Issues in Job Placement
There have traditionally been two theories of job placement: Client-Centered and Selective Placement. In actual Rehabilitation Counseling practice elements from both are used together.
In classic Client-Centered Placement the counselor seeks to maximize independence by teaching the consumer how to be an effective job seeker. The approach centers on teaching job-seeking skills and how to successfully present oneself to employers. This approach includes training in how to identify and find jobs, job interview training, how to fill out an employment application, develop a resume, follow-up an interview, etc. The counselor is essentially a guide and placement resource for the consumer. The idea behind this approach is that individuals periodically change and upgrade their employment situations, and any individual who is not an effective job seeker is at a long term disadvantage in the labor market.
Selective Placement (sometimes also called Directive Placement) places the full responsibility for finding a suitable employment situation on the counselor. The counselor represents the consumer to potential employers. The counselor finds possible positions for the consumer, arranges interviews including transportation to the interview, and follows-up the interview with the employer. The counselor will frequently be present with the consumer in the actual job interview. This approach views efficient and optimal placement as the ultimate goal of rehabilitation services, and the best way to truly help and serve the consumer.
Different sources for finding job leads.
What employers look for in job applicants.
How to complete employment applications.
How to construct effective resumes.
How to write letters of introduction to employers.
Appropriate dress and demeanor during the job search and interview.
Role play rehearsals for employment interviews.
Development of appropriate answers for common questions and difficult problem areas.
Follow-up of the interview.
Most jobs are filled through the informal network of friends and acquaintances or by canvassing (directly contacting) employers regarding possible employment opportunities. Job-seeking skills training programs, such as Azrin's Job Club, strongly emphasize these methods. Most jobs are filled in the business sector without the need of formal announcement. When good jobs are formally announced, turned over to employment services, advertised in newspapers or trade publications ... the competition for them becomes substantial.
Canvassing employers.
Employer want ads in local newspapers.
Trade and professional publications.
Civil Service Bulletins (including on site bulletin boards).
State and private employment services.
Unions.
Announcements of new business openings.
