What are the most effective strategies for helping an underemployed client?

1 Assess their situation

The first step is to assess your client's current situation and understand the reasons and factors behind their underemployment. You can use various tools and methods, such as career inventories, interest tests, skills assessments, and SWOT analysis, to help your client identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. You can also help your client explore their values, preferences, motivations, and aspirations, and how they align with their current job and career path.

2 Explore their options

The next step is to explore your client's options and alternatives for improving their employment situation. You can help your client research and evaluate different career fields, occupations, industries, and employers that match their qualifications, interests, and goals. You can also help your client identify and pursue opportunities for learning, development, and advancement within their current organization or sector. You can use various resources and sources, such as online databases, career websites, professional associations, mentors, and networks, to help your client gather relevant and updated information and contacts.

3 Develop their plan

The third step is to develop your client's plan and action steps for achieving their desired employment outcome. You can help your client set realistic and specific goals, objectives, and timelines, and break them down into manageable and measurable tasks. You can also help your client prepare and update their resume, cover letter, portfolio, and online profile, and coach them on how to market themselves effectively to potential employers or clients. You can also help your client practice and improve their interview, negotiation, and communication skills, and provide them with feedback and support.

4 Address their challenges

The fourth step is to address your client's challenges and obstacles that may hinder their progress or success. You can help your client identify and overcome their internal and external barriers, such as negative beliefs, attitudes, emotions, behaviors, habits, or circumstances. You can also help your client cope with stress, uncertainty, rejection, and change, and build their resilience, confidence, and self-efficacy. You can also help your client access and utilize various resources and supports, such as counseling, coaching, mentoring, networking, or financial aid, that can assist them in their career transition or development.

5 Monitor their results

The fifth step is to monitor your client's results and outcomes, and evaluate their performance and satisfaction. You can help your client track and document their achievements, feedback, and learning, and celebrate their milestones and successes. You can also help your client review and reflect on their experiences, challenges, and opportunities, and adjust their plan and strategies as needed. You can also help your client maintain and expand their network and relationships, and seek and offer assistance and referrals.

6 Follow up with them

The sixth step is to follow up with your client and provide them with ongoing guidance and support. You can help your client sustain and enhance their employment situation, and address any issues or concerns that may arise. You can also help your client plan and pursue their future career goals, and explore new or emerging trends and opportunities. You can also help your client update and upgrade their skills, knowledge, and credentials, and engage in continuous learning and development. You can also help your client balance their work and life, and foster their well-being and happiness.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?