With the closing of the decade, we’re seeing all sorts of 10-year reflection content on social media right now. Have you seen it? Perhaps it’s the end of an era that sparks the human interest to compare and assess using time as the main reference. Whatever the reasoning now is a great time to check in on career goals. Here are our tips on how to choose a career coach, should you be so inclined.
What A Career Coach Can Do
Some of you would have been in school at the crack of 2010 and are now well seated in your chosen careers. Others may have changed directions several times and are looking back at an intersection of self-discovery and career interests. Looking forward, consider the benefits of sourcing, vetting and connecting with a career coach who can help you identify goals for the next 10 years of career growth.
6 Tips for Choosing a Career Coach
1. Define The Problems.
Ask yourself: Why do I need a career coach? If you’re not clear, take out a piece of paper and write down every question that comes to mind about your career transition. Once you understand your needs, you can identify the best type of coach for the job.
If you’re interested in changing career directions: Find a coach who is experienced in career reinvention.
If you are looking to stay in your field but need help navigating the job search process: Find a coach who has strength in resume writing or has exceptional referrals to a professional resume writer. Additionally, this coach should also have good tactics for job searching via social media and other job-hunting avenues.
2. The Interview
Yes, of course, it’s recommended to interview potential coaches! This is your career. You’re in the driver’s seat so vet ay potentials and set up some meetings.
Keep in mind, some coaches offer a free introductory call, while others only do so unless you sign on for three months or more. Also, it’s common for people to work with career coaches on a shorter-term basis, such as three sessions for job-search coaching or six sessions to complete a career exploration package.
Smart questions to ask during the interview:
- How would you describe your coaching style?
- What should I expect from our work together?
- What are your fees, packages and/or recommended routes?
- Can you share some of your success stories? (Listen to see if the coach tends to work with people like you.)
3. Choosing The Services Best Suited to You.
Coaches charge in a variety of ways: by the hour, by the month, by the task or some combination of all three. Some ask for a multi-session commitment; others go session-by-session.
Some offer full branding packages that include reworking a resumé, LinkedIn profile and cover letters while others offer each of those services a-la-carte.
Ask a lot of questions and be sure the coach is clear about what you’ll get for your money before you start work together.
4. Ready Yourself to Win.
Coaching sessions are generally about an hour long and to the betterment of both parties, you want to go in prepared. Ready any questions or specific topics of direction. Organize relevant documentation. Speak your mind. Be honest about the process, if the coach is doing (or not doing) something that doesn’t sit right, share and help the relationship achieve full potential.
Additionally, maintain open lines of communication regarding any personal challenges impacting your career plans. The goal is to craft a realistic action plan. To do this, all facts should be on the table.
5. Respect The Process.
To achieve a deeper understanding, many coaches use one or more industry-specific assessments. Techniques such as personality tests and interest inventories help you identify your strengths, interests and best work options.
Now, while these are helpful, they can’t always provide you with “the answer.”
All career changes involve a process of assessment, reflection, research, and testing. As well as hard work and patience. This all takes time before you gain real and lasting clarity.
6. Manage Timeline Expectations.
There is no clear timetable for a career change. It truly depends on you, your goals, the state of the economy and a thousand other variables. From a coach, you may only need a couple of brainstorming sessions, or you may get into the process and realize you’d prefer a few months of support.
Just know, you are going to hit plateaus and they will be frustrating. Be patient and loving to yourself.
Ultimately, the key to a good coaching relationship is finding the right coach for your specific needs and then working together effectively. Some coached are available to advise clients in person; others use a mix of phone, video conferencing and in-person meetings.
Ideally when vetting a potential coach think about what best suits your style of work ethic and daily practices. On our team at PWU, we have exceptional career coaches available. Reach out if you would like a recommendation and contact details.
Whether you are anticipating a new career direction, seeking advice on the job search or planning for semi-retirement, a good coach can help you reach goals faster and more successfully than by going it alone.