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What’s a Career Coach and Why Do I Need One?
posted on
Thursday, 02 April 2009
Being laid off, downsized, right-sized, furloughed – whatever you want to call it – doesn’t hold the social stigma it once did. There are just too many of us in the same situation.
But even when we know the decision wasn’t personal, it sure feels that way. After all, it’s happening to us. Hiring a Career Coach can be extremely beneficial in helping you develop a practical roadmap as well as navigate the emotional roller coaster.
Given that the competition is stiffer than ever for that next great opportunity, you should take advantage of every competitive edge you can. And even though there are many career transition books on the market, and a plethora of information available on line, hiring a local career coach can help you address your unique situation. Beware of cookie-cutter approaches to a job search – although some things are common to most search projects, each industry, location and profession will have its nuances just as each individual will have strengths and struggles unique to his or her situation.
So what can a Career Coach help you do? Let’s begin with the basics:
1. Nail down your positioning statement – this is your value proposition. It’s what separates you from all the other job candidates out there competing for the position you want.
2. Design a resume that showcases your talent – one based on your accomplishments rather than responsibilities.
3. Help you prepare for that first interview – practice your success stories, prepare for sensitive questions.
In addition to these down-to-earth, practical tools, a good Career Coach will serve as an Accountability Partner. They’ll hold you accountable to the commitments you’ve made to get out there and network, follow-up, research companies and interview potential business partners who can aid in your job search. It’s very easy for the job seeker to become isolated. With isolation comes discouragement quickly followed by inaction. Your coach will know how long to sympathize with you and when to kick you in the pants.
The best way to find a coach is like everything else – word of mouth. If you find one online, ask for a referral. If they can’t supply you with one, keep looking. Some coaches charge upfront fees that could run anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000. Hourly fees are usually in the neighborhood of $100 - $500. Depending on your particular circumstance, you should expect a minimum of 3 hours – in the event you are looking to completely change your career, it could take up to 15 hours.
Job seekers should take advantage of Career Workshops that provide a lot of information in a short period of time. This allows them to get a jump start on the process and then use a coach to supplement what they have already learned.
Your job search may last anywhere from three months to over a year, depending on your profession. Give yourself every advantage you can to help you do it right the first time!
Pattie Vargas, co-founder of the San Diego-based career transition services organization NextWork™, a division of The Vargas Group, utilizes her vast experience in the executive/management/team development industry to help individuals identify their personal strengths and gain clarity on how to achieve career fulfillment and effective results. She is the author of Extreme Project Manager Makeover, practical tips for managers.
Posted by Pattie Vargas | 1 Comments
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Comment Posted by Mark S. James on July 15, 2009
If you really want to know "HOW" to choose a career coach. Read this article:
Click to view article online:
http://www.hireconsultant.com/SelectCoach.htm
Finding a personal coach, whether you're looking for a "life" coach or "career" coach, is a little like finding a new dentist or doctor. Here are 10 tips to think about when selecting a coach:
1. Referrals work! Begin by asking people you trust whom they work with or whom they know who works with someone they like. Your friends and colleagues have probably heard of someone you might connect with.
2. Trust your intuition. What's of paramount importance is how you feel when you talk to the person. Do you get a good feeling talking to the person?
3. Reflect. Ask yourself what you'd like to get out of a coaching relationship.
What are your career goals?
Are you at a crossroads in your career or life?
What changes do you want in your career or life right now?
What expectations do you have about coaching?
4. Prepare questions in advance of meeting with a potential coach. What these are will depend on what you want out of the relationship. How will you and the coach know that the coaching relationship has been successful? What could you learn from this person?
5. It's always a good idea to ask a potential coach what his or her background is that qualifies them to be a coach. Then again, not all good coaches are certified and not all certified coaches are good. Regardless of credentials, a prospective coach should be able to tell you what training and experience has prepared them to be a coach.
6. Get references. Your potential coach should have the names and contact information of people he or she has worked with successfully. Contact these people and ask them what the relationship has done for them.
7. Ask the potential coach to tell you about their coaching style and methods. A career-coaching model should be clear and direct.
8. Ask yourself if the coach's background, expertise, and experience match your needs. A coach whose primary area of expertise lies in entrepreneurship will probably not help you much if you're looking to better navigate the ins and outs of your current job with a large corporation.
9. Ask specific questions about fees, confidentiality, policies, etc. Coaches offer their services at widely varying rates, depending on the experience level, geographical area, credentials, etc. Make sure you have a clear understanding about what's considered confidential and when.
10. If you have a comfortable feeling about the coach and about the potential benefits of working with him or her, ask for a free coaching session. Most coaches will offer a free 30-minute session with a potential client. Although it's not the same as a "regular" coaching session, it will give you an idea of what to expect and what the coach's style is like.
To learn more and schedule an appointment call Mark S. James, CPC 760-230-4301 or email to: coaching@hireconsultant.com