Jobless workers who receive professional job search assistance are much more likely to receive the same or higher salary in a new position than those who do not, according to a study by Right Management, the talent and career management expert within ManpowerGroup.
Right Management reviewed data on more than 82,000 individuals throughout North America who since 2008 received outplacement services and obtained a new position. Nearly three-quarters of the job seekers either matched or got a higher salary than in their former position, according to the study. Of the more than 6,500 laid-off employees, for instance, who benefited from the firm’s job search programs and found new employment during the first eight months of 2012, 73 percent matched or obtained a salary higher than they had in their former position.
The same pattern, moreover, held true since at least 2008, according to the firm.
Program participants who matched or exceeded salary in their new position:
First 8 months of 2012: 73% of 6,596 population
2011: 74% 10,554 of population
2010: 75% of 17,083 population
2009: 70% of 29,112 population
2008: 69% of 18,792 population
According to Monika Morrow, senior vice president of Career Management for Right Management, there are many reasons why those getting outplacement help more often end up in better circumstances. “The leading outplacement firms provide a rich variety of services to their clients, including individual coaching, job market research, guidance on positioning, technology-enabled resources, guidance in person-to-person networking, as well as coaching on interviewing, salary negotiation and personal branding via social networks.”
Morrow does acknowledge that individuals benefiting from outplacement services may enjoy other advantages in the job market. “Often candidates come into our programs from well-known or respected companies or they may have quality work experience or skill sets, which can give them an edge in the job search process.”