For many, the decision to hire a Career Coach is often a step into the unknown. The decision to find a coach usually occurs after individuals have tried to solve their employment issues and yet still remain unhappy. Career Coaches often help individuals looking for a new job, adjusting to changes in the economy, or moving up the hierarchy at their current company.
Whatever the reason for your search, individuals are often asking some form of the following questions:
- “Will it be worth it?”
- “What do I look for in a Career Coach?”
- “How do I make a wise choice?”
With these questions in mind, here are three valuable qualities to look for in a Career Coach:
1. Expertise and certification as a coach:
Coaching is a measurable skill that is often highlighted by a coach’s certifications. For example, organizations like The International Coach Federation certify coaches only after satisfying a host of qualifying requirements and passing a comprehensive exam. Organizations like ICF also hold their coaches accountable for understanding and operating according to their core competencies. In addition to looking at the coach’s qualifications, see what previous experiences as a hiring manager, recruiter, or HR professional they bring to their practice. Finding a certified coach who can supply their expertise will provide you with a strong ally for your career changes.
2. Partnership philosophy to coaching:
A good coach will help you intentionally design and cultivate a working relationship that best serves you. Look for a coach who can understand and articulate how you will need to be supported and empowered while you work together. If you can identify and agree with a coach’s philosophy, you are well on your way to a successful coaching experience.
3. Consultation, research, and comparison:
Successfully finding a new job will ideally provide you with satisfaction, happiness, and balance in your life that your current position is disrupting. Look for a coach with a successful and proven process that will engage and commit to you by identifying a way forward and taking action. Consider coaches who follow an approach focused on you as an individual, not one that follows a generic process. Coaches who do the following are working with you and not a one-size-fits-all approach:
- Finding the right job based on your goals, gifting, and values,
- Designing a thorough value proposition that aligns with career changes you are looking to make, and
- Conducting a targeted search based on your career goals.
A coach will partner with you to assess your strengths and the specific situations you are navigating so that you can clearly articulate your goals and map out a plan to make them a reality. While you will have to do the work, the coach will help clarify what needs to be done and determine the best way forward. Coaches can add structure that can reduce your stress and anxiety while providing you with the tools to help you move forward in your career.
Transitions can create doubt and make you second-guess the decisions you are hoping to make. Coaching guidance can help reduce this doubt by collaboratively identifying fulfilling and purposeful work in a culture that makes sense for you. While the Internet is full of general information, a coach is there to make this all about you. Strong coaches provide insightful feedback and challenging questions that offer you the chance to explore various perspectives. The additional points of view that emerge can help you make confident decisions and empower you to think beyond your self imposed limitations.
If you are unhappy with your career and curious about hiring a Career Coach, click here to connect with one of our coaches to ask your questions and have a free consultation.