What exactly IS a career coach?
Are you feeling lost or stuck in your career? Do you want to explore new opportunities but don't know where to start? You may have heard the term “career coach”, but are not sure exactly what it means, but it might just be the thing you need to help you chart a path forward.
What is a Career Coach?
A career coach is a trained professional who helps individuals identify and achieve their career goals. They work with clients to assess their skills, interests, and values and help them develop a plan to achieve their desired outcomes. They can provide guidance and support at any stage of the career journey, from choosing a career path to making a career transition.
What Does a Career Coach Do?
A career coach can help you in a variety of ways and here are some of the things they can do:
Assess your skills, interests, and values. A career coach can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, your passions, and your values. This can help you find a career path that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Explore career options. A career coach can help you research different career options and provide information about the job market and industry trends.
Develop a career plan. Once you've identified your goals and interests, a career coach can help you create a plan to achieve them. This might involve identifying the skills and experience you need to acquire or setting goals for networking and job searching.
Improve your job search skills. A career coach can help you improve your resume and cover letter, practice interviewing skills, and develop a job search strategy.
Navigate career transitions. If you're considering a career change, a career coach can help you explore your options, create a plan for making the transition, and provide support and guidance along the way.
How Can a Career Coach Help You
Working with a career coach can be incredibly beneficial and here are some of the ways they help you:
Clarify your goals. A career coach can help you identify what you want from your career and create a plan to achieve those goals.
Build confidence. A career coach can help you build your confidence and self-esteem, which can be critical when making career decisions or facing challenges in the workplace.
Gain new perspectives. A career coach can help you see things from a different perspective, which can be valuable when trying to make difficult decisions.
Stay accountable. A career coach can help you stay accountable for your goals and provide support and encouragement along the way.
Achieve better results. By working with a career coach, you can improve your job search skills, build a stronger network, and achieve better results in your career.
How to Find a Career Coach
If you're interested in working with a career coach, there are many ways to find the right one. Here are some tips:
Ask for referrals. Talk to friends and colleagues to see if they know of any good career coaches. 90% of our clients come to us via referrals or are repeat clients so we find that tapping into your network is key when finding a coach who aligns with you.
Research online. There are many websites and directories that list career coaches in your area. Don’t forget to check them out also on LinkedIn to qualify their background and read their recommendations.
Attend career expos and events. Many career coaches attend these events to meet potential clients and it can be a great starting point to figure out what you need.
Check with professional organisations. Many professional organisations, such as the International Coach Federation, have directories of certified coaches. Remember, anyone can call themselves a coach but being certified through a reputable organisation like ICF demonstrates your coach is following a set of ethical & professional guidelines and is committed to their professional development.
Working with a career coach can be a great investment in your future. By helping you clarify your goals, develop a plan, and stay accountable, a career coach can help you achieve your professional dreams.
If this piqued your interest, click here to begin with a complimentary 20-minute clarity call to see how I can help you. There is absolutely no obligation or pressure to work with me, it’s just a chat to see if I can provide guidance and if we click!
Be Fabulous
Lisa xx