Is It Time to Add a Trained Professional to Your Job Search Toolkit?

This whole process of looking for a job is just one more thing that’s changed drastically over the last few years. It’s hard to keep up, isn’t it? It used to be easy to find and land a new job, but today’s digital job search is so much more complicated. The job market is crowded and super-competitive because digital platforms like LinkedIn have expanded the candidate pool. To gain an employer’s attention in our highly connected world, you need to rise above the online noise to stand out among your competitors. To do so takes strategic action and a willingness to let go of outdated ideas that may no longer serve your interests. Is there a job search 2.0 tool that can help? You bet.

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Take a minute to see what Certified Career Transition Coaches do. As trained professionals, they help you apply industry best practices so you can avoid the hassle of learning by trial and error. Offering an impartial view of your career goals and personal branding, a career coach can help you gain the competitive edge so you can get in front of decision makers at your target companies.

Professional Job Search Help – is it Right for You?

Hiring an experienced career coach is a wise investment in YOU and your future earning power; but it is still an investment. There are a few factors to consider before you make the call.

If you know exactly what role you would like next and are progressing through the hiring process, then a DIY job search may be right for you. However, if:

• your job search has stalled
• you are looking for a more fulfilling career
• the lack of a strong personal brand is hindering your advancement, or
• an outdated resume makes you look past your prime

then the services of a personal career coach are worth contemplating. Strategic planning, preparation and the right resources are key to business success, right? In terms of your career, you are a business of one.

Adding a trained expert to your job search toolkit – someone who is well versed in current hiring best practices – can free you from the anxiety and wasted time caused by failing efforts. Following proven techniques and a structured plan can get you into your next job sooner. Hiring a career coach is one of the best investments you can make, as it offers a high ROI. Landing a higher paying role, even a few weeks sooner than you would have on your own, will recoup your expenditure.

Are You Ready to be Coached?

Working with a career coach is not for everyone. To help determine if the coaching relationship is right for you, ask yourself the following 7 questions. Give careful thought to your answers, being honest with yourself.

1. Are you serious about taking action with your job search?
2. Do you want to make a change, but feel you don’t know how?
3. Are you open to self-reflection and candid feedback?
4. Are you willing to reconsider some long-held beliefs that may be holding you back?
5. Will you accept the guidance of a trained professional and try new job search techniques?
6. Do you recognize the value of experience, proven strategies and best practices?
7. Are you ready, willing and able to put in the time and effort?

Find Your Perfect Match

Just like all professionals, career coaches come in all shapes, sizes and styles. And like with any good relationship, both parties need to be active participants. Success of the collaborative process hinges on finding the right fit. For example, I have a more direct communication style and offer a solutions-focused approach to coaching. Not everyone responds to that. Some people want a warm and fuzzy career coach and that is ok. Speak with your prospective career coach before engaging them; look for a good personality fit and the expertise that you need.

How to Get the Most from Your Coaching Relationship

Here are a few more tips for a successful coaching partnership:

• Strive to be coachable. Be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. You reached out to a professional to jumpstart your job search, right? While there is no magic wand, my techniques have worked for thousands of people, many in situations just like yours.
• Be ready to put in the work. I will guide you along your journey, but it’s a journey we’ll take together as collaborative partners. I will do the heavy lifting by creating your resume and LinkedIn profile, and you will put your job search into action.
• Have faith in the process and be ready to move forward. Try to not second guess every decision you make. I assure you that we’ll assess your progress along the way and recalibrate as needed.
• Share your thoughts, feelings, fears and goals for your future. As your coach, I am your personal career confidante and value your privacy. Our conversations are 100% confidential – guaranteed.
• Embrace success! You are no longer in this alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way to help you get noticed, interviewed and hired sooner. (And I love this stuff!)

Without question, job searching is one of the most stressful life experiences. A trained professional who knows the intricacies of the hiring process can ease the strain on you. In the long run, hiring a Career Coach can end up saving you time, frustration and money. Added bonus – a professionally written resume can generate higher salary offers, too. This is your career – it is too important to try to cut corners.

Not everyone needs help with their job search. But if you do, there are plenty of career coaches to choose from. Engage the coach whose personality and coaching style most closely match your needs.

A highly inspirational career transition coach, Trish (Thomas) McGrath has been helping people build rewarding careers since 2009. As a trusted advisor, resume expert and job search strategist, she guides her clients through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful. Contact Trish at (860) 658-6480 or trish.mcgrath@edgecareersolutions.com to see how she can help you gain the competitive EDGE you need to succeed^©.

#careercoaching #jobsearchsuccess #jobsearch2.0 #ROI