As a follow up to the last article on the topic of finding a career coach I got a number of questions on why people should find a career coach, rather than how. This article sets out to share some thoughts on the subject.
If you’re clipping along in your career, confidently making choices that move you towards your long-term professional goals, then this article may not be for you.
On the other hand, if you sometimes struggle with what to do, what to say, how to handle a challenging situation, or how to find new employment, you may find value in partnering with a career coach.
What does a career coach do?
A career coach can help you with almost anything in your career, from strategic job search to enhancing your management skills. Your career coach will typically guide you through making decisions, thinking critically, and developing plans and strategies for managing your career. Often, your coach will partner coaching technique with their corporate experience during your sessions.
Some coaches also offer services like resume writing, personality profiles and career assessments, video interviews and more, all designed to best prepare you to tackle your career challenges.
How does someone become a career coach?
Career coaches come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some have extensive corporate management backgrounds, others (like me) have backgrounds in HR or recruiting. Still others have backgrounds in coaching or counseling, and focus those skills on helping you further your career.
There are organizations that offer certifications in coaching. Coaching certifications require many hours of instruction, as well as live coaching experience and a certification exam. Finding a coach that’s certified ensures that they’ve invested some time and money in their craft and have some verifiable experience in the field. However, certifications are not mandatory, and many qualified, talented coaches do not hold certifications.
How do I know if a career coach can help me?
Career coaching can be motivational, instructive and empowering. But it’s not right for everyone. Here are some signs that a career coach might be helpful to you:
- You’re not sure what’s the right next step for you. If you’re contemplating career choices, planning your next promotion, or considering leaving your current job, a conversation with a career coach can help you to feel confident about your decision. Your coach can ask you challenging questions and help you think of the situation in new ways.
- You need an impartial sounding board. Your wife has an opinion, your parents have a plan for you, but your coach cares only about what’s best for you based on your beliefs and priorities. Your coach can help you talk through your challenges without being personally invested in the outcome.
- You’re not sure what you need to be successful. If you’ve been looking for a job for months without results, or angling for a promotion for years that you can’t seem to get, your coach may be able to help you figure out why, and make changes to get where you want to go.
The right coaching relationship can help someone who is working through a challenge succeed, and can launch a successful person to excellence. All of us can benefit from an advocate dedicated to our success.
However, if you’re not open to trying new things, not comfortable sharing your thoughts with a professional, or can’t devote proper time and energy to the process, coaching isn’t right for you.
How do I get started?
Most coaches are happy to talk to you about their work and how it can benefit you. Try asking for referrals from people you trust, or use Google (i.e. “Chicago Career Coach”) to find coaches in your area. Conduct a full interview of a potential career coach, including their rates/fees, what you can expect, how they conduct their coaching, and why they feel they might be able to help you. A successful coaching relationship is based on trust, so if you don’t feel comfortable with the coach, don’t proceed.
Considering career coaching? I offer a full range of services, including resume writing, coaching, interview preparation and job search planning. Contact me to talk about how we can work together for your success!
photo credit: Corscri Daje Tutti! [Cristiano Corsini]
Related posts:
- How to Find a Career Coach: 3 Key Questions to Ask
- Are you the phoenix? Coping with career challenges
- The Perfect Job or Pipe Dream? Choosing career satisfaction
- Career Trends and Career Change: Interpreting Employment Trends in 2010
- Job search over 50: Unique challenges, unique opportunities
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Kristi!
Fellow third triber here. Just wanted to pop over an take a look at your work on this site. I love what you’re doing here and I find the content you’re producing to be incredibly valuable. I cover issues like personal development, entrepreneurship and marketing at my blog and I definitely see places where linking to your content will be a must. Keep up the good work!
Best.
Marlee: Thanks for the note! Have just checked out your site as well and dropped you a note. Looking forward to learning more!
Hi, I googled for “career coach certification” and came across your blog. I like the simple and brief discussion of career coaching. Regarding certification, yes there are many coaching practitioners who do not have this yet are talented and qualified. However, isn’t a certification an assurance also of their qualification and talent? Sometimes, if not more often, non-certified practitioners are one of those “dime-a-dozen” coaches that one is better off not having one.
Hi Lynne! Anyone interested in coaching should do their own investigation about the coach and ask critical questions about their work, their approach and their background. In the corporate world, one person with a college degree might become CEO, while another struggles to succeed. So it goes with any certification, degree or designation. What makes a coach worth their fee is the results they can provide for you — this should be the primary consideration. Thanks for stopping by!