FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is The Career Game?

Which books are best for which ages or grade levels?

How long does it take to finish the workbooks?

Do I have to use the web site or CD-ROM with the workbooks?

Can I use the web site or CD-ROM without the workbooks?

Should I use the Red Hot Jobs workbook to follow up The Career Game or should I use one of the computer-based options?  What are the differences?

Can I use the Red Hot Jobs workbook as a follow up to the Explorer Edition?

What are the software compatibilities?

How often are workbooks and software updated?

How do I order?

What is your federal ID number?

How long does it take to get the materials?


What is The Career Game?

The Career Game
is a mix-and-match package of workbooks with optional web site, CD-ROM and videos that help people convert hobbies, heroes and personal favorites into an actual list of potential careers.  With its positive, youthful attitude and non-threatening style, The Career Game brings enthusiasm to the process of career investigation.  After more than three decades of continuing service to the counseling community, the newest editions enhance our traditional six-category interest scale with even more color and graphic appeal.
(Back to Top)

Which books are best for which ages or grade levels?

The Career Game and Red Hot Jobs workbooks are written at the same reading level as most daily newspapers, which is 8th grade.  We recommend these books from 8th grade to adult. 

The Explorer edition condenses The Career Game and Red Hot Jobs into a single easier workbook for younger or more challenged readers. Explorer is written at the 5th grade reading Level. 

However, we have noticed that many repeat customers continue to order above or below their grade level.  We have seen the 8th grade level books successfully used all the way down to the 5th grade, and the 5th grade level books used in high school as well as adult programs.  In the final analysis, the comprehension skills of the readers should determine the workbook to be used.
(Back to Top)
 

How long does it take to finish the workbooks?

Although some educators stretch the process, the workbooks have been designed so they can be completed in one class period.   
(Back to Top)

Do I have to use the web site or CD-ROM with the workbooks?

Many educators choose to enhance the workbook exercise with computerized career scenarios and associated career information, but those are optional extras.  None of our workbooks require the use of the web site or CD-ROM.
(Back to Top)

Can I use the web site or CD-ROM without the workbooks?

Both the web site and the CD-ROM require the input of scores from the workbooks.  They are not stand-alone products.
(Back to Top) 

Should I use the Red Hot Jobs workbook to follow up The Career Game or should I use one of the computer-based options?  What are the differences?

Some of our customers use The Career Game all by itself, but most follow up with the Red Hot Jobs workbook, the web site or the CD-ROM.  Any of these options will quickly match interests discovered in The Career Game to jobs from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, giving growth rates, personality profiles and more.

The major advantage of the Red Hot Jobs workbook is speed.  Many educators find themselves facing large groups, under severe time constraints.  By utilizing sequential self-scoring workbooks, the process of finding interests and matching jobs can be accomplished in one class period, without access to computers or the Internet.  See a sample page from Red Hot Jobs on this site.   

The advantage of the web site is detail.  Computer printouts offer more personalization than a workbook.  There are also routines that match interests to jobs according to educational commitment.   Adding more years of schooling to a personal profile rewards a student with increasingly more attractive career opportunities.  In a moment of quiet self-discovery, the benefits of continuing an educational program become immediately clear.  The web site also links to a vast library of career information.  See the Web Demo on this site for more information.

The Counselor Tools CD-ROM offers the same job matching features that can be found on our web site, without the links to the extra libraries that we offer on the Internet.  See the CD-ROM Demo on this site for more information

Five different Sampler Packages that bundle workbooks along with computer-based enhancements allow educators to try different options for themselves, and determine which works best in their situation.
(Back to Top) 

Can I use the Red Hot Jobs workbook as a follow up to the Explorer Edition?

Red Hot Jobs is the companion workbook to The Career Game.  It is not designed for use with the Explorer edition.  Explorer users who wish to add an optional follow-up exercise are encouraged to consider one of the computer-based options, which can be used with all of our workbooks.
(Back to Top)

What are the software compatibilities?

The latest version of the Counselor Tools CD-Rom is Windows compatible only.  It supports all networks.  It comes with a building site license that allows you to load it on all of the computers in one school building for the single program price.  And, school staff may load it on home computers as well.
(Back to Top)           

How often are workbooks and software updated?

Minor updates occur with each new printing, which is usually yearly.  Major job information updates coincide with U.S. Department of Labor’s release of new job information and growth predictions, which happen in the Spring of even numbered years (i.e 2006, 2008 etc.).  Because our scoring system remains constant, all software and workbooks are compatible with each other, no matter when they were published.
(Back to Top)

How do I order?

See Prices / Ordering on the Home Page of this site.
(Back to Top)

What is your federal ID number?

Rick Trow Productions, Inc. is a PA corporation.  EIN # is 23-1887142.
(Back to Top)

How long does it take to get the materials?

Most orders are shipped within 72 hours of their receipt.  UPS ground delivery normally takes 1 to 6 working days depending upon the distance from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Air delivery is available at extra cost.
(Back to Top)