The 3 questions you need to answer before working with a career coach

1. What kind of clients does the professional coach usually work with?

If you’ve just graduated from college, while it may be tempting to meet with an executive coach because you want to be an executive, it may not be the best advice for this point in your career. If you are leaving the military and entering the private sector, you should look for a coach who specializes in military-to-civilian or military-to-contractor transitions. Finding someone who “speaks your language” and has helped others in similar situations is key to developing a productive relationship with a career coach.

2. Does the career counselor offer a free consultation?

A free consultation will help you get a better idea of ​​your chemistry with a career coach. It’s not just about qualifications (although they’re certainly important too!) – it’s also about finding someone you feel comfortable talking to… After you’ve had a consultation, you should have some clear ideas about the kinds of things. you would work with the coach and an idea of ​​that coach’s methodologies. Some coaches rely heavily on evaluations and tests, while others focus more on building a relationship. Do you want a coach who thinks that spirituality is an important part of your career? Do you want a coach who is more of a listener than an advice giver? Do you want a coach who is the same gender or age as you? There are no “right” answers, it’s about finding a fit.

3. What are the trainer’s credentials?

Career coaching is still an unregulated field, and having a certification is no guarantee of competency, but a committed career coach isn’t just winging it—this is a profession that requires a lot of study and practice. Having studied with a well-respected institution like the Career Planning & Adult Development Network is a good sign that a trainer has been exposed to well-accepted methodologies in the industry. An established career coach should have no problem telling you what her credentials are and where they’re from. Again, different clients are looking for different things from their career coach – if conducting a job search is your primary concern, finding someone with recruiting, resume and interview experience might be a good idea. If your main goal is to move up within your current workplace, you may want to find someone who has a strong background in human resources and staff development.