Should You Get Professional Help With Your Career?

My local newspaper just published an article about the increase in the number of people seeking professional career-related help during this economic downturn. Clients include those who have been laid off and want help finding new jobs, those who fear impending layoffs and want to be ready and others who are opting to change careers because their current fields hold few opportunities.

A career development professional can help you with all these issues. However, such help often doesn't come cheap, not to mention that bad advice is worse than no advice. As a consumer, it is up to you to ascertain that the person you hire to help you with your career is qualified to do so. Look for someone who has undergone training in this area, such as a certified career counselor or a career development facilitator.

If you are looking for free or low cost career help you have some options. Many public libraries have career centers that offer free resume writing assistance, career counseling and job listings. One-Stop Career Centers also provide free assistance with these career-related issues, as well as job training. They are sponsored by the United States Department of Labor and are located around the country. See the ServiceLocator to find a One-Stop Career Center. Many college career offices provide help to alumni for free or at a reduced fee.

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