How do you choose the right Career Coach for you?

Let’s face it....

Hiring a Career Coach to help you change, manage or support your Career is a big and often really difficult decision to make. You can end up looking at so many different websites and speaking to so many different Coaches, that you lose interest or give up altogether!

However, thousands of career professionals across the UK invest in Coaching every year, because it really works. So, how do you choose the right one for you?

Do your research

Be as vigilant in your search for a Coach as you would for job hunting. Check LinkedIn profiles to see client recommendations and ask people in your network for suggestions and referrals.

You can check out testimonials on my website and client recommendations in my LinkedIn profile.

Check accreditation and affiliations

Not all career coaches are Accredited and this can act as an important differentiator. Regular renewal procedures mean that Accredited Career Coaches are up-to-date with best practice, which is important because the world of work and job searching is constantly changing.

I am accredited through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) who are the leading global organisation dedicated to advancing the Coaching profession.

Look for chemistry

Is your Coach is accessible, friendly and wise? Trust is a huge part of the relationship, not just because you're sharing personal or confidential information, but also because Coaching involves being challenged and supported. A Coach should play back what you say and act as a sounding board, so it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with.

Try before you buy

This works both ways: you have the opportunity to find out if your Coach will be a good match, while they can get a better sense of your particular needs. For coaching to be successful, both parties need commitment from each other.

I offer a free 30 minute Careers Conversation.

Manage your own expectations

Your Coach can help you get "unstuck" and enable you to find the answers right for you. A Coach also helps you stay on track with your goals, explore options, and handle different elements of a job search – including rejection. They will hold you accountable. Expect to go through a thought process to work out what's important to you, but a Coach won't [and should never] tell you what job you should do.

What else might you do to choose the best Career Coach for you?

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