Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas provides outplacement services through its RAPID RESPONSE services unit. Through fast action, RAPID RESPONSE can help employers provide services for affected employees that ease the transition between jobs and facilitate laid-off workers' quick return to productive employment.

How RAPID RESPONSE Operates:
When companies anticipate layoffs, the RAPID RESPONSE Team meets with company representatives to explain unemployment compensation benefits and retraining opportunities. On-site employee orientations are scheduled and a series of out-placement seminars are set in motion. The process is generally complete within one month.

A wide range of companies have utilized RAPID RESPONSE, including JCPenny, AT&T, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, Dr. Pepper, Gulf Stream and BAE Systems.

To contact the RAPID RESPONSE team, call (214) 290-1000

RAPID RESPONSE Produces Rapid Results:
In general, 70 percent of laid-off workers have found work within 90 days of attending RAPID RESPONSE seminars, which include:

• Stress Management
• Resume Writing
• Interviewing Skills
• Labor Market Strategies
• Debt Reduction/Financial Management
• Entrepreneurial Seminar
• All-Day Job Search Workshop

Stress Management - a two-hour workshop that provides strategies for emotionally coping with a layoff or job loss. This seminar stresses maintaining a positive attitude and helps to overcome psychological barriers to a successful job search and re-employment.

Resume Writing - a three-hour workshop that teaches how to prepare and use different types of resumes. Chronological, functional, combination and electronic resume formats are included. Time is also allotted to cover letters and job applications.

Interviewing Skills - a three-hour workshop that includes preparing for the interview and interview techniques. Routine and behavioral questions and how to respond to them, are discussed. If possible, practice opportunities are provided. Other topics covered include networking, salary negotiations and overcoming real or perceived age discrimination.

Labor Market Strategies - a three-hour workshop focusing on demand, growing and emerging careers and occupations in the 21st century. Information on career paths, salaries, skills, training, education and experience needed to enter these occupations is provided.

Debt Reduction/Financial Management - a three-hour workshop that focuses on keeping finances in order while unemployed. Topics include debt reduction, budgeting, managing finances after layoff and negotiating with creditors for reduced monthly payments and/or interest rates.

Entrepreneurial Seminar - a one or two-day/evening seminar focusing on how to start and manage a business. The seminar includes: getting started, business plan, marketing strategies, advertising, research, business ownership, cash flow, pricing, funding, sales, record-keeping, profit and loss forecasting, federal taxes, risk management, insurance, and scams.

All-Day Job Search Workshop - If desired, several seminars may be combined into an all-day job workshop.

To contact the RESPONSE Team, call (214) 290-1000.