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What does an Employment Counselor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

An Employment Counselor provides job seekers with the resources and support they need to find employment. They may help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search strategies. Employment Counselors also work with employers to identify job openings and match qualified candidates with open positions.

Employment Counselor job duties include:

  • Meeting with clients to discuss their employment needs
  • Assessing client skills and qualifications
  • Developing job search strategies
  • Identifying potential employers
  • Contacting employers on behalf of clients
  • Arranging job interviews
  • Providing clients with information about job openings
  • Assisting clients with the application process
  • Negotiating job offers on behalf of clients
  • Helping clients transition into their new jobs

Employment Counselor Job Requirements

An Employment Counselor typically needs a bachelor's degree in human resources, counseling, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master's degree in human resources, counseling, or a related field. Certification is not required to work as an Employment Counselor, but it may give job seekers a competitive edge. To become certified, Employment Counselors must pass an exam administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Candidates must have at least three years of full-time experience working in the field of employment counseling to be eligible to take the exam.

Employment Counselor Skills

  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Listening skills
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Research skills
  • Writing skills

Related: Top Employment Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Employment Counselor

An employment counselor is a professional who helps people find jobs. They may work in a variety of settings, such as job centers, career centers, or community organizations. Some employment counselors are also self-employed and work with clients on a freelance basis.

If you’re interested in becoming an employment counselor, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a field such as human resources, counseling, or psychology. Once you have your degree, you should consider getting some experience working in the human resources field or in a counseling role. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful as an employment counselor.

Once you have your degree and some experience under your belt, you can start looking for jobs as an employment counselor. You can search for open positions on job boards or online job databases. You can also contact local job centers or career centers and inquire about open positions. When applying for jobs, be sure to highlight your skills and experience in counseling and helping people find jobs.

If you want to be successful as an employment counselor, it’s important to have strong people skills. You need to be able to build rapport with clients and help them feel comfortable discussing their career goals and experiences. You also need to be able to effectively communicate with employers and understand their needs. Strong writing skills are also important, as you may need to prepare resumes or other documents for your clients.

If you have the necessary skills and experience, becoming an employment counselor can be a rewarding career choice. You can help people find fulfilling jobs that match their skills and interests. You can also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve helped someone else achieve their goals.

Related: Employment Counselor Resume Example

Related: Employment Counselor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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