A career coach supports and encourages clients on their careers. With guidance from a career coach, a client sets clear professional goals, establishes a plan and receives assistance on executing the plan. These clients could be seeking help with finding a job, life and work balance, a career transition or leadership development.
Career Coach Backgrounds
The backgrounds of career coaches can widely vary. Some career coaches have clinical psychology backgrounds while other have experienced difficult career transitions and want to help others. I know several career coaches who started as resume writers and transitioned into career coaching. I am a firm believer that to help the client reach their career goals, a strong career coach should have a background of hiring or managing employees themselves. Real world experience gives their clients a competitive advantage.
What to Expect from Career Coaching
Job searches and transitions can create frustration and anxiety. A career coach works through these emotions to move a client forward. Clients can expect to gain career confidence. A good career coach can assists clients in identifying strengths and core competencies and may have assessments available to open up more opportunities to their client. A good career coach offers a customizable approach to help YOU.
Benefits of Working with a Career Coach
Just as you may go to a doctor for a medical concern or an attorney for a legal issue, it makes sense to turn to a career coach to guide you on your career journey. Career coaches prepare you for successful results. Clients working with career coaches often report higher earnings, being better prepared and getting hired faster.
Many clients have difficulty defining their core strengths. A career coach can readily see strengths that the client cannot see. Clients then learn how to communicate these strengths to potential employers.
A career coach works for you, not the employer. They can act as a sounding board and help the client stay focused on their career goals. A career coach can even help clients develop answers to tough questions such as addressing gaps in work history, conflicts in the workplace, and discussing your weaknesses.
Preparing for Your Career Coach
Choosing to work with a career coach is very exciting. There are some key steps clients can take that help the career coaching process. First of all, think through your needs and potential challenges. It’s a good idea to update your resume prior to meeting with your coach. Even if it needs revision, it serves as a good starting point to work with.
Next, ask yourself some important clarifying questions.
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What am I naturally good at?
- What do others say are my strengths?
- What do I value in a job?
- What motivates me?
Keep an open mind during the career coaching process. You may be asked to complete challenging homework outside of your comfort zone. Always keep the lines of communication open. If you have questions, ask. If you disagree with something your career coach says, talk to them about it.
Are you ready to work with a career coach? Together, we can create a customized plan for your career journey.
