Finding the right job as a creative professional can be challenging. You may wonder, "Can a career coach help?" I'll help you explore the pros and cons of career counseling.
A career coach is an expert in career planning and strategizing who can give you advice. They can guide you and use their expertise to help you navigate the job market or advance in your career. They can only help if you're willing to put in the work.
For more information about career coaches, keep reading this article. In this article, we’ll cover:
- what a career coach is
- four signs of when you should hire a career coach
- the pros and cons of hiring a career coach
- what questions you should ask a career coach
Jump to content in this section:
What Is a Career Coach?
A career coach works with an employee or job candidate to complete one-on-one career goals and reach their full potential. Career coaches help people with their career plans, career changes, career advice, and other career decisions.
Not every career coach helps in the same way because everyone has a different career path. Here are some things a career coach can help with:
- career advice
- career transition
- help with job interview skills
- look at career assessment results and give guidance
- help with career planning
- assist in setting short-term and long-term career goals
- help you find work-life balance
- support you in the job search process
- look for new ways to improve your skills in your job
- explore strategies to improve career development
When to Hire a Career Coach
Are you wondering whether you should hire a career coach? I can help. There are several signs that you should hire a career coach or get career counseling. Here are four signs.
1. Feeling Stuck
Many people feel stuck in their careers. Feeling stuck is a sign that you should hire a career coach. The job market is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up. That’s where career coaches come in. It's their job to keep up. They can help you feel less stuck.
2. You Want a Career Change
A career change coach and a career coach are the same thing. So, a career coach can help you transition into your desired career. The coach will tell you what skills to prioritize and strategize with you so that you can successfully switch careers.
3. You Want Work-Life Balance
There are a lot of companies that expect you to work more than live your life, and this can cause burnout. A career coach can help you figure out how to balance your career and your life better.
4. You Want to Grow in Your Career
If you're feeling stuck and want to grow in your career, then hire a career coach. They can help you identify and learn new skills so that you can advance in your career.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Career Coach
If you're still thinking about hiring a career coach, you'll need to weigh the pros and cons. Here's a list I put together:
Pros of Hiring a Career Coach
Here are some reasons you may want to consider working with a career coach:
1. Less Time Job Searching
Using a career coach can help you spend less time job searching because they can help you prepare for your job search. A career coach can help you focus immediately on what needs to be done. They can also help you set objectives and help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses. This can save you time in your job search.
2. Provide Motivation
Using a career counseling service can provide you with motivation because you know you're getting the help you need to accomplish your goals. Another way it can motivate you is the knowledge that you’re spending money and don’t want that money to go to waste.
3. Help Make a Plan
Using a career coaching service can help you think of questions you may not have thought of, such as how to best describe and pitch yourself. A career coach can cover interview questions and your resume to give you a good shot at getting the job that you want.
4. Industry Experience
If you hire a career coach that’s right for you, they've worked in the industry long enough that they can give you advice to help you. Many career coaches were previously recruiters, so they know what employers prioritize and can help you get your foot in the door.
5. Help With Job Interview Skills
Career coaching helps you with interviews because it can help you practice and give you tips on tough questions. They can also advise you on managing video interviews and presenting yourself in the best possible light. Also, they can advise you on how to stand out and increase your hiring chances.
6. Help With a Career Transition
Most people use career counseling for career transitions. A career coach will help you determine what skills, knowledge, and experience you need to find a job in the new field. Career coaches can help you network, write your resume, create social media profiles, and develop job search strategies.
Cons of Working With a Career Coach
Even though working with a career counselor can help, there are some downsides you should consider:
1. Expensive
Hiring a career transition coach or a career coach can be expensive. Prices can vary, but they can be up to $100 to 250 USD an hour. This means that a session could get costly pretty quickly. Most clients spend up to 20 hours with the career transition coach. This means that most people spend thousands of dollars a year.
2. A Lot of Scams
When looking for an employment coach or career coach, you need to be careful because there are a lot of scams out there. The best way to prevent being scammed is to check their credentials. The International Coaching Federation offers three levels of credentials. (Read about it here)
3. It Can Take Time
Each career change coach or career coach has different methods and different ways of coaching. Finding a career coach that'll work for you can take time. Before you hire the coach, try to get a good sense of how they'll accomplish your goals and what they believe. You want a career coach that'll listen to your wants and needs.
4. Reliability
You’re not guaranteed to get the desired job when you get career coaching. Career coaches can’t be successful all the time. The job market can be unpredictable even by experts. This can make it possible that you won’t find a job you want, even with a career coach.
5. Multiple Solutions
When hiring an employment coach, they can offer a path that'll lead you to your desired job. However, sometimes the employer is looking for a specific path. For example, an employer may look for a graduate from a specific university. If the career coach doesn’t know, the path can be more difficult.
6. Time-Consuming
Even though hiring a career transition coach can save you time. Improving your skills and knowledge for your desired job can take a long time. Hiring a career coach can be a slow and expensive process. You've got to be willing to put in the time and work to do what’s needed to get the job you want.
Questions to Ask a Career Coach
Now that you've learned more about career coaches, here are some questions you should ask your career coach:
1. How Can You Help Me?
A good career coach will explain how they'll help you find and achieve your career goals. They'll address challenges and come up with a strategic plan for success. The plan could involve improving your resume or improving your skills.
A career coach may also do practice interviews with you. Also, your career coach may share their professional network. Their plan might be a lot of work, but they'll also respect your feelings. The personalized approach will give you guidance that'll help you accomplish your career goals.
2. Can You Share Your Coaching Philosophy?
Coaching personality is important because it’s how the coach will accomplish goals. A good coach will help you to explore jobs that match your strengths while addressing your weaknesses.
A career coach can empower you and give you a sense of self-awareness that'll help your job search. You want the coach’s values to align with what you want and need.
3. Can You Provide Insights Into Current Market Trends Related to My Field?
This question is important because you want a career coach who knows about the current trends in your field. This will help you stay ahead of them and work towards improving your career. Your coach will give you strategies and tips on how to stay current.
4. Can You Help Me Set My Career Goals?
A good career coach will help you turn your big and broad goals into short-term objectives that'll move you toward completing your goals. Breaking them into short-term objectives can make following your path feel less overwhelming and make you feel accomplished.
5. How Do My Skills Align with My Career Goals?
In order to achieve your professional goals, you need to understand your existing skills and aspirations and how they line up. When you ask this question, a professional will help you see what skills will help you and what skills need to be worked on. They can also tell you which skills you need to learn to be successful.
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Learn More About Resumes
As you continue in your job search, we've got additional resources you may find helpful. Learn more about career searching and resumes:
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Download a Premium Resume Template
If you're changing jobs or think you need a career coach, try researching the best career coach for you! Consider a premium resume template to save you time when you need a resume. If you're in the creative field and use digital assets often, take advantage of the great value of a subscription and sign up today.
