Working with a Career Coach
We hire professionals to improve our golf game, professional trainers to transform our bodies, and we budget for expenses for professional hair stylists, tax accountants, interior designers, and attorneys. Despite a lifetime of earnings and ongoing job satisfaction on the line, many forge ahead without assistance from a professional career coach. A career coach can be of significant value. Many have not engaged a coach simply because they are not familiar with the process. We’ll break it down for you.
Who Hires a Career Coach?
Individuals, who want to make a change in their career, seek career coaches. Also, professionals who wish to improve skills, such as leadership, organizational, interpersonal, or communication skills come to coaches for help. Coaches also help clients with job searching, interviewing, and compensation negotiation. Coaches are also excellent resources for many other career-related challenges.
Expectations of Coach and Client
At the beginning of the engagement, clients will communicate their expectations. Together, the coach and client will design a plan. As a coaching client, your role is to be forthright when interacting with the coach. It is also important that you prepare for each session. Your personal commitment will ensure the success of the engagement. The role of the coach is to guide clients through short- and long-term goals, coaching them through the process of career advancement. Coaches use tools to help clients understand their skills so the client can make informed career choices. Coaches provide expertise on career subjects.
The Logistics of Coaching
Coaching sessions are conducted face-to-face, via Skype, or through phone interaction. Terms of the coaching engagement are determined, and a timeline is established. Often clients will complete coaching in phases, such as skills assessment, career exploration, job searching, interviewing, salary negotiation and professional development.
If you are facing a career challenge, desiring a career change or hoping to take your career to a higher level, you would likely benefit from a career coach. Select a credentialed coach with experience in your field. Open yourself to the coaching experience, which will require a commitment of your time and dedication to working toward your goal. The guidance of a professional career coach can elevate your lifelong earnings and enhance your career satisfaction.