If you’ve ever worked with a career coach, you know how much value they can provide. All of us face key moments in our career paths– such as a recent promotion, a challenging work situation, or a job transition – where getting guidance from a career coach would be useful. But most of us try to find our own way through these key moments and feel stuck, which can often be frustrating, isolating, and ineffective.
But does career coaching work? The short answer is yes. Career coaches focus on helping you identify and achieve your career goals. They help you identify the long term career direction that’s right for you and develop strategies to advance your career. In doing so, they work with you to assess your skills, values, and interests, and to take this understanding and reflect it your near- and longer-term career goals.
They also help you create an action plan to help you reach your desired outcomes. Career coaching can be done one-on-one or in a group setting, and the length of the coaching relationship can vary depending on your needs. But what are career coaching benefits?
Benefits of Working with a Career Coach
1. Helps Navigate Career Transition
Career coaching can help you when you’re looking to make a career transition. A career coach can help you identify the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to pursue a new field or job. They can also provide guidance on networking, resume writing, social media profiles, and job search strategies.
Career coaching can also be beneficial if you’re looking to make a more significant transition. It can provide a personalized approach to career decision-making that can help you gain clarity and confidence in your choices. They work with you to develop a plan for your change and gain the skills needed.
2. Assists in Job Search
Career coaching can help you identify potential job opportunities and create an effective job search strategy. It can help you develop a resume highlighting your qualifications and experience and provide you with resources to research potential employers.
A career coach can also help you create a network of professional contacts and provide advice on social media to increase your chances of finding a job. They can also assist with job applications, provide feedback on cover letters and LinkedIn profiles, and work with you to develop a strategy for using mock interviews to learn more about potential paths you’re considering, surface opportunities that might not be publicly posted, and expand your network.
3. Develops Interview Skills
Career coaching can help you develop the skills necessary for successful job interviews. A career coach can work with you to practice for interviews and provide tips on answering tough questions. They can also advise you on how to manage video interviews, which are becoming increasingly common.
By working with a career coach, you learn how to present yourself in the best possible light during job interviews. It can help you stand out from the competition and increase your hiring chances, securing your spot in the desired company.
4. Creates Solid Personal Brand
Career coaching can help you create a brand that stands out in the job market. A coach can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and create an effective plan highlighting your unique talents.
A coach can also help you create an appropriate online presence and an effective elevator pitch to introduce yourself to potential employers. They can also help you develop strategies for networking and creating relationships in your targeted industry.
5. Shares Career Experience and Advice
Career coaching isn’t just for help when you’re looking to change jobs or careers. It’s also beneficial when you’re seeking more general career advice. An experienced career coach will likely have helped others with almost every professional situation imaginable. They’ll be able to help you navigate your own situation, whether it’s centered on pursuing a promotion, handling a difficult boss, successfully managing a special assignment, or any range of other professional situations. They’ll help you take an outside-in view, something that’s very difficult to do on your own.
Does career coaching work for ongoing career management? Career coaching can be invaluable if you’re looking for more ongoing guidance on your career. A career coach can provide the support and advice needed to make informed decisions about your current work situation or longer-term objectives. They can help you identify your career goals and create a plan to reach them. As a result, you’re better able to pursue a path that’s right for you and find success in that path.
Hiring a Career Coach
Career coaching offers a great way to gain insight and clarity into your professional goals. It can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, create a solid personal brand, and create strategies to reach your career goals. With the help of a qualified career coach, you can take your career to the next level and reach your full potential.
PathWise provides the full benefit of career coaching to guide you through your unique career development. We help you learn and master career management and execute against your career goals and plans. Learn more about what we can accomplish together by booking a coaching appointment.
