Career Counseling

The practice of career counseling is not well defined. It varies greatly depending on the counselor and the needs of the client. It can include anything that relates to the career of employment of the client. I tend to focus on helping my clients decide on an appropriate career. I use various questionnaires, usually called interest or personality inventories. It is important to understand that these are not tests, because there is no wrong or right answers. But answers that are not sincere will yield an inaccurate result. The use of personality inventories by employers to screen applicants is highly questionable, because the applicant can usually fake the answers if he or she wants to. The use of such inventories in career counseling is entirely different. Only the client gets the results, and they are confidential. This means that I will not give the results to anyone but the client, unless the client gives written permission.

Many excellent counselors do not use any questionnaires or tests of any sort; they prefer to get all the information needed by in-depth interview. My use of inventories is optional; clients may decline them if they wish. I rarely suggest aptitude tests, but sometimes they are helpful. An example might be: You have your heart set on being a rocket scientist but are not sure you have the ability to succeed in the necessary studies. Of course, you should also consider whether there are likely to be any jobs for rocket scientists when you finish your studies.

For career counseling, I usually recommend 3 or 4 sessions. At the first, we might discuss your feelings about your past and present employment. We might also discuss your ideas for the future, if you have any at this point. I would probably suggest taking home a questionnaire on interests, values, and abilities. We would discuss the results in the next interview. I usually also recommend a short questionnaire about your personality. There is no such thing as a good or bad personality, but some types of people are more suited to certain jobs than others. You may wonder why all this is needed. Consider what you need to make an informed career decision. First, you need information about yourself compared to others. Second, you need information about the world of work. What is out there that would reward you with satisfaction and income? Third, you probably need some help sorting out all the data and making a decision about what to do. This help should come from a qualified counselor, rather than friends, who tend to be biased towards their own occupational desires rather than yours.

Resume Preparation

People who need a resume can choose between preparing it themselves or having someone do it for them. There are advantages and disadvantages to both choices. There is also the possibility of preparing it oneself with advice from a counselor or employment specialist. For many people, this is the best way to go.

All services are by appointment only. Please call 781-639-8933. I will ask you some questions on the phone to determine if it is likely that I can help you. You may question me to see if what I can provide will likely meet your needs.

Career Solutions is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. http://boston.bbb.org

Member, Marblehead chamber of Commerce. http://www.marbleheadchamber.org

Costs

Career decision-making package, including up to 3 interviews and up to 3 assessment instruments (not including 16 PF or CAPS): $200

Counseling interview, 1 hour: $60 (Minimum ½ hour: $30)

Harrington-O’Shea Career Decision-Making System $15

Picha-Seron Career Analysis $15

IPAT 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire with Personal Career Profile: $30

Campbell Interest and Skill Inventory $15

Kuder Occupational Interest Survey $15

CAPS aptitude test $30

Resume preparation, including up to one hour of advising $100