Let’s face it. Hiring a Career Coach to help you change, manage or support your Career is a BIG decision.
Thousands of career professionals across the UK invest in Coaching because it really works. So, with that in mind, how do you choose the right one?
Do your research!
Be as vigilant in your search for a Coach as you would for job hunting. Don’t just read their website, check them out fully through their LinkedIn profiles.
How long have they been Coaching for and how many endorsements and client recommendations do they have?
Check for credibility
Not all Career Coaches are Accredited and this is a very 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.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organisation dedicated to advancing the Coaching profession.
Look for recommendations and client testimonials.
Look for chemistry
Is your Coach 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 never tell you what to do or take charge of your agenda.
A Coach should be the greatest listener and be able to ‘play back’ what you say, summarise key important information and build trust and rapport. It’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable talking to and sharing personal information with.
Try before you buy
This works both ways: you should have an opportunity to talk with the Coach without commitment about what you want and hear how they can help you. This will help you decide if they are a good match, while they can get a better sense of your particular needs.
For Coaching to be successful, both parties need a strong commitment from each other.
Manage your own expectations
Your Coach can help you get “unstuck” and help you find the answers that are right for you. A Coach helps you stay on track with your goals, explore options, and handle different elements of a job search – including rejection.
Expect to go through a thought process to work out what’s important to you.
Packages and Programs
Does your Coach offer an easy to use pricing package?
Is there a structured process to follow and a way to record and reflect on your progress?
A good Coach should flex their delivery / service to the needs of the client. The client should not be expected to fit in with the Coach’s agenda or a set program as one size definitely does not fit all!
Tools, Resources and Homework
Everyone has their own particular learning style.
Coaching is not just about talking and listening. It should include a wide variety of Coaching tools, exercises and activities to help you think differently, increase your self-awareness and support you in between sessions.
