How To Choose a Career Counselor or Other Career Development Professional

You may need unbiased advice when choosing a career, deciding whether or not to change careers or jobs, re-entering the workforce, job hunting, or recovering from a job loss. Find out how to find and work with a career counselor or other career development professional.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: na
Here's How:

1. Determine whether you need professional help. You might if you're choosing a career, trying to advance in your current career, or have career related issues.
2. Find a career development professional who can help you explore career options, can inform you of labour market trends, and can assess your skills, interests, and work related values.
3. To find professional help get recommendations, contact your local university, or check the yellow pages under 'Career'.
4. Check the person's credentials. The person you meet with should be a Nationally Certified Career Development Professional or a Career Development Facilitator.
5. Interview the person before hiring him or her. Ask how he will help you. No one should be able to promise you a better job, more money, etc. Make sure you feel comfortable with that person.

Tips:

1. Don't pay someone for career advice unless they have professional credentials.
2. Avoid someone who promises you a better career, more money, or a better life. No one can make those kind of guarantees.
3. Make sure the person you choose is knowledgable about your field.