As early as high school, students are faced with the question which career to pursue after studies. Career aptitude tests are taken by students to help them know identify their strengths that will guide them to choose a career.

Here are some commonly asked questions by students on a career coaching perspective:

1. What are career counsellors?

A career counsellor is someone who gives people advice and information about what type of work they could do or how they could progress to a better job. Professional counsellors spend their lives in the career counselling profession. Because of their years of experience, they have seen many different types of clients and careers. They are very knowledgeable and aware of a wide range of careers. Though they are professional, they may not have a fist hand experience as hiring manager but they can guide you in figuring out the career direction and education you need for your career.

For students planning your first career, a counsellor will be helpful as you usually find them in universities and colleges.

2. What are career coaches? How are they different from career counsellors?

Transitional or Career Change Coaches are those who worked in different fields but then moved into career counselling later in life. Most people have transitioned from other careers to counselling and coaching field.

They consist people who worked in the Human Resource (HR) department of corporations (previously known as the Personnel Department), as well as Recruiters (Head Hunters). They can help you if you want to change careers or if you’re having problems with your current career. Unlike career counsellors who advise you from early on in your career.

3. What is the definition of Career Counselling?

Career counselling is a process that will help you to know and understand yourself and the world of work in order to make career, educational, and life decisions. Career development is more than just deciding on a major and what job you want to get when you graduate. You seek out a counsellor if you want help in deciding on a career direction.

For students who don’t have an idea what your future might look like, you need a strategic person who will help you create a vision of your future. Career counselling will help you discover what to do with your life, and help you fix or improve your career.

4. What is Career Coaching? How is it different than Career Counselling?

Career counselling has something to do with selecting a new career direction. It doesn’t matter if you’re 15 and seeking out your first career, or you’re 40 and you want to shift career or look for a new job.

On the other hand, career coaching to me has more to do with one’s individual performance and level of success. A good example is a gymnastics coach who wants his athlete to get into Olympics. A career coach assumes that you already have a career but you want to gain success.

5. What would a Career Counsellor do for a person who needs counselling?

Usually, a counsellor knows how to ask the right questions to help the student figure out how to jumpstart his career. Some would perform a series of tests usually consisting personality tests which will determine what the student is most likely inclined to. After which, a counsellor will generate a report to summarize the series of tests and questions.

6. What’s the best job search strategy for me?

It’s not the same everywhere—getting a job in fashion or publishing requires very different tactics than getting one in finance. Enlist your counselor’s experience in strategizing your approach. Ask questions like: How should I allocate my search time between networking, informational interviews , and applying for jobs? What strategies have been effective for other people applying for these types of positions? How you should approach the job search will vary based on your role, industry, and location, but your career counselor likely has some advice that will help you out.

7. How does my resume look?

Your counselor knows what makes a resume stand out to employers, so bring a copy of yours to the meeting and enlist her feedback. Even if it’s still a work in progress, that’s OK. Bring a draft, or even a list of all your experiences and activities—from your internships to being a publicity chair in a volunteer club on-campus to spending your summers as a lifeguard. Counselors can help you craft experience descriptions that draw attention to the skills and personal qualities you have that employers are seeking.

Know any other common career coaching questions? Share them below.

Also, find out the secrets to building a solid career path: