A career or job coach is a professional who specializes in assisting people in finding and achieving their professional goals. Because so many people are dissatisfied with their jobs, the field is constantly expanding. People hire career coaches to help them re-enter the workforce, succeed in their current position, or find a job that fits their personality and life goals perfectly. Career coaches are educated by organizations that specialize in life coaching and personal development.
A career coach will usually begin by asking a series of questions aimed at eliciting information about job experience and life goals. These questions are also used to assess qualifications for potential positions and to gain a better understanding of the client’s personality. After recording and reflecting on the responses, the career coach meets with the client to discuss his or her strengths and weaknesses, as well as desired goals.
Finally, the client should set one or more goals, which could range from climbing the corporate ladder to a higher position of authority to pursuing higher education. These objectives are designed to eventually place the client in a job that he or she enjoys, and they frequently include aspects of self-improvement and honest self-evaluation. After the goals are established, the client and coach discuss a timeline for achieving them, and the partnership progresses to the next level.
The career coach provides encouragement and advice after the client has set goals and is working toward them. This motivation can be as simple as congratulating the client on reaching a goal, or it can be more complex and involved. For example, a career coach might provide information about job openings as well as advice on how to apply for specific positions. As the client identifies jobs for which he or she wishes to apply, the career coach will assist the client in putting together an application and may conduct mock interviews to help the client relax and prepare.
A career coach can be found in a variety of ways. A simple Internet search for “career coach” and your location will yield a large number of results. You could also ask friends if they know anyone who has worked with a coach, or look for recommendations on the Internet in forums and bulletin boards. When you’ve narrowed down your options, inquire about qualifications and philosophy to find a career coach who is a good fit.
If you want to be a career coach, you should start by taking psychology and business classes in college. Many organizations provide career coach training, and you should look through their literature to learn more about the requirements and qualifications. If you know a career coach, inquire about organizations that provide coach training and request recommendations.