Editor

Chicago Tribune

 

To the Editor:

 

Your November 28 article, �Complaints piling up against job counselor,� put an important spotlight on the career management profession. ACP International, a nonprofit association which represents more than 30,000 career professionals worldwide, has worked hard to establish ethical standards that are followed by the vast majority of professionals in this field.

 

The alleged examples cited in the article are the exception, not the rule.

Job seekers can protect themselves by following these 10 Tips for Hiring a Career Professional:

 

1. Decide what you need. Are you looking for advice on how to advance in your current career, or are you looking to try a new profession?

 

2. Do basic research to familiarize yourself with the career management industry. A good place to start is the ACP International Web site at www.acpinternational.org.

 

3. Don�t succumb to scare tactics. Has the career management person tried to tap into your fears? Beware - this is a sales technique! True professionals will meet you on your own terms and make no promises regarding the outcome, but will help you prepare for your next career move.

 

4. Ask each firm for areas of specialization, such as helping people start a business, explore second or third careers, etc.

 

5. Carefully review the backgrounds of the firm�s principals and any individuals you will work with directly. Look at their credentials, memberships, leadership roles in the industry, and any certifications they may have. Two valid certifications include the Career Management Practitioner (CMP) or a Career Management Fellow (CMF), administered by ICC International, an independent accrediting organization.

 

6. A qualified firm or practitioner can provide information, advice, tools, resources and skills that will help job seekers. Beware of firms that promise to give you access to specific jobs opportunities not available to the public or promise to conduct your job search for you. Career professionals prepare people to advance their careers, but the actual job search is always the responsibility of the job seeker.

 

7. Ask for references, such as three people who have been served by the firm within the past year.

 

8. Request an introductory meeting/session to meet the person you will work with to see if the chemistry is right. This initial meeting should be complimentary before you sign any agreement.

 

9. Members of ACP International are bound by a defined set of ethical standards. Don�t be afraid to ask for a copy of these ethical standards and discuss them with the firm or individual profession you are considering.

 

10. �If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Read all agreements carefully, including the fine print, and don�t sign anything until you understand it and are comfortable with all the terms and conditions.

 

Many people have benefited greatly from the services of career professionals, and following these tips will help people be smarter shoppers and get what they truly need to advance in their careers.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Teresa Daly

President

ACP International

204 E Street, NE

Washington, DC 20002

Phone:� 612-202-0739