You're venturing into freelance Career Counseling. Which essential skills will lead you to success?

Let your clients pour their hearts out. Create a safe space for them to share their feelings, discomforts, and under-confidence issues. Sometimes I have realized my clients are doing great in career, its their personal comparisons with others which made them feel they were not good enough. This helps you develop a personal beyond beyond just giving them a pre-made PDF plan to follow. As a freelancer Counselor, I spend the first 2-3 hours with my client just listening to them. Career choice: why they made a particular choice. What motivates them etc Personal life priorities: What actually matters. But to get to these issues you first need to listen and then find the root cause of their dissatisfaction and what they need help with.

Ever felt like a human lie detector? That's what active listening can make you in career counseling! Tune in, and you’ll not only hear words but the stories behind them. Remember the last time you called customer service, and the person on the other end kept asking you to repeat your issue? You probably wanted to scream, "Are you even listening?!" Now, flip that around. As a career counselor, you don’t want your clients feeling like they’re talking to a brick wall. Instead, aim to be like that friend who not only remembers your birthday but also the name of your first pet.

Short Answer - Have reputable Credentials. Be it IVY league pedigree education or tough to crack certifications. Market trends, industry insights, everything can be learned in the short term over a weekend of hectic reading and making 2 insta posts about it. What you cannot earn in short term is credentials and Smart clients look for credentials. If you actually plan to sell high ticket services, then focus on relevant credentials for your industry. put in place a plan to acquire those while you continue your market research.

Start by conducting thorough research on the industries you plan to specialize in. Stay updated with the latest developments, job market trends, and emerging skills in demand. Utilize resources such as industry reports, job boards, professional networks, and market analysis tools to gather comprehensive insights. This information will enable you to guide your clients in making informed career decisions and navigating the job market effectively. Additionally, developing a network of industry contacts can provide valuable firsthand information and opportunities. Engage with professionals in your field through networking events, social media platforms, and industry conferences.

I would strongly recommend having an ICF certification, which is almost the only recognized institution within the coaching industry which matters. Without it, it will be more complicated to access new clients, especially corporate ones.

Personal branding is crucial for success as a freelance career counselling professional. It helps establish credibility and build trust with clients by showcasing expertise and a unique value proposition. A strong personal brand differentiates you from competitors, making it easier to attract and retain clients. Effective branding involves crafting a compelling narrative, demonstrating your skills through content and testimonials, and maintaining a professional online presence. By consistently communicating your strengths and success stories, you create a positive reputation, which can lead to more referrals and opportunities, ultimately enhancing your career counselling business.