finding a dream job in counseling: tips for exploring

© 2014, Chi Sigma Iota, All Rights Reserved

Finding a Dream Job in Counseling: Tips for Exploring, Negotiating, and

Securing Your Next Position Cheryl P. Wolf, PhD, NCC, LPCA, PHR, CHt

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Finding a Dream Job in Counseling: Tips for Exploring, Negotiating, and

Securing Your Next Position Cheryl P. Wolf, PhD, NCC, LPCA, PHR, CHt

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Objectives

•  Employment and outlook for counselors •  Importance of career meaning •  Explore the hidden job market •  Find your dream job •  Negotiate the details

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Poll Question

What is your interest in this webinar? ◦  Graduating soon and preparing to look for a job ◦  Currently employed but keeping my options open ◦  Not looking for a job now but planning ahead ◦  Other

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Employment of Counselors

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# of jobs 2012

Educational, guidance, school, & vocational counselors 262,300 Mental health and marriage & family counselors 166,300 Rehabilitation counselors 117,500 Substance abuse & behavioral disorder counselors 89,600

BLS (2014)


Counselor Job Outlook

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Increase in jobs through 2022

Substance abuse & behavioral disorder counselors 31 % Mental health and marriage & family counselors 29 % Rehabilitation counselors 20 % Educational, vocational, and school counselors 12 %

•  Employment is expected to grow faster than average through 2022 (will vary by location & specialty)

•  The number of individuals entering therapy is expected to increase so there will be a continued demand for counselors.

BLS (2014)


Poll Question

What primary feelings does the job search process bring up for you? ◦  Positive (e.g., excitement at a new opportunity) ◦  Negative (e.g., fear, anxiety, stress) ◦  Neutral

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Importance of Career Meaning

•  Top 3 areas which provide the most significant meaning in the lives of 688 participants.

1.  (95%) Family [ 1) 73% 2) 24% 3) 3% ]

2.  (79%) Career [ 1) 18% 2) 48% 3) 34% ]

3.  (43%) Friends [ 1) 6% 2) 41% 3) 53% ] 4.  (27%) Religion/Spirituality [ 1) 38% 2) 35% 3) 27% ]

5.  (24%) Hobbies [ 1) 4% 2) 19% 3) 77% ]

6.  Others: (14%) sports, (7%) co-workers, (2%) service, (1%) health,

(<1%) education/self-improvement, travel, culture, financial security, happiness

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Sense of Meaning

•  Although a career is not the only source from which an individual can derive meaning, it may be one of the most important simply because of the amount of time spent at work.

•  A sense of meaning has been linked to:

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•  Career satisfaction •  Happiness •  Enhanced wellness •  Physical & emotional health •  Work motivation

•  Positive wellness-oriented behaviors

•  Tolerating negative events •  Handling stress


Poll Question

•  Have you heard of the hidden job market? ◦  Yes ◦  No

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Explore the Hidden Job Market •  An estimated 80% of all jobs are NOT posted ◦  Small businesses represent 99.7% of all employers

and employ 50% of the private work force. ◦  There is lack of time, minimal staff, high cost of

advertising, unknown need, etc… ◦  Companies expect to hire from within or through

referrals.

•  Expand your job search beyond job postings and announcements.

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Uncover the Hidden Jobs

1.  Networking ◦  Stay in touch with colleagues and reach out to new

ones; develop mutually beneficial relationships. ◦  Help others help you by letting them know exactly

what you are seeking. ◦  Participate in professional associations and take

advantage of career connections. ◦  Attend a counseling conference, local workshop, or

event to connect with people in your specialty.

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Uncover the Hidden Jobs

2.  Sign up for Google Alerts ◦  Find out if an employer posts a job ◦  Keep up to date with any news on the org.

3.  Explore jobs at your current organization ◦  If currently working, interning, or volunteering at a

site, explore the other opportunities available. 4.  Contact employers directly that interest you

whether or not they have vacancies ◦  Ask if they have open positions ◦  Informational interviews / job shadowing

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Poll Question

•  Have you done an informational interview before? ◦  Yes ◦  No

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Informational Interviews •  The purpose of an informational interview is not

to get a job, but a number of jobs do come from them.

•  It’s purpose is to gather data on important a position in which you are interested.

•  Go a step further and job shadow the professional for a day or longer to gain a better understanding of the job.

