Do I need a career coach? Where do they fit into my job search?
If you’re wondering about the difference between a career coach and a recruiter, it’s actually pretty clear-cut. A recruiter works for the employer – a career coach works for YOU. When it comes to helping you reach your career goals, that’s a big difference. As your career coach, I have your best interest at heart. I will make sure you are prepared for success and will guide you along your journey.
Now you’re thinking, “Okay, so you work for me. But what exactly do you do?” I’m so glad you asked. My role is to help you gain a competitive edge in a crowded job market. I do this by helping you establish realistic career goals, articulate the incredible value you offer an organization and actually get in front of decision makers.
As a Certified Career Transition Coach, I can help you identify your career drivers and preferred communication style as well as the work environment in which you thrive. When you are in a role that aligns with who you are as a person and how you operate, you are generally happier and more successful.
As a leader, you drive success by filling your team with experts. Why should your approach to managing your career be any different?
Career coaching is a truly collaborative process through which I help you determine what you’d like to see in your next role and where you would like to work. We develop a branding strategy and then a step-by-step action plan to get you into that new role.
Want more? As a professional resume and LinkedIn profile writer, I also help you position yourself as an expert in your field. Through our conversations and coaching exercises, I will pull all the important content from you, and weave it into a compelling career narrative written in your voice. Describing your own career accomplishments is difficult for many people, but the objective viewpoint of a trained coach facilitates this process. Another bonus? A professionally written resume does so much to boost a job seeker’s confidence, which in turn, promotes success!
Can a career coach really help?
How many times have you thought: “Why should I hire a career coach? I have always written my own resume.” It’s a common question. Let’s look for answers. According to Forbes Magazine (2020), many people hold off on calling a career coach when they’re unemployed. No earnings are coming in, so why should they spend money? This may sound counterintuitive, I know… but the answer is the exact opposite. The longer you go it on your own, the longer you might stay out of work, putting you further into debt.
An earlier hire date gives you an almost immediate ROI on your investment. Don’t lose sight of the fact that hiring a coach is an investment in YOU and your future earning power. Speaking of ROI, a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers study showed that 68% of people surveyed said they had at least made back – or surpassed – their investment in coaching services.
Say, for example, you earned $90K in your prior job. Every month that you’re not working translates to $7,500 in lost gross income, or $1,731 every week. If a career coach helps you land your next job 3 months earlier than if you searched on your own, you saved an estimated $22,500 in otherwise lost income. Subtract from that the fees of a career coach who knows how to get things done (typical fees range from $150 – $350 hourly), and you still come out way ahead of the game. Collecting unemployment? You can still calculate the loss in weekly earnings to realize how quickly career coach services pay for themselves.
Using that same $90K salary example where you were earning $1,731 a week, see how quickly you can recoup your investment. Quality career coaching programs range from $1,395 to $4,395 depending upon your industry and employment level (entry level, mid-career professional, management or executive). As you can see, it is clearly worth investing 1 to 2 weeks’ pay in yourself to get back to work months faster. Your bank account will thank you.
Career coach certification
Still unsure if you need a career coach? Statistics show that job seekers who work with a career coach typically land new jobs sooner, and at higher starting salaries. And according to job search expert Joshua Waldman, the average job search can last between 6-8 months. Waldman says his clients see a 50% increase in employer callbacks, and a reduced search time of 3-4 months.
According to InHerSight, a quality career coach knows what they’re doing because they have the specialized training. If your coach proudly uses the letters CCTC (Certified Career Transition Coach) or PCC (Professional Certified Coach) after their name, for example, they’ve put in the work to get certified by a credible authority and have proven their expertise. Do your due diligence on your career coach by making sure they’ve done their due diligence.
As skilled and trusted advisors, career coaches set you up for success so you can apply to jobs in a confident, professional way.
Would YOU benefit from working with a career coach?
Not everyone needs the assistance of a career coach, and some people prefer to conduct their job search on their own. Others might need the guidance of a trained professional in only a few areas. If you can answer “Yes” to all these questions, then you are well prepared for a successful DIY job search.
✓ Can you clearly and confidently articulate your personal brand?
✓ Do you understand the hidden job market and current compensation structures?
✓ Have you kept up with the latest resume and interview best practices?
✓ Have you established a strong LinkedIn profile that consistently garners daily views?
✓ Are you having frequent conversations with decisionmakers at your target companies?
✓ Are you following a step-by-step job search plan that is moving you steadily closer to your goal?
✓ Are you currently earning the salary you are worth, in a job you enjoy?
If you answered “No” to any of the above questions, that is ok – you’re in good company. This is my specialty and I love it!
The career coaching process
In addition to knowledge, training and experience, career coaches offer their clients clarity, guidance, support and accountability. This diagram clearly illustrates my personal coaching process as I guide you along on your journey.
Today’s digital job search is complicated. Not everyone needs help with their job search, but if you do, there are plenty of career coaches eager to help you take control of your future. Make sure you choose the right one for you.
Ready to jump start your job search? Let’s schedule a Discovery Call to see if we’d be a good match. I’m just a click away.
An 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©.
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