Career Counseling

Updated: August 12, 2023
A career counselor can help anyone who is facing tough career decisions. They can help with career change, skill assessments, and more.
Career-Counseling-TherapyTribe
Career counseling includes a variety of services that range from career assessments to writing a resume.
By Emily Mendez, M.S., Ed.S.

What is Career Counseling?

Career counseling is a service that helps you make important career choices. It is sometimes called career coaching or career development. This kind of guidance can help you identify and stay focused on career goals, as well as take the steps needed to meet those goals.

Who Can Benefit from Career Counseling?

Career counseling can benefit almost anyone. Whether you are in the beginning stages of choosing a career, re-entering the workforce after spending time away, or recovering from a layoff, career counseling can help you navigate through these tough career choices. Career counseling can even be beneficial if you are currently employed. It can help give you the insight needed to further your career or function better at work.

When Should You Hire A Career Counselor?

When is it time to ditch your DIY plans and bring in a professional? How about when you’re looking for a new job? What about when you are not getting any callbacks? Here are some indications that it may be time to hire a career counselor.

  • You have sent hundreds of resumes without any luck. A career counselor can help you understand the recruitment process, and pinpoint problems that are causing your applications to get rejected.
  • You are overwhelmed by the thought of searching for a job. Maybe you have been out of the job market for a long time or you have recently been laid off. Either way, a career counselor can help if you are stuck and not sure how to get the ball rolling.
  • You are planning a major career change. Making any sort of job transition can be tough. A career counselor can help you evaluate your strengths and skills to decide what you want to do next. They can help make the transition to a new career easier.

What Can A Career Counselor Help With?

Career counseling includes a variety of services that range from career assessments to writing a resume. A career counselor can help you:

  • Take skills tests and assessments – A career counselor can help you identify the right career field by administering skills tests and assessments. They can help you identify your skill set and what jobs match your particular skills.
  • Investigate career options – Career counseling can help you take a closer look at different career options. Maybe you are not sure what careers would suit your strengths or skills. A career counselor can help you identify appropriate careers. Maybe you are contemplating a career change and want to know what is available. Career counseling can help you look at all the options open to you.
  • Develop a personal action plan – Do you know what career you want but are not sure what path to take to land the perfect job? A career counselor can help you develop an action plan to get there.
  • Role play interviews– The interview process can be nerve-wracking. A career counselor can set up mock interviews so you get the chance to practice in real life.
  • Overcome obstacles – A career counselor can help you identify and deal with things that stand in the way of your career. For example, if you have anxiety or depression and these things are causing problems with your career, then they can help by referring you to a psychiatrist or mental health therapist.
  • Developing a network – Career networking can be hard for a lot of people. It is an important part of career development though. Networking can help you find new jobs and move up on the corporate ladder. Therefore, you must learn to grow relationships with co-workers and supervisors to obtain referrals and get in on new opportunities. A career counselor can help you do just that.

Are Career Counselors Worth It?

Career counseling can run anywhere from $75 to $150 or more an hour. Although this price might seem steep, the services of a career counselor are absolutely worth every penny — provided you choose the right counselor. Career counseling can mean the difference between having a job that you dread working at every day and finding a role that is fulfilling and engaging.

Finding The Right Career Counselor

It can be daunting to search for a career counselor. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Avoid Scams

There are lots of unscrupulous people out there offering career development services who are not qualified. They may “guarantee” job placement when in reality, a true career counselor cannot make that guarantee. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends avoiding career counselors who guarantee you a position. Also, search the Better Business Bureau and the state’s Attorney General’s Office for complaints.

Choose A Certified Career Counselor

We recommend choosing a professional who is registered with the National Career Development Association (NCDA) as a Certified Career Counselor. To become a Certified Career Counselor through the NCDA, the person must hold a Master’s Degree or higher in counseling psychology, rehabilitation counseling, counselor education, or a related degree. These professionals have education and training in both career development and counseling.

Find Out If They Are Right For You

After finding a career counselor with the right credentials, the next step is to determine if they are a good fit for you. Asking these questions will help you figure that out.

  • Do you have experience or expertise in my field? Look for someone who has knowledge of your career field.
  • Do you have references? A good career counselor should be able to supply you with references.
  • What are your credentials/education? Do they have graduate-level education in counseling? What is their experience with career coaching? Have they received training in career development?

Search TherapyTribe

It is quick and easy to find a reputable career counselor online or near you using our therapist directory.


Career Counseling therapists in Top Cities


Post-Pandemic Impact on Jobs

Since the start of the pandemic, more than 20 percent of American workers quit their jobs.  According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 47 million Americans quit their jobs voluntarily. This massive exodus was termed “The Great Resignation.” 

For many people, COVID-19 presented a natural opportunity to enter a new role or an entirely new industry. The pandemic lead caused workers to rethink their careers. Situations like this present an opportune time for workers to utilize a career counselor. Career counselors can offer actionable advice on steps to take for a major career change. 

References

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019). Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary. Bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.nr0.h 
  2. Caporal, J. (2021, October 19). Here’s Why 20% of Americans Have Changed Careers Since the Pandemic Began. The Motley Fool. https://www.fool.com/research/20-percent-americans-changed-careers/ 
  3. Ibarra, H. (2020, April 27). Reinventing Your Career in the Time of Coronavirus. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/04/reinventing-your-career-in-the-time-of-coronavirus 
  4. Job Scams. (2020, December 8). Consumer Information. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams 
  5. Renner, R. (2019, November 15). Should You Hire a Career Coach? Business News Daily; businessnewsdaily.com. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10919-hire-career-coach.html