Everyone Needs Help

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Help with your job search

Finding and growing in a job that aligns with your interests, personal goals and core values can help you feel fulfilled in your career. However, it can feel challenging to recognize and attain the right opportunity. If you are unsure which professional direction to take, a career counselor could help. In this article, we look at how a career counselor can provide guidance as you pursue your professional goals.

What is career counseling and coaching?

Career counseling is a service designed to help people find the right professional path. Career counselors, also referred to as career coaches or job coaches, provide guidance to professionals from varying fields, backgrounds and experience levels. Clients of a career counselor may seek advice on their ongoing job search, perspective on a mid-career industry change or guidance on general professional development. It is the career counselor’s role to help you understand your options and evaluate challenging professional decisions. Career counselors also support professionals by providing resources, administering tests and recommending tactics for securing a great job.

Career counselor responsibilities

Career counselors are well-educated researchers, advocates and communicators whose education and training qualify them to guide their clients. Most career coaches complete master’s degrees, and some even pursue doctoral degrees. This comprehensive education in career development helps them navigate the essential responsibilities involved in helping a client follow the best personal career path. The duties of a career coach include:

  • Administer and evaluate tests for aptitude and character traits

  • Collaborate on developing actionable career goals

  • Teach job search techniques such as utilizing search platforms and building a professional network

  • Demonstrate effective interview techniques and tips

  • Assess and improve resumes, cover letters, portfolios and professional networking profiles

  • Assist in applying for professional development programs such as certifications, higher education and professional associations

Career counselors use skills such as research, active listening, critical thinking and problem solving to shape your goals, preferences, abilities, experience and education into a clear professional plan.

 

How a job coach can help you

If you are wondering whether a professional career counselor can provide the guidance you need, it can be helpful to understand the services job coaches typically offer.

Career guidance

Whether you are choosing your first job or considering a change, a career coach can guide you through the process. Your career counselor can help you assess your skill set, identify your professional goals and advise you about potential career matches. In some cases, you might have a series of guided conversations with a career counselor. Your job coach could also administer an aptitude test or a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality assessment to pinpoint the best career options for you. The MBTI is a questionnaire of situational and behavioral questions that aim to evaluate your worldview and decision-making process.