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Virtual Outplacement Boomer Style

November 19, 2013 by Raymond Lee

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First of all, we like to steer very clear of generalizations. We realize that not every Millennial is a social media expert and not every Boomer is computer illiterate. That being said, the time at which our technology boom happened, coupled with the advent of the internet, made for a highly tech-savvy emerging workforce. It is a much different position to play catch-up than to have grown up with the technology that we have now. The learning curve is no different, but rather the access and exposure.

 

Because virtual outplacement is so much cheaper and so convenient for users, virtual outplacement has become the industry standard. The “virtual” part can pose a problem for Boomers, or so they might think. The misconception is that virtual outplacement will put Boomers at a disadvantage. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

The Job Hunt Has Changed

Boomers are known for their high retention rates, making them talent gold. While a lot of Boomers are nearing retirement, there are still strong numbers currently in the workforce, and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Because Boomers tend to stick around in their positions for so long, it has been a good long while since many of these workers have had to search for a job. From networking to filling out applications, the entire job search process has changed since most Boomers have been out there looking for new positions.

How Virtual Outplacement Can Help

A huge factor in choosing the right outplacement company (or outplacement at all) depends on if the transitioning workers are actually going to use this benefit. Instead of assuming that Boomers will have nothing to do with virtual outplacement, here are some things to consider.

Crafting Resumes with ATSs in Mind

For every one of us, the first resume that we ever crafted is very different from a resume that we would put together today. Not simply because of added experience and the extinction of the typewriter, but because resumes are not only crafted for human eyes now. I know plenty of Millennials entering the workforce who don’t know what an applicant tracking system (ATS) is, much less how to optimize a resume for one.

Professionals in resume writing will help explain the whole process of resume parsing, the technology behind it and how to craft a resume that will eventually meet human eyes.

Career Coaching for that One-on-One Experience

Boomers are notorious for appreciating a human voice and seeing a smile. Who doesn’t?! Virtual outplacement does not imply that humans will not be present throughout this process. As outplacement firms work closely with HR, it is soundly not their goal to take the human out of human resources. Because it is called “virtual” outplacement, most people make assumptions about the personalization of these services. Virtual does not mean, no one-on-one.

Interactions with coaches can happen via whichever medium is easiest for the transitioning employee; this can be over the phone, email, web or chat-based coaching. These coaches guide each participant through all steps and services of their tailored career transition program.

How to Use Job Boards with SEO in Mind

Everyone knows how to use job boards; type in the title, upload your resume, bing-bang-boom you’re done. Not quite. There are tips and tricks to using job boards and niche boards the right way, and professionals in outplacement can guide transitioning workers through these. Furthermore, how can you post to a niche site, if you don’t know they exist? Career coaches know all about these, what their clients need to see and how to get them seen.

Customized Training, Tools and Assistance

This is the kicker. With personalized and customizable programs, Boomers don’t have to feel like they’re wasting time learning things about business that they’ve known since you were knee high to a grasshopper, and they also don’t have to feel intimidated by other’s tech knowledge. No one likes to be the kid in class raising their hand when it seems like everyone else gets it. Everyone learns at their own pace, from their own starting point.

Everyone has his or her strengths and weaknesses, no one knows it all and we all need help from time to time. Traditional outplacement usually consists of group meetings and classes in which clients have to learn and work at the pace of the group. The great thing about virtual outplacement is the complete tailoring and personalization that it lends. This makes for a better experience for everyone.

Raymond Lee

Raymond Lee

Raymond Lee is the President of Careerminds, a global outplacement company based in Wilmington, Delaware. He has over 20 years of human resource, outplacement, and career consulting experience. He has his bachelor’s in psychology and holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Louisiana Tech University. He is active in SHRM and ATD. Raymond’s been featured on SiriusXM Business Radio, CareerTalk, and the Wall Street Journal and he’s published a book titled, Clocking Out: A Stress-Free Guide to Career Transitions.

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