When you're ready to make a change in your career, there are resources available to help you. Career coaching, job fairs, additional training or education can provide you with some guidance. Learning what a career coach can do for you might bring you closer to achieving your goals. In this article, we describe what career coaching entails, discuss 13 reasons why you may want to use a career coach and share what to consider when seeking job advice.
What is career coaching?
Career coaching is a resource you can access when navigating your way through changes at work. Career coaches provide advice and help clients achieve their career goals. Whether you're seeking a complete change or you simply want to ask for a raise, career coaches can help you modify your resume, sharpen your interview skills and guide you to make the most of any available opportunities.
13 reasons to hire a professional career coach
Career coaches are experts when it comes to career planning. You might consider hiring this professional when you need assistance with:
1. Entering a new field
Whether you want to change your career path or you're a graduate entering the workforce for the first time, a career coach can help you find a suitable position. No matter your level of experience, they can advise you on what to expect and how to proceed. For example, they could help you highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments to match a suitable job offer.
2. Asking for a pay rise
If you're not comfortable asking for a raise or you don't know how to ask, career coaches can guide you on how to proceed. They usually know about salary structures and pay grades, and they can help you ask for a fair sum. They may advise you on the best language to use when writing a letter requesting a pay rise or how you could approach your manager with this topic.
3. Asking for something you require
If you're finding it challenging to ask for additional things that you require at work, career coaches can help. They can provide you with tips and guide you toward the best solution. This may involve asking for management assistance, necessary equipment or training for your projects.
4. Managing workplace interactions
Occasionally, you may have colleagues who are challenging to understand or work with. A career coach can advise you on how to manage awkward work relationships. They can also help you improve your communication and problem-solving skills, which can allow you to build and maintain positive relationships at work.
5. Promoting yourself
Professional career coaches typically follow the latest trends in hiring and recruiting. They're qualified to offer guidance on creating cover letters, updating resumes, organising portfolios of work samples and utilising applicant tracking tools. With this information, you can promote yourself in the best way possible.
6. Preparing for an interview
Even with all your knowledge and experience, improving your interview skills is always a good idea. A job coach can provide you with advice and assist you in exercising your interview skills so that you're prepared and confident for your next interview. They may prepare questions for you to practise or host a mock interview to give you experience. A successful interview can help you advance in your career.
7. Handling a position termination
It can be challenging if your employment ends involuntarily. You could seek a career coach's help if you lost your job due to staff reductions or if the company terminated your position. Career coaches can assist you in finding new jobs in your current field or in a completely different one.
8. Creating a bold plan
It's possible that you already have some career objectives, but you don't know how to achieve them. That's the ideal time to seek the assistance of a career coach. They can help you realise your goals because they're usually up to date with current hiring practices. For example, they may help you brainstorm your long-term goals and establish smaller short-term objectives that can help you reach your career aspirations.
9. Enhancing your leadership skills
Career counsellors can help you grow in your current position. For example, if you're a leader in an organisation, they can help you enhance your leadership abilities. A career coach can help you identify your skills and key strengths, plus areas that you can improve further, by paying attention to the areas where you're most productive and giving honest feedback in areas where you may improve.
10. Trying to find a cultural match
Even if you're happy with your job and the results of your labour, you may still feel that something is missing. It's possible that you're not compatible with your workplace's culture. A career counsellor can objectively assess your personality, which can assist you in determining whether your current workplace culture is the best environment for you.
11. Evaluating a conflict at work
A career coach can serve as a valuable aid in helping you evaluate workplace conflicts. Your coach can be an impartial party who helps you determine the best course of action to resolve work-related tension. For example, your career coach could work one-on-one with you to help you decide the best strategy to manage conflict.
12. Seeking career growth
A career coach can help you find opportunities to advance in your current workplace by identifying potential employers. This is beneficial if there's a chance that you're overlooking possible job prospects. They can help you understand these opportunities because they may have more expertise working in different business sectors at various employee levels.
13. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
You may realise that you want to create a better work-life balance, allowing you to spend more time with friends and family. With assistance from your career coach, you can find strategies better to balance your family life with your work life. For example, a career coach may help you improve your time management skills.
Some important things to consider when hiring a career coach:
Before hiring a career coach, ensure they're willing to answer any questions that you may have first. You could decide to have trial sessions with two or three coaches before choosing the best one for you. Here are some things to consider while you're searching for a career coach:
Communication style: Search for a career coach whose communication style appeals to you and doesn't conflict with yours. When working together successfully, it's important to be able to talk honestly about important issues.
Personality: Trust your instincts when interviewing possible job coaches. For example, a shy person may benefit from a patient and empathetic coach.
Specialisation: Ask your potential professional career coach if they're a specialist or generalist. It's helpful to have someone working with you whose talents align with your needs.
Reviews and references: Checking online reviews and professional references is imperative before you choose your career counsellor. Finding someone you trust to help you on your career path is just as important as finding a trustworthy doctor.
Cost: It's important to know if your potential career coach's fees are within your budget. It may be necessary to plan ahead or save money to hire the job coach you prefer.
Credentials: Although an uncertified career coach can still be an effective one, many hold credentials from professional organisations. Search online to learn more about career coach qualifications and how they become certified, as this may guide your decision.
Contract: Be sure to establish clear terms with your career coach. Discuss your specific goals and deadlines.
