All post by

Tammy Mullin

Human First: How Compassion Drives Better Outcomes in Career Transitions

At NextJob, we believe that even in business, some moments are profoundly human.

Job loss, career change, and financial hardship test not only individuals, they test the cultures, communities, and leaders that surround them.

That’s why being Human First isn’t just a value for us. It’s the foundation of how we help people, employers, borrowers and communities recover stronger together.

Seeing the Person Behind the Job Loss

Every job search begins with uncertainty, but behind every résumé is a story: a career built, a family supported, a sense of purpose temporarily shaken.

Our coaching starts there.

Human First means meeting people where they are and restoring confidence. It means listening for the spark that helps someone reconnect with their strengths and imagine what’s next.

Because when people feel seen and supported, they move faster, farther, and with more resilience.

Why It Matters for Employers

Layoffs will always be hard, but how an organization manages them defines its culture long after the exit conversation ends.

Providing outplacement isn’t simply a benefit for departing employees, it’s brand protection for employers.

When leaders extend compassion and real career support, they preserve trust among remaining employees, strengthen their reputation, and demonstrate that values aren’t conditional on circumstance.

Human First leadership turns a difficult moment into proof of integrity.   That protects what matters most: your people and your brand.

Why It Matters for Borrowers & Communities

For lenders and partners, the same principle holds true.  Behind every delinquent mortgage or loan is a household facing job loss. A new job doesn’t just stabilize income, it keeps families in their homes and communities intact.

Jobs save homes.

Human First means helping people regain both employment and hope, so the ripple effects of hardship stop before they spread.

How We Live It

  • Personalized Proactive Coaching: Every client receives proactive one-on-one guidance, accountability, and encouragement tailored to their goals.

  • Compassionate Communication: We treat every interaction as an opportunity to affirm dignity and restore confidence.

  • Purpose-Driven Partnerships: We work with employers and lenders who share our belief that compassion is good business.

The Human First Difference

At NextJob, we measure success by more than placement rates. We measure it in confidence regained, cultures strengthened, and communities stabilized.

Because when organizations put people first, performance follows.

That’s the power of a Human First approach — and it’s how we help employers, homeowners, and job seekers protect what they’ve built and rebuild what’s next.

💬 Ready to turn exits into reinforcements of your values?


Reach out at
https://www.nextjob.com/contact to talk now, or visit www.nextjob.com/solutions to learn more.

Follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/next-job/

Protect What You’ve Built: The Employer Brand Business Case for Outplacement

When layoffs or workforce reductions occur, emotions often run high — and departing employees are the most likely to share their experiences publicly. Even one scathing Glassdoor review can shape how future candidates, customers, and partners view your organization.

But how you handle those moments defines your brand.

By providing outplacement or reemployment services, you transform a potentially damaging exit into an opportunity to demonstrate care, integrity, and leadership — reinforcing your company’s values and protecting the reputation you’ve worked hard to build.

How It Protects Your Brand

Reduces negative exit sentiment
Because 83% of job seekers research reviews and ratings before applying (Glassdoor), a harsh post-layoff review can ripple outward. Employees who receive career transition support feel seen, respected, and less likely to express frustration publicly.

Signals care and responsibility
A proactive approach to exits tells candidates, customers, and remaining employees that you live your values — even in difficult moments. In fact, 71% of job seekers say their perception of a company improves when it responds to reviews (Glassdoor). Outplacement sends that same message in action, not just words.

Offsets “layoff shock”
Structured transition support helps employees refocus on the future. Coaching and job search resources turn uncertainty into direction, reducing the emotional weight that often drives negative online sentiment.

Reputation & Recruiting Benefits

Glassdoor insurance
Maintaining visibility and responsiveness during challenging times matters — 70% of candidates say they’re more likely to apply to an employer active on Glassdoor (Glassdoor). Outplacement helps create a softer landing and keeps your reputation intact when it counts most.

Stronger employer brand
A well-protected brand attracts better talent. Research shows that companies with strong employer brands can cut recruitment costs by up to 50%, receive 1.5× more applications, and experience 28% less turnover (Universum Global, Influencer Marketing Hub).

Improved morale among remaining staff
When employees see their peers exiting with dignity and support, it reinforces a culture of respect and stability — strengthening morale and reducing voluntary turnover.

The Financial Impact

Outplacement is an investment that pays for itself by mitigating hidden costs:

  • Higher cost-per-hire — damaged brand reputation drives recruiting expenses up.
  • Longer time-to-fill — fewer qualified applicants slow down business recovery.
  • Lower engagement and productivity — morale suffers when exits feel mishandled.
  • Client perception risk — negative employer sentiment can erode customer trust.

Compared to those risks, outplacement is a smart, protective play for both your brand and your bottom line.

Human Care. Business Sense.

Supporting people through transition isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s strategic brand leadership.

By integrating outplacement and reemployment services, you:

  • Protect your reputation when it matters most
  • Strengthen your employer brand in hiring markets
  • Preserve morale and trust among remaining teams
  • Shield against the hidden costs of negative public feedback

💬 Ready to turn exits into reinforcements of your values?


Reach out at
https://www.nextjob.com/contact to talk now, or visit www.nextjob.com/solutions/employers to learn more.

Follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/next-job/

Navigating the Job Market: The Importance of Networking

In today's competitive job market, especially during economic downturns, job seekers often face stress and uncertainty. The prospect of networking can seem daunting, yet it is a critical strategy that can distinguish between securing employment and enduring prolonged joblessness.

The Hidden Job Market

A substantial portion of job opportunities are not publicly advertised. These positions are filled through internal referrals, word-of-mouth, and direct contacts. According to CNBC, 70% of jobs are never published, highlighting the importance of networking to access hidden opportunities. (cnbc.com)

Networking vs. Traditional Job Applications

Relying solely on job boards and online applications may limit a candidate's prospects. Networking, on the other hand, has proven to be a more effective method for job acquisition. Research indicates that 80% of jobs are filled through networking, underscoring the necessity of building professional relationships. (forbes.com)

Overcoming the Reluctance to Network

It is common to feel hesitant about networking, particularly during stressful times. Many people find networking daunting due to nervousness, not knowing what to say, fear of bothering others, or introversion. Introverts can leverage their strengths by using methods like emails, texts, LinkedIn messaging, and one-on-one meetings, as opposed to extroverted approaches like attending events and group meetings. Engaging with others can offer emotional support, valuable insights, and potential job leads. Platforms like LinkedIn have become essential for professional networking, enabling job seekers to connect with industry professionals and discover unadvertised opportunities. (nextjob.com)

Practical Steps to Effective Networking

  1. Leverage Existing Connections: Reach out to friends, family, former colleagues, and acquaintances to inform them of your job search and ask for referrals. Personal referrals can significantly enhance your chances of securing an interview.
  2. Attend Industry Events: Participate in webinars, workshops, and conferences related to your field. These events offer opportunities to meet professionals and learn about potential openings.
  3. Utilize Online Platforms: Maintain an active presence on professional networking sites. Engage in discussions, share relevant content, reach out to hiring managers directly about openings and connect with individuals in your desired industry.
  4. Seek Informational Interviews: Approach professionals for informal conversations to gain insight into potential roles and to learn more about organizations. This can expand your network and uncover potential job leads.
  5. Offer Assistance: Networking is a reciprocal process. Be willing to provide support or share information with others, fostering mutually beneficial relationships.

Embracing networking, despite initial discomfort, can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible. By proactively building and nurturing professional relationships, job seekers can navigate the challenges of a tight labor market and reduce the duration of unemployment.