Evil Career Coaches Do Exist! Buyer beware...
In any industry there is good and bad. It sickens me to know that there are predators that take advantage of people who are desperate for help and as such, become easy targets for con artists. For the record, I have found career coaches to be an invaluable resource. As you read the excerpt below (and the full article), you will discover that the buyer should always be wary.
What red flags should candidates look for when seeking career-counseling services?
Be suspicious whenever you are asked to pay a large sum in advance for professional services. Be wary if you're contacted by someone you didn't seek out. Also be aware of salespeople who use pressure tactics. Question everyone's motives. Pay attention to your initial impressions. Don't believe everything they hand you.
I think it's important to do comparison-shopping and become informed consumers about the types of career firms and services in your area and the qualifications of their professionals.
You should get three to four personal references and run an Internet search about a potential service. Don't make impulsive decisions or respond quickly to pressured sales techniques. Ask lots of questions and write down the answers. Find out where the company got your name. The Internet is a free-for-all zone, and unscrupulous people can get access to materials you distribute that way. Consider a company's overhead and how it manages to keep the lights on. You can always hire a professional on an hourly basis rather than having to pay a large fee in advance.
Finally, share your situation and questions with people you know well, respect and can trust.
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