career "counselor" question (job openings, jobs, interest, money)

[airbucket]

OK, i am thinking of contacting a career counselor or whatever the fancy name is for one of those people who help you figure out what career to get into/change to, what jobs exist and the fastest way from point A to B. Has anyone ever sought help from a counselor of this type? I have gotten so much info from the great forums on CD, and i am still stumpted as to what path to choose and pursue. I feel I may benefit from a professional working on my individual situation with me. I am a perfectionist and have so much trouble making a decision and commiting that I end of doing nothing instead, and i need to break this pattern!

Any 2 cents here? Thank you!

[lisdol]

The various tests they can administer may help you find some direction, but I'd look to see what you can find online free first. You can do a Myers Briggs online, and something called the MAPP assessment free as well. I have yet to find a Strong Interest Inventory for free (that's a common one).

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by airbucket

OK, i am thinking of contacting a career counselor or whatever the fancy name is for one of those people who help you figure out what career to get into/change to, what jobs exist and the fastest way from point A to B. Has anyone ever sought help from a counselor of this type? I have gotten so much info from the great forums on CD, and i am still stumpted as to what path to choose and pursue. I feel I may benefit from a professional working on my individual situation with me. I am a perfectionist and have so much trouble making a decision and commiting that I end of doing nothing instead, and i need to break this pattern!

Any 2 cents here? Thank you!

Yeah buy this book instead. 48 Days To The Work You Love: Dan Miller

20yrsinBranson

[gea12345]

Career Coach video:


YouTube - ABC Nightline Career Coach Peggy Klaus Offers Key Strategies

[JustTheTemp]

I am thinking about going to see a career coach to see how to market myself better. I was one of those who saw the downfall coming. I "retrained," so to speak, after hearing so much urging to do so, in a field that was related to the one that I was in before. I received a certification, after a year of very intense college courses. The problem is that all of the job openings want people with specific experience. So even though I "trained" and "studied" for them, whoops! There ya go.

Another problem is that I took the year off and did not work -- lived with family, put my nose to the grindstone. And now this looks "bad" on my resume, because I wasn't working full time (was doing freelance editing).

I feel like I painted myself into a corner. Damned if you do ... damned if you don't ...

[gea12345]

Well, It seems to me, the problem is not what you did, but how to present swiss cheese that persuades the customer that they will like cheese with holes. Or that Michelin Tires are better than the other guys/gals on the block making tires.

So, you need to work on presentation in both your resume and your "results" stories.

These thoughts came from watching the pros and amateurs on You Tubes Job Search videos.

goodluck!!

p.s Result stories are the little stories you tell the hiring authority about your transferable skills, i.e. leadership, communication styles, self- and team develpment, writing ability, etc...

[Chilkoot]

Before spending any money on a career counselor you may want to see if they have one at a local job center office. Their services are generally free.

[PurpleLove08]

Originally Posted by Chilkoot

Before spending any money on a career counselor you may want to see if they have one at a local job center office. Their services are generally free.

There are plenty of books out there about matching jobs to your personality and things of that nature. Try to find one, see if your local library can buy it for you or at least get it from another library and that's much better than spending money to see a counselor.