What is a career counselor?
Career counselors hold a graduate degree in counseling with a specialization in career counseling. Services of career counselors differ, depending on the counselor's level of competence, the setting,client needs, and other factors. National Certified Career Counselors, Registered Professional Career Counselors, and other professional career counselors help people make and carry out decisions and plans related to life/career directions.

What do career counselors do? Strategies and techniques of professional career counselors are tailored to the specific needs of the person seeking help. It is likely that the career counselor will do one or more of the following:
• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to help clarify life/career goals
• Administer and interpret tests and inventories to assess abilities, interests, and so forth, and to identify career options
• Encourage exploratory activities through assignments and planning experiences
• Utilize career planning systems and occupational information systems to help individuals better understand the world of work
• Provide opportunities for improving decision-making skills
• Assist in developing individualized career plans
• Teach job hunting strategies and skills and assist in the development of resumes
• Help resolve potential personal conflicts on the job through practice in human relations skills
• Assist in understanding the integration of work and other life roles
• Provide support for persons experiencing job stress, job loss, and/or career transition

Roles of the Career Counselor
Services of career counselors differ, depending on the counselor's level of competence, the setting, client needs, and other factors. Master Career Counselors and other professional career counselors help people make and carry out decisions and plans related to life/career directions. Strategies and techniques of professional career counselors are tailored to the specific needs of the person seeking help. It is likely that the career counselor will do one or more of the following:
• Conduct individual and group personal counseling sessions to help clarify life/career goals.
• Administer and interpret tests and inventories to assess abilities, interests, and other factors, and to identify career options.
• Encourage exploratory activities through assignments and planning experiences.
• Utilize career planning systems and occupational information systems to help individuals better understand the world of work.
• Provide opportunities for improving decision-making skills.
• Assist in developing individualized career plans.
• Teach job hunting strategies and skills and assist in the development of resumes.
• Help resolve potential personal conflicts on the job through practice in human relations skills.
• Assist in understanding the integration of work and other life roles.
• Provide support for persons experiencing job stress, job loss, and career transition.

Client Expectations
You may ask career counselors for a detailed explanation of services, fees, time commitments, and a copy of their ethical guidelines. Professional counselors are required to follow the ethical standards of professional bodies, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors, the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, or the National Career Development Association. You may terminate services at any time and pay only for the services rendered.
Career counseling requires the expertise of a trained professional. Be wary of services that promise you more money, quick promotions, or guaranteed resumes. Career issues are usually complex and require a multifaceted approach by a career counselor who has extensive education, training, and experience.

What Do Career Counselors Do?
The services of career counselors differ depending on competence. Master Career Counselors or other professional career counselors help people make decisions and plans related to life/career directions. The strategies and techniques are tailored to the specific needs of the person seeking help. It is likely that the career counselor will do one or more the following:
• Conduct individual and group personal counseling sessions to help clarify life/career goals.
• Administer and interpret tests and inventories to assess abilities, interests, and so forth, and to identify career options.
• Encourage exploratory activities through assignments and planning experiences.
• Utilize career planning systems and occupational information systems to help individuals better understand the world of work.
• Provide opportunities for improving decision making skills.
• Assist in developing individualized career plans.
• Teach job hunting strategies and skills and assist in the development of resumes.
• Help resolve potential personal conflicts on the job through practice in human relations skills.
• Assist in understanding the integration of work and other life roles.
• Provide support for persons experiencing job stress, job loss, and/or career transition.

Ask any counselor you are considering for a detailed explanation of services (career counseling, assessment, employment search strategy planning, resume writing, and so forth). Make sure you understand the service, your degree of involvement, and your financial commitment.

Career Counseling Fees
Select a counselor who is professionally trained, who specifies fees and services upon request, and who lets you choose the services you desire. Make certain you can terminate the services at any time, paying only for services rendered.

Promises
Be skeptical of services that make promises of more money, better jobs, resumes that get speedy results, or an immediate solution to career problems.