A career coach can give you objective advice and be a friendly ear to vent to, but they won’t fix your career problems for you.
You need to make a commitment and work hard to achieve your career goals. A coaching program can help you along the way, but it takes time to see results.
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What They Don’t Do
A successful job search or transition can be a daunting task. A career coach can act as a sounding board to keep you on track and help you overcome any hurdles that get in your way.
A career coach can also help you pick out the best fit for your personality, interests and career coaching. A good one will even provide you with referrals to other reputable professionals who can help you further your career in the future.
Although a career coach is not the first person you think of when you want to boost your job satisfaction, achieving a higher quality of life is worth the investment. Choosing the right coach for you can be difficult, but it can be accomplished with the help of online resources and a little bit of elbow grease. The best part is that a good coach will be there to guide you every step of the way.
They Can’t Guarantee You A Job
While a career coach may be an effective resource when you’re ready to make a change or have hit a professional slump, they can’t guarantee you a job. Instead, they’ll work with you to help remove roadblocks in your job search.
A good coach will be an expert in their field and be able to provide you with personalized advice. They will also be able to help you set and meet goals, identify skills you need to develop, optimize your resume and more.
If you’re considering working with a coach, make sure to do your research before you hire one. Look for a referral from someone who has worked with the coach before, or ask to see their credentials and website.
Also, be wary of coaches who offer a guarantee, as some windbags will charge you a hefty upfront fee and then promise to get you a job for free. It’s important to get a written guarantee, and to never pay up front for services you don’t need or won’t use.
They Can’t Give You Advice
You can’t expect a career coach to tell you what job to apply for or what to say in an interview. They will instead give you a neutral perspective so that you can evaluate your options from an objective standpoint.
If you’re feeling like your current role is becoming a rut, it’s important to talk to your coach about what might be getting in the way of progress and whether you’d be better off making a change. This can help them determine the right kind of coaching for you and what steps to take next.
The process of making a major career change can take some time, especially if you’re struggling with self-doubt or lack of confidence. This is a good time to tap into your growth mindset and make sure you’re ready for the challenge. Your coach will likely encourage you to get out of your comfort zone, so it’s a good idea to start with some reflection and grounding before the first session.
They Can’t Help You Develop Your Personal Brand
A career coach may be able to help you with the usual suspects – your resume, interviewing skills, networking strategy and LinkedIn optimization. They can also help you craft a winning job search strategy that gets the results you want.
The best part is, it doesn’t cost a lot of money to get the help you need. You can find a top-rated coach online or in your local area for as little as $150.
A career coach can also help you with the elusive goal of figuring out what exactly you really want to do in your career. Some coaches use a process called the North Star or “highest potential” model to help their clients pinpoint their non-negotiable values and vision for the future. That might be to live with full integrity, be a trusted advisor or protect the environment and people. The right coaching can be a game changer in your career and life, helping you reach the next level.