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Info Interview Benefits •  Gain access to the hidden job market •  Expand your professional network •  Discover first-hand information about a job/organization

to help you explore options & clarify career goals •  Find out whether a position may be a good fit •  Understand the needs of employers & learn how you

might fit into a particular organization. •  Learn the right path to obtain a job in that organization or

specialty. •  Increase the likelihood of getting a job offer

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Conduct the Info Interview 1.  Determine your goals (e.g., explore career options,

narrow down a specialty, find a job). 2.  Do your research about the organization, specialty,

profession, population, or co-workers. 3.  Determine who you want to interview and contact them

to ask for an info interview. 4.  Prepare your questions 5.  Conduct the interview (be prepared for the tables to

turn and have your resume ready) 6.  Follow up (e.g., thank you, referrals, feedback)

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Sample Questions •  What is a typical day/week like in your job? •  What do you like and dislike about your job? •  What do you wish you had known before you started this job? •  How much do you work on your own? With others? •  What type of person would be a good fit for this job? •  What kind of experience and skills should I obtain so I will be

best prepared for this job or field? •  What is the salary range for entry-level professionals here? •  Where else should I go for more information about this field,

organization, population, etc…?

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Secure the Job

•  Identify open positions ◦  Job postings, networking, informational interviews

•  Refine your resume and cover letter ◦  Let them know how you meet their needs

•  Prepare for the interview ◦  Practice using mock interviews or preparing answers

•  Conduct the job interview & get the offer ◦  Make a great first impression, be genuine, show your

passion, focus on the positives, emphasize your strengths, let them see your interest in them

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Poll Question

•  What is your comfort level with job negotiation? ◦  Very comfortable ◦  Comfortable ◦  Uncomfortable ◦  Very uncomfortable

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Consider Negotiating

•  Conduct your research ◦  Know your needs (minimum vs. ideal salary/benefits)

◦  Know their needs & program (skills, job duties, hours needed)

•  Consider the entire package ◦  A variety of benefits can increase the value of an

employment package when salary is not negotiable. •  Take your time to decide ◦  Respond to their offer by letting them know you.

appreciate it but do not accept the job offer right away. ◦  Consult with a mentor or trusted advisor.

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Negotiable Benefits •  Salary (generally not more than 10%)

•  Salary Reviews •  Job Duties & Roles •  Cost-of-living Adjustments •  Future Promotion Opportunities •  Tuition Waiver/Reimbursement •  Conference & Travel Funds •  Professional Association Dues •  Expense Accounts •  Flexible Schedules •  Ideal Office Location •  Office Furniture and Computer

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•  Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability Insurance

•  Vacation Time or Sick Leave •  Paid Holidays •  Maternity/Paternity Leave •  Child Care •  Retirement Savings Plans •  Stock Options •  Profit Sharing Plans •  Parking and/or Company Car •  Severance Pay •  Moving & Relocation Costs


Negotiate the Offer

•  Get the offer in writing ◦  Or document their offer in your response with the list

of items you would like to negotiate •  Have a credible rationale ◦  Describe why deserve a higher salary or additional

benefits; relate it to your professional experience or competitive value not your need for more.

•  Stay positive, professional, and flexible ◦  Make them glad they offered you the job ◦  Ask for what you want but be willing to accept what

they can deliver 26


Final Thoughts •  Be specific in your desires & target the

organizations in which you would like to work to uncover the hidden job market.

•  Gain experience & understanding of a job or organization through informational interviews, job shadowing, volunteer service, or internships.

•  Be proactive and intentional in networking, conducting your research, and applying for jobs. Then you will be in a position to negotiate for the salary and benefits package you desire.

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Questions

?

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References •  Collamer, N. (2013). Six ways to crack the ‘hidden’ job market. Forbes. Retrieved at

http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/08/12/6-ways-to-crack-the-hidden-job-market/.

•  Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014). Counselors. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/home.htm

•  Bryant, R. A. & Marks, A. (2005, Nov 8). Go ahead, haggle. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved at http://chronicle.com/article/Go-Ahead-Haggle/44981/

•  Vick, J. M. & Heiberger, M. M. (2002, Mar 22). Negotiating a better deal. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved at http://chronicle.com/article/Negotiating-a-Better-Deal/45986/.

•  Wolf, C. P. (2013). Factors of career meaning: An analysis of U.S. Naval Academy graduates. (Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.

•  Wolf, C. P. (2014). Informational Interviews. Love Your Career. Retrieved at http://www.loveyourcareer.org/ideal-job/13-informational-interviews

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finding a dream job in counseling: tips for exploring

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