There absolutely are legitimate career counselors and they have done remarkable work with some of their clients. You have to interview them the same as you would a therapist or an MD and find one you relate to and who seems to have the kind of knowledge you are seeking and the kind of personal insights you are seeking as well.

Start by checking out www.coachfederation.org.

They have loads of info on the career coaching profession including a tool to find someone in your area

Thanks, Gordon. I'll check those guys out "after hours."

I looked on that site...nothing by me.

One other thought - you don't have to tell the negative parts of why you left your last company. I definitely would not lie, but it sounds like the company wasn't a good fit for you anymore.

I would focus on the positive aspects of what you accomplished in your last role & then focus on what you think you can do for the folks you are interviewing with.

I didn't lie, but I felt I was squirming around the truth so much it made me uncomfortable. I guess I'll have to get use to that for a while.

I agree with avocationist that you should focus on the positive aspects.

I was in a similar situation as you: I wished to leave my previous employer because I was very unhappy with many aspects of my job. In my discussions with a career counselor, she advised me that there are two ways to look at getting a new job: moving away from the past or moving towards the future. It is best obviously to be forward looking. In other words don't dwell on the negative aspects on the past, focus on the future and what you can bring to that position.

My desire to leave my previous position has actually prompted an entire career change. Having recently completed an advanced degree, I ended up contacting the career office of my alumni institution. My career counselor is at my alumni institution.