The Hats of a Career Coach

“I learn by going where I have to go.” – Theodore Roethke

Like most people, I’m often asked, “What do you do?” When I reply that I’m a career coach, I am not surprised to hear the next question: “What does that mean…exactly?”

The short answer is that I help people meet their individual job goals. The long answer? I help people meet their individual job goals!

Ok – so let’s dig deeper.

As a career coach, I wear multiple hats and rotate them depending on the client needs. Clients get stuck for a variety of reasons. My job is to move them forward. Each hat I wear achieves this.

Over the next few days, we’ll take a look at the various hats of a career coach. Today, we’ll discuss the consulting hat.

Career Coach as Consultant

When I have my consulting hat on, I’m providing clients with information. Information they need. Information they’re lacking, yet can easily learn. For example:

• How to write a resume
• How to prepare cover letters
• How to network effectively
• How to best interview techniques
• How to develop job search strategies
• How to get your first job
• How to plan for retirement
• How to set up a business

Notice the “How to’s?” When I’m in consulting mode, I provide how to’s.

Yes, people can go on-line and learn all of the above. We are so fortunate to have access to information on the internet to learn 24/7/365! As a career coach, I take what you learn on-line or anywhere, to the next level by becoming a partner in your success.

Here are a few examples:

• When I evaluate resumes and cover letters, I teach you how to do them yourself, as a life long skill. I tailored input and advise based on your credentials. You aren’t left guessing what would be best.

• When consulting on job search strategies, I craft a job search plan with you that includes your temperment, time, and skill level. It doesn’t make sense to advise a shy person to engage in more networking!

• When preparing job seekers for interviews, I role play with you. I provide feedback on your responses to tough interview questions. I help you to think through your answers and come up with precise sound bites for effective answers. We discuss telephone, on-line, group, and in person interviews. I get you comfortable with the interview process so that you are effective and enjoy it, no matter what the outcome.

Once you move past your “how to” informational needs, you are that much closer to achieving your goals. What job goals are you looking to achieve this year?

Feel free to leave a comment below.