Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau once asked: "what wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?" This article explores whether career practitioners might need to ask themselves the same rhetorical question in relation to career practice. Career development consultations that explicitly aim to focus on offering kindness might be a welcome change for practitioners well versed in extolling the oft-cited career competencies of developing resilience and remaining open to opportunities. This study indicates a need for increased focus on the provision of kindness in career development and suggests practical interventions that career practitioners can utilise.