries and roles that I hadn’t considered before.
“We worked together to update my resume, ensuring it highlighted the skills and experiences most relevant to the roles I was targeting. She also taught me how to optimise my LinkedIn profile to increase visibility to recruiters and hiring managers.”
Confidence – more outplacement success
One of the most transformative parts of the process for Sarah was rediscovering her confidence. Her consultant helped her see how much she had accomplished and how her experiences could open doors to new opportunities. With this renewed sense of self-worth, Sarah tackled the job market with a fresh perspective.
“My consultant showed me how to leverage my professional network and introduced me to ways of connecting with potential employers. She also helped me prepare for interviews, providing mock sessions that boosted my confidence and improved my performance.
“Additionally, she offered ongoing emotional support throughout the process. There were days when I felt discouraged, but her encouragement kept me motivated. She helped me stay focused on my goals.”
Within a few months, Sarah had multiple job offers on the table. But more importantly, she had clarity about the direction she wanted her career to take. She eventually accepted a role that matched her skills and offered the work-life balance she had been longing for.
“I’m happy to say that I’ve not only found a new job, I’ve found a new career path that I’m passionate about. I’m now working as a project manager in a tech company and I’m loving the opportunity to learn new things. The role aligns perfectly with the skills I’ve developed over the years. It’s a fresh start and I’m excited about the future.”
My outplacement success story
Reflecting on her experience, Sarah is grateful for the outplacement support that guided her through such a challenging transition. What began as a period of uncertainty turned into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Today, she is thriving in her new role and feels more aligned with her career path than ever before.
“The outplacement services were a lifeline for me during a very difficult time. They gave me the tools, support and confidence I needed to navigate my career transition successfully. I would highly recommend outplacement services to anyone facing redundancy. It’s more than just finding a job. It’s about finding the right direction for your career and moving forward with confidence.”