Outcome comparisons of formal outplacement services and informal support

White‐collar workers were surveyed approximately three months and six months following layoffs. Approximately half of the respondents received extensive outplacement assistance while the remaining respondents, not having formal outplacement available, participated in an informal social support group sponsored by the community. Results indicate that individuals receiving formal outplacement training had higher job search self‐efficacy and were more optimistic regarding recovery from job loss than were those going to the informal social support group. While no differences were observed between the two groups on the number of job offers received after three months, members of the social support group appear to have the advantage in finding jobs comparable to their previous jobs. These findings and their implications are discussed.