How to Choose the Right Career Coach

Just like every job isn't a fit or every company isn't a fit, neither is every career coach a fit for each job seeker.

Here are the top 5 things I've learned make a good job seeker/coach fit:

1. Values. Your core values have to be aligned in any relationship, whether it's an employer/employee, boss/worker or coach/coachee. Know what your top 5 values are and make sure they are aligned.

   1. For me, I value honesty, respect, accountability, communication and collaboration.

2. Experience. All experience as a coach is not equal. I'm a firm believer that every experience teaches you something. Identify the top 3 experiences you want your coach to have.

   1. For me, I have a corporate background; 20+ years in HR & recruiting across more than 30 industries; and I've been a career coach since 2008.

   2. Check certifications; all are not equal and/or necessary.

   3. Check success record. Success is uniquely defined. For me, 90%+ of my ENGAGED job seekers land within 2-4 months. Know your definition and then compare.

      1. Success may be walking away with clarity of your top 3 roles.

      2. Success may be landing your next job within 3 months.

      3. Success may be gaining confidence and clarity in networking.

      4. Success may be setting boundaries.

      5. Success may be knowing your worth and negotiating your pay accordingly.

      6. Success may be landing a professional job after a career break.

3. Knowing market trends. Like I say to my job seekers, you can want to be an astronaut, but if there are only 2 openings per year for an astronaut, you'd better have another plan. Extreme example, I know.

   1. It's one thing to have a coach help you gain clarity on roles; it's another to listen and ask the right questions to help you identify options based upon your skill set, values, interests and goals AND in relation to market needs.

      1. For instance, there's been a lot of layoffs in recruiting, marketing, some healthcare and certain technology roles lately.

      2. Knowing the impact of AI is critical to a successful job search, too.

4. Goals, timeline and accountability. Are you looking for an accountability partner?

   1. Are you looking for someone to apply to jobs for you?

      1. If you aren't measuring anything, it will be really hard to track progress.

      2. Do you want customized 1:1 support or group coaching?

5. Confidence & Clarity. Most people I work with aren't sure what they want to do next in terms of job or career. Many people think: the more open I am, the better my chances will be. The reality is that the more open you are the less anyone can understand what you can do for them.

Have clarity of what success looks like, what you're future career vision is and when you need to land in a job- these are all important to have your coach help you work towards.

Answer this:

• In 6 months, I am....

• My top 3 strengths I want to utilize are...

• My ideal next organization is...

• My top 5 work values are...

• The consequence of doing nothing is...

It's ok if you all you know is I need a job, but having an open mind to engage, communicate and work collaboratively toward what your 'next' could look like can be enough.

Successful people invest in themselves.

Will you?

If you'd like to learn more, you can schedule a complimentary career strategy session here now.

Merry Christmas!