Frequently Asked Questions
To help you in your evaluation process, we have put together a list of some of the questions we are frequently asked.  If you have additional questions you would like answered, please don’t hesitate to  Contact Us.

Q. How do I select the best career management firm for me?
A. There are several steps you can take to ensure you select the best firm for your individual needs, including:

• Ask for names of references that have used the firm and observe how the firm handles former client confidentiality.
• Interview several of the firm’s principals or consultants to determine their approaches and qualifications.
• Learn more about their proactive job development and recruiter contacts.

Also, refer to the  Career Management Firm Checklist. This handy reference will help you evaluate which firm is best suited to your particular needs.

Q. Will there be additional costs?
A. Generally, a corporate-sponsored career management or transition program should cover the complete cost of your services – from consulting time, assessments, phone services, right through postage. Be wary of firms that want you to contribute to the cost of your program.

Q. How will the experience level and availability of the firm’s consultants affect me?
A. Working with an experienced and knowledgeable consultant can be of great benefit to you because such experience not only assures that his or her advice and assistance will be the best, but also that he or she is well-connected in the employment market.  Be sure you determine the firm’s consultants’ credentials, and inquire about the number of consultants and their availability to you.  It also is critical that you evaluate whether you have access to the entire staff of consultants in addition to working with the consultant to whom you have been assigned.

Finally, you should expect that your consultant will be available to meet with you whenever you have a need. Make sure the firm you choose and your consultant have made a sincere commitment to each other and to you. Although you may occasionally like to work with the other consultants, you should expect to retain the same consultant as your career advisor throughout the length of your program.

Q. What’s the best way to deliver career consulting services – group settings or one-on-one?
A. Only you can tell which type of service delivery is best for you. However, you are well advised to learn how the firm delivers its services before you commit to their program. At Keystone, it is one of our core beliefs that one-on-one consulting gives you the opportunity to create a personalized career plan, as well as address any private or delicate matters that you may not wish to share in a group setting. For this very reason, at Keystone, even our group programs are offered with additional, private one-on-one consulting. However, do not overlook the benefits of group interaction; this type of setting can be very helpful from a motivational, networking and support standpoint. Whichever firm you choose, they should offer several regularly scheduled workshops and seminars in addition to individual support.

Q. I have received career transition assistance in the past.  How will it benefit me to receive it again?
A. Each search has its own unique challenges brought about by many factors, from your emotional state to the state of the economy. Because the marketplace is never static, the information, contacts and support you will receive from a career transition partner will have a positive – and lasting – impact on your current search.

Q. What will my former employer be told about my program?
A. Career management firms offering corporate sponsored programs work hard to equally serve both the individual and the organization. Therefore, the firm generally will provide some type of report to the company showing your progress.  How much information will be revealed is an excellent question to ask the firms you are considering.  If you have specific concerns, you should discuss them with your consultant.

Q. How long should it take me to find my next position?
A. No two job searches are alike. Many factors will influence the length of the time it takes to find your next position, especially the right position. The marketplace, your ability and willingness to network and your own emotional state and flexibility play important parts.  Your consultant will work with you specifically to determine what you bring to your search that can shorten the process, and what challenges you may face that can increase the duration.

Q. What is job development and how will it help in my search?
A. Job development is the practice of matching available openings with potential candidates – similar to the services a recruiter would provide. The career transition firm you choose should have a proactive job development policy. They should actively solicit openings from agencies, search firms, corporations and other organizations and disseminate the information to program participants. This service should be free-of-charge and included in your program.  Because of their contacts in the human resources community, career transition firms are often alerted of opportunities prior to them becoming public. Job development is an important feature to look for when evaluating a career transition company, however, it should not take the place of working with recruiters and other search firms.

Q. Why are assessments helpful?
A. Most individuals lack the objectivity to realistically evaluate their marketable assets, liabilities and functional or industry options. Your consultant will look at you the way prospective employers will and help you identify both your relevant strengths and weaknesses. Using this input, together with your stated aspirations and concerns, you and your consultant will work hand-in-hand to identify a range of appropriate career options and then pinpoint those that best capture your full marketability, interests and income potential.  

Q. Will a career management firm show me how to effectively use the internet as part of my search?
A. The internet continues to play an increasingly important role in job searches. In addition to resume banks, job boards and career advice sites, the internet is an invaluable resource for researching corporations, professional associations and networking opportunities. Your career transition firm should offer technical support and training on how to effectively use the internet in your job search. 

Q. If I am still receiving severance pay, should I still attend?
A. Absolutely! Career transition programs are designed to teach you the career and search skills you need now – and in the future.