Generally, an outplacement consultantis someone who is hired temporarily (as all consultants are) to help those people in the company who are going to be “downsized” - that is, fired. The consultant is there to help them get their resumes in order, determine their interests and desires, consider their skill set, and find training if they have obsolete skills.

One of the most important parts of this job as a consultant of this type is helping the people to find new employment or career opportunities. This is extremely important, along with helping get the training that is necessary to find new work.