- Guest Contributor
- January 12, 2021
A career coach can boost your professional career and personal fulfillment, but finding the right coach can be a challenge. Like searching for a romantic partner or a therapist, you may need to take some risks to find the right connection. To make the process easier, consider three things as you look for a career coach.
1. Identify the Support and Outcome you Want From a Career Coach
Your selection of a romantic partner or therapist depends on whether you want to date for fun or for marriage and whether you want to manage a current problem or change a lifelong habit. Likewise, you’re more likely to pick a career coach who’s a good fit for you when you identify your goals for coaching.
First, list your reasons for hiring a coach. They could include:
– Identifying your strengths, skills and knowledge
– Identifying weaknesses, deficits and roadblocks
– Preparing to switch industries or join the gig economy
– Updating your resume
– Improving your interview skills
– Discovering the career path that’s right for you
– Honing skills that improve your job performance
– Developing healthy work-life balance habits
Next, determine the type of support you want. You may need a single session to revamp your resume or long-term support as you pursue your dream job.
Finally, consider your desired outcome. Do you want to ace job interviews, land a promotion or earn a living as a gig worker? List short-term and long-term goals that guide your search for a compatible career coach.
2. Look Within Your Desired Industry
You’re more likely to strengthen a relationship when you have things in common and talk the same language. Use the same principle to guide your search for a career coach.
The right coach knows the ins and outs of your industry and the professional and personal skills required for success in your current or new field. They should also provide guidance from first-person experiences and facts rather than guesswork or hearsay.
To find the right coach, look for someone with experience as a gig worker or business owner if that’s your goal. Or hire a resume or interview expert if you need assistance in these areas.
Be willing to shop around a bit, too. It’s okay to consult with different coaches as you find one with experience in your desired industry.
3. Receive and Give Feedback to Your Career Coach Often
Relationships require give and take. Expect to receive and give feedback from your career coach, too.
To revamp your professional life, prepare to receive feedback that helps you change and grow. While feedback may feel uncomfortable at times, remember that your coach is a partner who will support, motivate, challenge, and hold you accountable as you pursue professional success.
A good coach will also be open to receive feedback from you. You should be able to share what is and isn’t working.
By considering these three things, you can choose a career coach who helps you achieve your professional goals and gain personal fulfillment as a traditional employee or independent worker in the gig economy.
About the Author: Jennifer Turner writes web content for a variety of clients. As a gig worker, she understands the benefits and challenges of the industry, which is why she prioritizes professional networking and daily self-care. Find her at WriterAccess.
