Candidates - Career Counselling Programme
We offer an initial discussion (free hour without obligation)
Assessment of Personality, Skills, Motivation, Career to date, etc
- Psychometric Assessment (e.g. Personality questionnaire, ability tests and perhaps a Values & Motives Inventory);
- Career themes arising from the above;
- Interests and Values
- Career History Workbook 1 (structured information gathering and self audit)
Career counselling to select and pursue optimal directions
- In depth discussion based on Career History
- Researching potential career directions (via Internet, library, colleagues, contacts, trade and professional bodies, etc);
- Career and Life Planning exercise
- Devising a Marketing Strategy
- Networking skills (listing contacts and how to develop a network of useful contacts)
- Reviewing newspapers/journals for potential career roles
Presentation and Marketing
- 1. Preparing CVs (chronological, functional, other specialist);
- Sample covering letters
- Making applications (unsolicited and in response to advertisements)
- Reviewing response (including completing application forms)
- Designing letters to targeted organisations/people;
- Continuing networking activities;
- Handling and learning from rejections.
Interviewing Skills
- Ensuring the basics are effectively covered (dress, travel, timings, information needs to maximise interview opportunities, 'what to do if..');
- Sample questions and model answers (Strengths/Weaknesses etc);
- Role playing various interview situations.
Negotiating and Handling Offers
Accompanying Documentation
- Workbook 1 - Career and Life History;
- Workbook 2 - Planning and Actions;
- Psychometric assessment report;
- Sample letters;
- Sample CVs and styles;
- Sample Questions;
- Note on handling various interview situations;
- Sundry other exercises or paper based tools as appropriate
The nature of the counsellor/client relationship is important
The career counsellor combines
- listener;
- advisor;
- coach;
- sometimes, gentle bully!
- buddy, and
- resource.
It can be a relief to talk over with a person outside of one's circle, in absolute confidence, the feelings and concerns which it may be awkward to discuss with a partner/spouse and family. One can feel distanced from former colleagues, as one has become an outsider.
- When a job application is unsuccessful, an objective perspective and encouragement is essential;
- When an interview for a plum role is offered, a practice session can ease the stress of having to 'get it right';
- When an offer is being negotiated, the client needs to know how achieve their objectives.
Once an initial discussion and agreement is in place the counsellor will support the client in meeting planned progress stages. The counsellor is available, committed and knowledgeable.
For further information or to arrange an initial discussion call Barbara Robertson on 0131 661 6671 or e-mail barbara@diamondshr.co.uk