Career advisor: functions and professional profile

Job hunting can be exhausting. The demands of today’s job market are high, and the expectations recruiters have about the ideal candidate are even higher. That’s why it’s common to feel lost or worn out, without a clear idea of which direction to take. In this context, having a career counselor is essential to present yourself effectively to employers.

Whether you’re looking for a job or want to share your knowledge and become a career counselor yourself, this post is for you. We’ll explain what the profession involves, the functions it performs, and how to become one. Keep reading! 

Let’s first define what career guidance is 

An important step to stand out in the job market is to adapt your professional profile according to current demands. That may sound simple, but what should we prioritize on our résumé? Is it necessary to list all of our experience? Are we using the right keywords to find the job that best suits what we want? Career guidance answers these and other questions.  

In general terms, it is a set of activities designed to help you in your job search. It covers everything from adapting your résumé to identifying job opportunities that match your skills and aspirations. Therefore, the main goal of career guidance is to set clear objectives, encourage positive attitudes, and develop effective strategies for entering the job market. This process is not random — it is carried out formally and systematically with the help of specialized professionals. 

Functions of a career counselor

The career counselor is the person who accompanies you throughout the job search process and acts as an intermediary with the company so that the final result is beneficial for both parties. In addition to the previously mentioned tasks, the career counselor must also:  

• Enhance existing professional skills and explore new abilities aligned with job requirements. Through assessments and practical exercises, the development of key workplace skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and leadership is encouraged.
• Advise on job opportunities and evaluate the candidates’ professional profiles to find positions that best fit their characteristics. In one-on-one counseling sessions, advice is offered on how to stand out during the selection process and tailor the résumé to the job requirements. 
• Promote employment integration programs such as internships, apprenticeships, or training programs. 
• Provide resources and tools tailored to the needs of each group. Along these lines, guidance must be personalized, offering emotional and technical support to overcome specific barriers and increase employment opportunities.  
• Facilitate contact with companies looking for talent through networking, job fairs, and recruitment programs.  

Requirements to become a career counselor

Let’s start with something basic: a counselor must be someone who listens actively to candidates, understands their needs, and communicates clearly. In other words, beyond prior education, empathy and commitment to others’ professional development are essential.  

Regarding education, career counselors typically hold degrees in Social Work, Labor Relations, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Business Administration, or related fields. A master’s degree or technical course in career counseling is also an option. 

Career opportunities

Career counselors have a wide range of professional opportunities that are constantly expanding. They can work in the public administration, employment agencies, universities, companies, NGOs, or even start their own consultancies. Moreover, with the rise of remote work, opportunities to offer career counseling services through online platforms are increasing. 

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