The effectiveness of a career guidance program with long-term unemployed individuals

Abstract

A career guidance assistance program was undertaken with 58 long-term unemployed individuals, with its effectiveness evaluated through preintervention and postintervention questionnaire. Preintervention data indicated that 83% of individuals had never experienced career guidance and that 45% lacked direction in career options. Postintervention results indicated that 67% of participants believed that the career guidance process was very effective and 91% believed that they had developed more realistic expectations about career opportunities, after the intervention. Qualitative evaluations of the intervention clustered around positive themes such as increased knowledge of self, improved direction in career goals, confirmation of own perceptions of abilities, and improved confidence. Comparisons indicated that participants were able to generate more career options with an expanded focus after the intervention.