Employment Headhunters vs. Career Counselors

By: Laura Evans

You are looking for a new job. Which would be of more benefit to you, employment headhunters or professional career counselors? Both a headhunter and a professional career counselor would like to help you get a job. However, their approaches differ, so it's good to know what each of these professionals can do. ng for a career change, a headhunter may not be able to do a good job for you.

This does not mean that some headhunters will not offer help with your resume, offer career advice or offer feedback on any interviews that they arrange for you. It just means that since their paychecks depend on placing people in openings, they are more likely to try to work with people who will meet their client company's expectations and requirements.

Career Counselors
The money paid to career counselors usually comes out of your pocket, although there are exceptions. Companies that are laying people off may include career counseling as part of their exit packages.

Career counselors help people who would like to change their careers. This may be going from one industry to another, or completely changing career paths. One of the services that you may be offered is help in determining which path would be best suited for your experience, skills and personality. In the process, a professional career counselor may help you "repackage" yourself so that it is easier for you to find new employment.

Career counselors can also help you find job leads, polish your resume and improve your interviewing skills. You may also use a career counselor's expertise to learn how to negotiate salary packages or reduce on-the-job stress. Some counselors will take a video of a mock interview so that you can learn about what your body language is telling interviewers. Others may provide online resources that you can use at your leisure.

Both headhunters and career counselors have a place for those who are looking for another job. Understanding the differences between the two can help you decide whether a headhunter or a professional career counselor is right for you.

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