You may become confused about the difference between a recruiter and a career counselor. That ad in the newspaper that caught your attention was put there by a recruiter, sometimes called a headhunter or placement specialist, who is either an employee of the company looking for new and qualified employees or a third-party contracted by the company to help with the search. In the latter case, there is usually a fee involved, but this is typically paid by the hiring company, not the job seeker.

If you go to a career counselor or career coach, you will probably handle the cost, unless this is an outplacement service provided to you by your former employer. A career counselor will not help you find a job, but he will help you figure out what kind of job you should be looking for. If you're confused about the job market, he can help you clarify career goals and point you in the right direction. But be careful what kind of contract you sign. Some counselors insist on being paid up-front, with fees as high as $2,000 to $5,000. Opt for a counselor who displays his credentials on the wall as a “Master Career Counselor,” is licensed by state counselor licensure boards, and charges fees by the hour. One resource to help you find a counselor is the National Career Development Association (www.ncda.org).