Choosing a career counseling service.

Editor's note:

When it comes to what our members want most from NEHA, at the very top of the list is career assistance, particularly in the area of finding new jobs. While we are limited in the number of "Classifieds" we can run in your monthly Journal (due to the relatively long lag time between issues), we can, however, provide other means of assistance that aren't so time-sensitive. That is what we intend to do with this new career column titled, "Career Consultant," written by Sandra Hagevik, Ph.D.

Dr. Hagevik currently serves as a career consultant for EnviroTemps, Inc., a national woman-owned project staffing firm specializing in the environmental careers field. Throughout the course of her professional life, she has written many resumes, both for herself and for other professionals. She began her career as a science and health teacher, and later moved into the fields of career counseling, university administration, and outplacement consulting. Dr. Hagevik has been a nationally certified career counselor since 1985, and has assisted hundred of individuals from the public, private, and non-profit sectors find satisfying careers.

We hope you enjoy this new addition to your Journal - even if your currently have no need to seek new employment opportunities!

Stan felt desperate. His 15-year job as a sanitation engineer ended suddenly when his company was acquired by another whose consolidation plan made his services redundant. He'd just turned 50, had two kids in college, the usual mortgage, and a comfortable lifestyle. He needed career help fast and didn't know where to turn.

Stan's dilemma is being played out thousands of times across the country every day by people like you and me who are shocked into action by unexpected, unwanted, or uncomfortable circumstances. Where's a person to turn for help?

I'm part of a growing service industry that provides career support services to people seeking employment because they are entering or re-entering the workforce, need to find a new job quickly, want to change careers, are wondering what to do when they "grow up," need career "coaching," or are considering retirement alternatives. When you're looking for help, the options are confusing. I'll try to shed some light on what the best service is for your needs.

Career Counselors

Career counselors assist people in matching their values, interests, skills, and capabilities with occupations or professions that meet their personal needs. They administer questionnaires and tests, interview, counsel, coach, research appropriate career options, and support people through the job search process. They can also help you write a resume, prepare for interviews, and search for jobs. They don't promise job placement. Typically, a career counselor has a masters or doctorate degree in counseling or education. You can locate a career counselor through local colleges, word of mouth, the phone book, or the Internet. Usual charges are $60 to $90 per hour for an average of four to six sessions. Career counselors are most appropriate for people who need encouragement to enter into, change, or re-evaluate their career or life goals, or who need to evaluate retirement career options.

Career Coaches

Career coaches have been around a long time under other rubrics such as mentor, management consultant, and human resource specialist. Recently, career coaching has emerged as an individualized service to executives and professionals who wish to enhance their personal effectiveness by improving their communication and negotiating skills, professional presence, and other interpersonal abilities while remaining in their present job. Many career coaches provide their services via telephone or on line. They may be career counselors renamed, former executives, sport coaches, self-proclaimed experts, or graduates of newly formed career-coaching institutes. They are usually found on the Internet or through management consulting services. Fees are variable, depending on use, reputation, and demand.

Outplacement Consultants

Most outplacement consulting firms contract with employers, not with individuals. If your organization is downsizing, it might offer the services of a national or local firm to provide career counseling and placement services for employees being fired, laid off, or otherwise outplaced. Outplacement services usually include some career counseling, but focus more on job search strategies and support. High-end services might include use of an office, telephone, fax, databases, Interact, and technical support for up to six months. Lower-cost services might provide a one- to three-day group workshop, job resource center, or resume service. Outplacement services offered by an employer tend to be free to exiting personnel and cost an employer $600 to $6,000 per employee. Outplacement consultants are usually degreed professionals with experience in business, industry, or the public sector.

Retail Career Placement Services

Advertised heavily in Sunday employment sections of national and regional newspapers are a number of career placement services such as Bernard Haldane. These services provide some career counseling and place heavy emphasis on job search services such as resume preparation, interview practice, access to databases, and contacts with local employers. They typically do not guarantee employment, although they usually charge an upfront fee of $2,000 to $6,000 per customer, depending on one's past salary and work experience. Review the ads, and always ask first about prices and contracts. Consultants working in these organizations have varying levels of education and experience and are not required to hold specific degrees or certifications.

Placement Services

These services usually fill vacancies with people who have the necessary capabilities and experiences needed for the job orders. Most services are paid by the employer and charge nothing to the job seeker. Agencies make a profit from the difference between the employee's rate and the rate at which they charge the employer. Their contracts may have conditions that affect future permanent employment. Some employment agencies charge a potential employee for the service of finding them work. In this economy, few people should need to pay someone to find them a job unless there are special circumstances such as distance, disability, previous employment history, specific niche, or reluctance to do it oneself. Consultants in such agencies may receive a salary or may be paid by commission based on placement success. No special certification or experience is required.

Executive Placement Consultants (Headhunters)

Headhunters operate as brokers, working for the employer, not the job seeker. The best have an established reputation in an industry, and they know employers well. Remember, headhunters seek qualified people to fit existing positions, and they are paid by the employer. So they are not useful for career changers or for those without recent and relevant transferable skills and experience. Find those in your industry by asking around, or look in the Directory of Executive Placement Consultants. Better yet, get someone to introduce you to a headhunter active in your profession. While there is no charge to you, your potential employer will pay the headhunter 25 to 30 percent of your first years salary, so your skills and experience must be in demand by someone willing to pay. Executive placement consultants are usually paid on commission and usually have had experience in the industry they represent.

Choosing

Stan might first seek out a career counselor to clarify his work and life goals and to learn how to network within his potential career area. Then he might inquire about relevant placement organizations. Finally, as a long-shot, he might find someone to introduce him to a headhunter. Mostly, he needs to take personal responsibility for advancing his career - now and in the future.

NEHA and EnviroTemps have initiated a resume service that includes a free resume review for members. We'll determine whether you need no help, a Tune-Up, and Overhaul, or a Rewrite. The we'll work with you to develop the best resume for the precise purpose you have in mind. Mail, fax, or e-mail your resume, with a request for our free Resume Review, to EnviroTemps, 555 Zang Street, Suite 104, Lakewood, CO 80228; Fax, [phone]; [e-mail].