They often work on commission. And even if the business owner discourages misrepresentation, someone eager to make a sale may puff up the firm's ability to secure employment for its clients. A salesman who fumbles this message may be misleading the potential client. Yet the salesman's message also is subject to interpretation by job hunters. It's very easy to hear what you want to hear.
Different firms stress different aspects of the job-search process.
Question career counselors at the firm you're considering about their emphasis and the resources they devote to the services most important to you. If you're in the early stages of your career or returning to the job market after a long hiatus, you might want extra help writing and revising your resume, learning how to network, defining the image you hope to project and improving your interview techniques. If you're more experienced, all you may want are interviewing tips and help researching the job market. The hard sell at many firms centers on their ability to identify companies where you should send your resume. Some also tout their research and clerical support.