Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ
Here we would like to answer any questions you might have about our offer.
Target group and offer
Who is Restart Career suitable for?
Restart Career's services are highly modular and therefore adapt very flexibly to individual needs. We support commercial employees at all hierarchical levels: from operational specialists to vice presidents or managing directors. We also offer specialized programs for blue-collar workers, for example, in production.
In which industries or functions does Restart Career focus?
Detailed local labor market data allows us to provide sound guidance across all industries and functions. Our target company and headhunter databases offer concrete support for specific specializations in all sectors.
Does Restart Career also offer placement services or concrete job placement?
Restart Career is not a recruitment agency or headhunter. We do not submit applications on behalf of our users. We provide effective support for self-help, as we are convinced that a professional application submitted in one's own name is the most effective. We also deliberately refrain from placement services, as we aim to remain neutral in our guidance and advice to help our users find the best-suited job.
What distinguishes Restart Career from classic outplacement?
Thanks to its comprehensive digital platform and modern, helpful tools such as an AI-supported CV and cover letter editor, as well as in-depth skills and personality assessments, Restart Career is significantly more contemporary than traditional outplacement services that primarily offer appointments with career consultants. Furthermore, our modular credit system for booking specialized coaches or services allows us to respond much more flexibly to individual needs, while keeping costs manageable. Our coaches all have many years of experience and are carefully selected for their genuine interest in the people they support. We work from a strengths-based perspective, highlighting new possibilities and providing encouragement, guided by the principle: "Where there's a will, there's a way."
I'm considering becoming self-employed instead of looking for a new job. Is that also supported?
Yes, Restart Career supports and encourages people on their path to self-employment as freelancers or interim managers, or to starting their own businesses. We help with both advice on our digital platform and with specialized business consultants and community formats like the Founders' Café. Between 10 and 20% of our users choose self-employment during their career transition.
I'm in my late 50s, does this even make sense for me anymore?
Absolutely! We have specialized coaches who help people with extensive life experience recognize their strengths, find the right next step, and successfully apply for jobs despite the unfortunately still prevalent age discrimination. We explicitly support them in staying up-to-date with digital methods (e.g., through AI training). And at the same time, thanks to our experienced pension advisors, we can also evaluate early retirement as an alternative, including concrete financial scenario calculations.
Prices and cost coverage
What packages are available and how much do they cost?
The offers differ primarily in the intensity of the individual coaching. A 12-month outplacement program for business professionals can be booked from €3,990 plus VAT (€4,750 including VAT). Offers for other professional profiles are less expensive. A combined outplacement and further training package is offered from €8,500 plus VAT.
Does the employer usually cover the costs?
Yes, outplacement/newplacement is often part of the termination agreement or, in the case of redundancies, included in the social plan. In such cases, all dismissed employees are entitled to support. Even in individual separations, newplacement can often be negotiated into the agreement without reducing the severance payment, provided it wasn't initially included in the draft termination agreement.
Can I book Restart Career as a private individual?
Yes, Restart Career's services can also be used by self-payers. The costs can then be covered, for example, by severance pay.
Is outplacement tax-free or tax-deductible?
Yes. Outplacement consulting services financed by an employer for career reorientation upon termination of employment are tax-free in Germany since the 2020 Annual Tax Act (§ 3 No. 19 EStG). These services are not considered a benefit in kind, provided they serve to improve employability and are not primarily reward-based. If the outplacement is financed by the employee themselves, it is generally tax-deductible.
Procedure and content
How exactly does outplacement work at Restart Career?
Restart Career's outplacement program is structured into four phases and milestones, for which the digital platform offers guidance, tools, and services. Users receive weekly emails with personalized tips for their next steps. Each user also has a personal contact person ("Guide") with whom they have weekly virtual check-in appointments to discuss any questions and next steps. Depending on individual needs, additional appointments with specialized coaches can then be booked.
Does the support end after a new employment contract is signed?
No, we also offer support upon request as you begin your new role, providing guidance, tips, and individual coaching. After all, the goal isn't just securing an employment contract, but successfully settling into your new job. We understand that after many years with your previous employer, this can be a significant adjustment, potentially leading to uncertainty. We don't want to leave our users to navigate this alone.
What is the timeline? How much time should I plan for each week?
Within the license period (e.g., 12 months), we recommend a specific approach and schedule depending on the desired start date in the new role. However, the decision regarding the speed and intensity of using our services ultimately rests with the user. We recommend consistently scheduling fixed times for reorientation, such as two hours per day on weekdays, to establish a good rhythm. Whether this is advisable depends on many factors, such as whether the person is already on leave, whether there are family obligations, and how quickly the transition needs to be completed. Sometimes, it can also be beneficial to consciously take time off to gain perspective and recharge.
What happens if I don't have time in between or get sick?
Our programs deliberately run for a long period (usually 6 or 12 months) to provide sufficient flexibility. If there is a longer break of more than 3 months during the usage period, the license can also be paused.
Results
What is the success rate of Restart Career's outplacement program?
Approximately 10-20% of our users choose to become self-employed. Another 10% opt for early retirement. Nearly all remaining users start a new job within the duration of the Restart Career Program, although some consciously choose to take a longer break and start later.
How long does it usually take to start a new job?
Currently, the average time to start a career is 5-6 months from the date of registration with Restart Career. However, there is a wide range, from 1 month to 12 months. The duration depends on many factors, such as the job market situation for the specific role, the hierarchical level, regional mobility, and individual expectations regarding salary and working conditions.
How does Restart Career measure success?
We don't just look at when and if users start a new job, but also follow up six months later to see if they're satisfied in their new role. Because our goal isn't to place people in just any job, but in the right one! Currently, our satisfaction rate is at 80%, and we're working to increase it even further!
How satisfied are the users of Restart Career?
We receive a great deal of positive feedback from our users. On the independent review platform Proven Expert, we have a 100% recommendation rate and an average rating of 4.92 out of 5 stars (as of September 2026). Users particularly praise the personal and supportive guidance, the high level of professionalism of the coaches, the clear structure of the platform and its content, and the noticeable support provided in terms of orientation, self-confidence, and the application process.
Data protection and confidentiality
How secure is my data at Restart Career?
Restart Career stores user data exclusively on servers within the EU, adhering to the highest security standards. With all the AI tools we use, we ensure that no user data leaves our secure data environment. We have corresponding agreements with our partners to guarantee these high standards.
What information will be passed on to my (former) employer?
We act as a neutral and confidential partner for our users and do not share any content data with the employer. Depending on the billing model, we may only provide the employer with a list of names of activated licenses.
What happens to my data after my license expires?
After the license expires, the data will be stored for another 6 months to answer any queries or to reactivate the account at the user's request. After that, all data will be permanently deleted.
What data does Restart Career store about me?
We operate according to the principle of data minimization, meaning we only collect and store data that we need to provide optimal service. This includes user-entered data about their career history, career preferences, platform usage data, and documentation from the coaches and guides involved.
