ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the scientific foundation for career and workforce development interventions with the intent of providing insight into what constitutes evidence-based career interventions. The JOBS program was evaluated using randomized clinical trials research, which is comparatively rare in career and workforce development research. The chapter asserts that the findings from the extensive meta-analyses merit the label of "evidence-based practice" when career practitioners are helping people with career choices. It describes five critical ingredients. Based on meta-analyses, the five critical ingredients are written exercises, individual interpretations and feedback, world of work information, modeling opportunities, and attention to building support for choices within one's social network. By providing individualized interpretations and feedback to clients, counselors facilitate the effectiveness of writing down goals and plans. Counselors are encouraged to offer input regarding clients' goals and plans because it may help clients relate more directly and intimately to their career development.
