A competent career counselor’s approach is tailored to the needs of the individual job seeker. Generally speaking, however, a career counselor will employ one or more of the following strategies:

1. Conduct counseling sessions to help identify career goals.
2. Administer and interpret tests to assess abilities and interest and to identify career options.
3. Assist in the development of individualized career plans.
4. Teach job-hunting strategies and skills and assist in the development of resumes.
5. Help minimize potential on-the-job personal conflicts through practice in human relations skills.
6. Provide support for individuals experiencing job stress, job loss or career transition.
7. Assist in understanding the integration of work and other life roles.

When selecting a counselor, look for experience and honesty, rather than fancy credentials. Focus on how comfortable you feel with his or her personal manner and
counseling methods. Does he treat you with empathy and consideration? Does he employ an individual approach or try to fit you into a program designed for everyone? A counselor’s experience in helping people advance in particular professions and industries may prove useful but it is not as critical as your comfort level with the way he relates to you and the process he employs.

Don’t be swayed by high pressure sales people who want to sell you job leads, resumes and a “deluxe package” that requires a large up-front fee. Make sure you understand what kinds of services are being offered, as well as the amount and terms of payment. While it’s certainly to your benefit to meet a prospective counselor in person before signing up with him, for many counselors — especially those who operate on an hourly appointment basis — free initial appointments are simply not economically practical. In any event, you can get a “gut feeling” about a counselor simply be spending a few minutes on the phone with him. After briefly explaining why you are seeking his help, ask what methods he would employ and how he would proceed. Find out whether he’s had clients with similar problems in the past. Get references.

While no reputable career counselor will guarantee that you’ll land a job, the objective insight and support he offers can, without question, make the career planning and job hunting process easier and more productive.

If you know of a job opening please contact Professional Career Services at 732.905.9700 or [email protected]

Agudath Israel of Lakewood, NJ, Community Services, Inc.
Yoel Tolwinski, Director of Placements     
Shoshana  Smulowitz, Director of Placements     
Daniel Soloff, Director

Agudath Isreal of America, Community Services
Moshe Tyberg,
Avraham Kahn
Daniel Soloff

(This article first appeared in the Hamodia)