I’m looking for suggestions for finding a good career counselor for my student who just graduated and wants to change paths.
Edited to add – also looking for how to find someone reliable to give good resume-writing feedback as well.
Looking for resources beyond the college career center.
Thanks!
I don’t know where you or your student live, but the three library systems in NYC offer extensive career help including resume writing. And I believe the Brooklyn Public Library is open to anyone anywhere:
Thanks!
We are about as far away from Brooklyn as one can get and still be in the US (Southern California) – but checking out our local library offerings is a great idea!
I believe that if s/he is 21 or younger, they can get a (virtual) library card from Brooklyn and utilize their services which, I understand, are awesome!
Has the student considered interviewing people who work in various professions? My daughter did this and learned a lot about what she wanted and what she did not. Not a traditional career counselor but still helpful.
Since s/he doesn’t live, work or go to school in NYC, I think the only other way for them to be eligible for a library card would be if they pay property taxes in New York State?
Or have the rules changed?
That’s awesome! This kid is over 21, but I’ll let my younger one know. 
Just a reminder that we don’t allow recommendations for private, for-profit companies or individuals in regards to college related matters.
I posted on my local Facebook page about a similar situation for my son and a friend reached out to me. She works in HR and looked at his CV and LinkedIn profile and gave him a lot of great advice. He was offered a job a few weeks later. Maybe try your local community social media page.
Our town offers adult education courses in resume writing. Maybe something like that?
There are some online career assessment tests as well.
A resource they might find useful for advice on crafting a resume and interviewing is the website Ask A Manager:
Thanks!
I was mostly looking for strategies on how to start the process or how to find someone reliable, rather than references for a specific person or company.
Adult education classes would be great!
Thanks!
In my son’s situation, he had already had a lot of interviews, including a couple of final round interviews, so he had a good idea of what to expect. I wasn’t sure what advice might be useful to him though. I didn’t think he needed a lot of help and he just wanted some tips. He was, of course, qualified for the jobs he applied to or he wouldn’t have been offered interviews.
I did ask him first if he was receptive to having a conversation with someone. By then, I think he was quite fed up with the job application process, so he was okay with it. If your child is sick of applying, see if he/she is open to advice.
He didn’t want to be identified, so I posted something along the lines of “My friend (not on facebook) is looking for someone to look over her child’s resume and LinkedIn profile, and give interview suggestions.”
My friend got in touch after seeing my post (I didn’t realize she was in HR). I gave my son her cell number and they ended up having a session. He found it really helpful. If you have a friend or relative in HR, that could be a good first step.
There are also a lot of career coaches out there, especially in urban areas, though everyone works remotely too. Google reviews are a good place to start, if there are enough of them.
That’s a great idea. And I might even ask some people I know in the HR department where I work if they could provide any pointers.
from their website:
National Teen BPL eCard
We invite individuals ages 13-21 to apply for a free BPL eCard, providing access to our full eBook collection as well as our learning databases. To apply, email booksunbanned@bklynlibrary.org.
I cannot answer your questions about career counselors or resume review, but I can suggest that your son start by identifying what he likes to do and what he doesn’t like to do.
Seems simple. Self reflection and self assessment based on his past endeavors.
If you are looking for a resume writer, make sure to check that they are certified, either CPRW (certified professional resume writer) or, even better, ACRW (academy certified resume writer). Sometimes they are career coaches or counselors at the same time, or, if they are not, they can usually recommend one that they know or frequently work with.
The Baton Rouge, LA public library is another one with extensive career services. A lot of the material is available online for everybody at careercenterbr.com . They also have very informative Youtube channel.
That’s very helpful info. Thanks!
Is your daughter still eligible to use her school’s career services office?
Only a couple of sessions, so I am looking into what can augment that.