What is a Career Coach?

Look up in the sky! It's a bird, it's a plane...no it's just your career coach! Okay, okay, maybe I stick to coaching and not make jokes but really I do think career coaches might just be a type of superhero!

I get this question, frequently. People will say, I need help but I am not sure what you do. So I am putting this short article together to try and answer that question to the best of my ability. There are many different coaching styles, programs, and approaches. It's like with dieting, I read that "...45 million people that take up at least one new diet per year on average (by the time they are an) adult will try about 126 different diets in their lifetime" ("Health").

Those numbers seem staggering but it reveals a certain truth. Like dieting there are many options when it comes to finding career support and one size does not fit all. When I connect with someone for the first time I ask if they have connected with any other coaches. If they haven't I encourage them to explore what else is out there. 

The only way to make an informed decision is to get information. 

Why is it important to explore your options?

Not only is hiring a career coach a financial investment but also an investment in your future and career. I believe there needs to be trust and rapport between the individual and their coach in order to get the best return on that investment.

What does a career coach do? 

A career coach partners with individuals to help them reach their career goals, advance in their careers or new role, and realize their full potential. 

So what can a career coach do, specifically?

1. Accelerating your job search, competitive positioning, and how to navigate the current job market and get an offer

2. Identifying, developing, or updating your career skills, resume, or leadership skills

3. Career planning and strategizing

4. Professional branding and networking including LinkedIn

5. Interview prep, offer negotiations, promotions, career gaps, career changes, leadership development

How do I know who the right career coach is for me? 

This question is a bit tricky to answer... one approach is to look at things that are black and white like the coach's training, certifications, media, coaching services offered, coaching cost, or work history. Don't neglect to also approach the areas that are a bit more gray like how their personality mixes with your own, do you feel confident in their ability to help you, and how their coaching style matches your current career goals.

Most importantly I advise you to trust your gut. If something doesn't feel quite right to you it probably isn't right for you. Don't judge just listen to your feelings and emotions they are our alarm bells.

There is so much more we could explore and discuss together but alas I like to keep my articles short and sweet. I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you are still not sure what a career coach does, give me a call!

"Health." Ladders, 29 Jan. 2020, cuts2.com/GzsAN.