I once read that a career coach can help you find the clarity you need to ask the questions you might be avoiding, and help you navigate your options and make great career choices. This profession is a wisdom that has helped numerous job seekers to adjust certain behaviors, beliefs, and habits in order to secure great employment positions.
My workplace was toxic. Despite of the great pay, my mental health was really taking a hit. I was burnt out; my colleagues seemed to be progressing while I was stuck in the same position for years in spite of being a high performer and always meeting targets. As a result, I started dreading going to work, and often, I would look forward to weekends so that I could drink and hide behind blackout curtains.
A friend saw how messed up my life had become. As he was trying to convince me to quit my job and get another one, he mentioned that he once got help from a career coach in order to advance his side hustle (before it became a full-time job). I was immediately interested in finding someone who would get me out of the rut I was in, so I did some digging and decided to hire the services of a career coach.
What is a career coach?
A career coach is an expert in career planning. Based on their specialization, they can offer expert services in resume building, negotiation, or interviewing in order to help you maximize your chances of getting a position that will eventually lead to your dream career.
A career coach helps you assess your interests and direction and then build a detailed list of job targets. As organizations change and technology continues to disrupt how they are run, it is important to get the help of a professional in order to discover new directions and secure your career’s future.
When you have been in a secure position for too long, it can be easy to miss the forest for the trees. An outside perspective on your career can be extremely valuable; a life-changing investment. Career coaches help you make informed decisions as you jump into the murky job search pool. A career coach helps you walk through the door into an interview, guides you through the follow-up process after interviews, helps you navigate your job offer, and advises you on how to best negotiate your salary and perks.
In order to find a career coach that propels you into a better position professionally, it is important to find one that specializes in your specific area of interest. Different career coaches offer different services. As such, it is important to do your research and find a career coach based on their credentials, their success rate, their specialization, and their experience. This will ensure that you get value for your money.
How much do they cost?
A local career coach will usually get paid per session worked. On average, this can set you back anywhere from $75 to $150 per session. If you are in a really demanding career, then you may find that a career coach charges $250 to $500 or above. Prices may vary depending on the area you live in, the coach’s experience, their success rate, and even how well they are known and respected by their counterparts.
Career coaches inform you of the hard and soft skills required to succeed in today’s workplace. They create professional connections, elevate your confidence, build the value of your resume, and give you the techniques you need to succeed during an interview. This requires them to be experts in recruiting and human resources.
When choosing a career coach, it is important to choose one that not only fits your requirements, but also specializes in your area of interest. It may cost a bit more than you expect, but when it comes to career advancement, a good career coach is a worthy investment.
Just like you get regular dental check-ups, or service your vehicle, keeping your career prospects in check is a task you should regularly take care of. Take time to regularly visit your career coach in order to see where you are in your career and what you can do in order to achieve your long-term goals. Regularly hiring the services of a career coach ensures that you remain in a fulfilling position as you work towards your long-term goals.