Frequently asked questions

You may be thinking about using a career consultant for the first time.

Please look at some frequently asked questions below. If they do not cover the information that you require, please contact us by email or call us on: 0203 051 1054 (London)

Q What happens during the Career Options and Job Search Consultation?

A You will have an in-depth discussion about your career options with one of our career planning and job search specialists. We prepare carefully for your meeting by reviewing your CV and the issues you wish to discuss. We can also send you a brief questionnaire to complete in advance which to give us information. You will leave this meeting with greater clarity on the career options open to you and how you can go about finding what you want.

Q How much does the Career Consultation Cost ?

A The cost of the Career & Job Search Consultation is £145 + VAT

Q Why should I pay for the first consultation?
A Nothing better to answer this question that the feedback received from one of our clients: "When I went to see other career consultancies offering a free first meeting I didn't get any real advice or feedback. At CareerBalance I had a meaningful discussion with the consultant who had obviously prepared well. She pointed to the career options open to me and how I could make a career change. I got a taste of how she could help me. And she didn’t try to sell me something or make me buy a career programme on the spot. I was able to go away and think about things. They sent me a programme to consider after the meeting. That made a big difference."

Q After the meeting, I'm not entirely clear on the services you provide or what the cost to me would be. Could you provide me with some more information about this?

A After the initial consultation, and if we think we can assist you further, we will send you an outline for a suggested programme and the cost of this. This will be tailored to your specific needs and can cover a Career & Lifestyle Review, identifying the most suitable career options for you, and supporting you in your search for a new opportunity. Information about our services and costs can be found here

Q Will I be able to see someone outside of my office hours?

A Most of our clients are working. Our first appointment is at 8.30 am and the last one starts at 6.00 pm. We always try to see you at a convenient time for you, including lunchtimes.

Q How long is an initial consultation?

A Up to 75 minutes. If we know that you have a shorter time limit then we will keep to that.

Q What is your success rate? Can you provide me the contact of someone who had career counselling with you?

A We have very good levels of success with clients. The testimonials on our site are a snapshot of the feedback we have received from our clients. Many of our new clients come to us by recommendation. Because most want confidentiality we do not give out names of individuals. However, if you come for the diagnostic consultation we may be able to suggest someone for you to contact.

Q Will I have the same consultant throughout my time with Career Balance?

A You will unless you prefer to change consultant. It will be your decision.

Q How long has the career counsellor has been counselling?

A You can find details about all of our consultants here.

Q Have you had experience with people who have changed careers completely?

A At CareerBalance we have helped hundreds of individuals to make successful career changes. They range from senior executives to new graduates. We take a cautious approach, recognising that you have invested in qualifications and built you expertise and skills to get where you are. We help you to explore careers in related areas before identifying very new career options.

We’ve helped lawyers become writers and speech therapists and bankers to become teachers and journalists. We’ve supported life-long employees to set up their own businesses.

If you require further information or you have a specific query, email or call us on: 0203 051 1054 (London).