Home/ Questions/Q 108
Next
In Process

knowledgesutra.com Latest Questions

Edward Philips
  • 3
  • 3
Asked: 2018-04-18T21:41:38+00:00 In:

How to evaluate whether a career coach is beneficial?

  • 3
  • 3

I am trying to find/change my career trajectory. Its a good cozy job, but I want something that I get excited to work on in the morning. Career change is hard, for a lot of reasons. So I cant just try out a lot of different careers, and need to be more methodical in finding out the ideal fit.

have a general idea of the direction I want to go in. However, I think a lot of my decisions have been made under peer pressure or expectations of other people. I am looking for somebody who can provide me an objective assessment of my strengths and weaknesses, and to move towards a career which relies more on my strengths and innate (unconscious) drivers. There are millions of coaches online.. and it seems everybody these days wants to become a coach. So I am wondering how to find a reliable coach who will get you to where you want to get to?

What do you look for when searching for a career coach and how do you determine whether it’s beneficial?

Share
Leave an answer

Leave an answer

Browse

4 Answers

  1. Ahmed Hassan

    Now lets talk about changing a carreer : what do you want to do? Are there job in this field? If there are job, its is were you live or you will need to relocate? The salary would be good? Don’t forget you will start as an inexperienced person so the salary could be low. Talking about it with the coRead more

    Now lets talk about changing a carreer : what do you want to do? Are there job in this field? If there are job, its is were you live or you will need to relocate? The salary would be good? Don’t forget you will start as an inexperienced person so the salary could be low.

    Talking about it with the coach is a good idea. Having an other opinion will surely help you. Depending on the country some assiociation exist for this topic and you can contact them for free.

    See less
    • Aaron Aiken

      Hiring a career coach is similar to buying food : if you want to play the price game, don’t expect top-notch quality. If you decide to engage in a coaching relation, you need to be comfortable with spending enough for the advice to be actually valuable. You have no way of knowing beforehand whetherRead more

      Hiring a career coach is similar to buying food : if you want to play the price game, don’t expect top-notch quality. If you decide to engage in a coaching relation, you need to be comfortable with spending enough for the advice to be actually valuable.

      You have no way of knowing beforehand whether or not it will be beneficial for you. It’s similar to seeing a psychologist : for some people, it makes wonders, for some people, it doesn’t do much. However, career coaches are professionals, and if you cannot solve an orientation problem yourself, they are the best suited people to help you.

      You will only know how beneficial it was when you will have a new job. If you are happier, it was beneficial, otherwise, it probably wasn’t.

      See less
  3. Martin Hope

    Think about where you see yourself in 5 years time. Based on that, look through LinkedIn profiles and ask people out for coffee and conduct informational interviews. Learn more about what they do, what challenges they face, and what they enjoy about the work that they do. You need to learn the in’sRead more

    Think about where you see yourself in 5 years time. Based on that, look through LinkedIn profiles and ask people out for coffee and conduct informational interviews. Learn more about what they do, what challenges they face, and what they enjoy about the work that they do. You need to learn the in’s and out’s before you make a career switch. Do your homework.

    You only live life once so make it the best.

    Hope that helps.

    See less
  4. Marko Smith

    First of all, build a list of career coaches available in your area. Try to rank them according to critics, comments, availability … Then, meet some of them, for a first interview, to discy what you are looking for and how you can be helped. You should look for people who have a high availability, aRead more

    First of all, build a list of career coaches available in your area. Try to rank them according to critics, comments, availability … Then, meet some of them, for a first interview, to discy what you are looking for and how you can be helped.

    You should look for people who have a high availability, and for experimented professionals. Ask them for references on similar coaching missions. Take the time to meet several of them – as you would do for any job interview.

    See less
  5. ppodzwekhv

    Your thoughtful approach to finding a career that truly excites you is a crucial first step, and I admire your desire to be methodical rather than rushed. Changing careers can indeed be challenging, especially when past decisions were influenced by external expectations rather than your own intrinsiRead more

    Your thoughtful approach to finding a career that truly excites you is a crucial first step, and I admire your desire to be methodical rather than rushed. Changing careers can indeed be challenging, especially when past decisions were influenced by external expectations rather than your own intrinsic motivations. You’re seeking a way to tap into your authentic strengths and unconscious drivers, and looking for a trusted career coach to guide you makes total sense. Here’s what I’ve learned from others’ experiences and some ideas to help you find the right fit in a coach and determine whether the relationship is beneficial.

    1. Clarity about your goals and values: Before you even start looking for coaches, invest time in clarifying for yourself what you want in your career-beyond just a general direction. This might mean journaling about what energizes you, identifying your core values, or assessing strengths through tools like StrengthsFinder, VIA Character Strengths, or even informal feedback from trusted colleagues and friends. When you can articulate this clearly, you’ll be in a better position to communicate your needs and sense a coach’s alignment with your vision.

    1. Credentials and experience: While there are many self-proclaimed coaches, look for someone who has recognized coaching certifications (e.g., ICF-accredited), relevant career assessment training, or a background in psychology or talent management. It’s also helpful to seek out coaches who specialize in mid-career transitions or working with clients to discover their deeper motivations-not just job hunting or skill-building.

    1. Referrals and reviews: Ask your network if anyone has worked with a coach they found effective. Genuine referrals often trump online ratings. If you contact coaches, ask for case studies or references of people who had similar challenges and goals, and reach out to those clients if possible.

    1. First session chemistry: Many coaches offer a complimentary discovery call. Use this to judge if the coach listens well, asks insightful questions, and shows curiosity about your unique story. A coach’s approach should resonate with you-be wary if they rely too heavily on one-size-fits-all frameworks or pressure you into quick decisions.

    1. Coach’s ability to surface unconscious drivers and blind spots: A great coach helps you uncover hidden patterns influencing your choices. They should challenge your assumptions gently and guide you to new insights rather than just telling you what you want to hear.

    1. Measuring progress: Set concrete milestones with your coach-whether it’s increased clarity about career options, developing a new skillset, or having aligned your next job with your core motivations. If after a few sessions you don’t feel more energized or clearer about your direction, it might be time to reassess.

    1. Budget and commitment: Coaching can be a meaningful investment in yourself, but it’s important you can commit time and energy. Approach it as a partnership where your effort is as critical as your coach’s guidance.

    In summary, finding the right career coach is much like hiring any professional partner: do thorough research, prioritize fit and expertise, and keep your own goals front and center. When you find a coach who helps you align your career with your true strengths and passions, it can be transformative. Good luck on this exciting journey!

    See less