David Couper and Associates

David Couper has worked in outplacement for close to 15 years working with individuals and groups from Sony, Fox, Bosch, and with many companies including well-known Healthcare Organizations, Manufacturing Companies and Professional Services Firms.

As a boutique firm, we are able to provide cost-effective customized programs for all levels of employee which provide a holistic approach to finding a new position or career.

Not Career Transition BUT Career Transformation

It is not enough to provide a revised resume and a class on interviewing skills to someone who has been laid off.  A career transition is often a career transformation.  In fact, according to CareerBuilder close to 60% of job seekers will switch careers after a layoff, up from 48% last year. CareerBuilder Survey.

Outplacement is a billion dollar business but increasingly individuals are more and more dissatisfied with the process. Wall Street Journal Article.

Some of the main concerns are:

• “Cookie cutter approaches”
• Ineffective or incorrect job hunting advice
• Focus on tools rather than learning and transforming

David Couper’s approach is different.

• Custom approach based on each individual’s needs.  Everyone is different so the program needs to fit their unique situation.  For some networking may be the key.  For others starting their own business is the next step.  Or for some it may be confidence building and motivation that makes the difference.
• Expert advice based on current research and experience both as a hiring manager and as a job hunter.  David is a well-known expert who has been quoted in Forbes, Fortune, on most major career sites and featured on radio and TV.
• Focus on learning and transforming. All coaches have a background in transformation and know how to uncover issues that prevent successful career transition. If job hunters does not do that deeper work then they may struggle to find another position or settle for employment which is not a good fit.

Senior Vice President, Major Global Entertainment Company

My job search was a difficult one because I was seeking a fairly senior position in a specific industry during somewhat unfavorable market conditions. This meant that it was very important to stay organized, focused, and creative in terms of networking, scoping out new opportunities, etc. On this front, David was extremely helpful. Just when I thought I had exhausted every possible avenue, David would inevitably come up with some solid suggestions for other paths to pursue.

More importantly, David’s role as a sounding board for specific issues, companies, etc. that I was thinking about proved to be invaluable. In addition to being a good listener, David’s logical, reasoned, realistic approach to whatever was on my mind always left me feeling much better about my situation than I felt prior to meeting with David. This was true all the way to the end where, with David’s guidance, I was able to secure and evaluate an offer from a company which ultimately led to a very important and satisfying career move for me.

Each Career Transition Program includes three elements:

Foundation

All good work must start with a strong foundation.  This foundation determines the goals, tasks and steps and the barriers to success so that the individual is clear on what is necessary to achieve a new career.

• Developing job vision.
• Uncovering barriers.
• Creating a plan.

Themes

Through the process there are various themes that will need to be worked on.  This approach allows individuals to customize a program instead of being made to work with standard tools.

• Job focus – range of experiential exercises and activities to uncover and confirm the long-term career vision.
• Personal awareness – discovering and presenting an effective picture of the candidate including pitching and giving information through resumes, cover letters, and online profiles.
• Search techniques – what methods work and what do in terms of job postings, recruiters, networking and other approaches.
• Consulting approach – how to use consulting tools to be effective in interviewing, follow up and negotiating a deal.

Execution

The execution of the plan is vital.  Job hunters are given a road map, with goals and milestones, and set assignments to complete as part of the process. The employer is also kept informed regularly of the progress of the client.  Execution includes

• Setting SMART goals.
• Utilizing regular individual coaching sessions.
• Providing mastermind groups for issue processing.

Director, Worldwide Not-for-Profit

David Couper is an excellent job and work coach. As a longtime manager, I thought I had the skills I needed, and I turned to David and he helped me successfully navigate and negotiate my way through some very treacherous water. When I finally decided to find a new career path, David coached me through a decision making process that led me to my current position. Among David’s vast skills is the ability to listen, and then ask the appropriate question to help the individual find the correct answer. He is knowledge about people, workplaces and all kinds of job situations that a worker may face. He is able to help people realize their potential. I value his expertise highly and would recommend him as a great resource to reach a successful conclusion.

Please contact us to discuss outplacement in your organization.

310 923 2523 OR info@davidcoupercoach.com