There’s little doubt that anyone looking for a career change can benefit greatly from using the services of a good career coach. However, everyone is different and has different needs and personalities, so it’s important to look for one that suits you as a professional. There’s plenty out there, so you can afford to be selective with who you use.
When changing careers, how can a career coach help?
They can be of enormous help to your career progression in general, highlighting the right recruitment online education to choose from, as well as determining your overall direction. Employing one can save you time pursuing needless avenues, in addition to guiding you in highlighting areas of weakness that need to be developed.
How can I know if a career coach is worth hiring beforehand?
So, now we come to the crux of the matter - how to get your career change moving by choosing the right career coach. Essentially, it’s an unregulated industry, so it pays to have a good think about what you’re looking for and the following 5 tips should also prove useful in this regard.
Tip #1 - Understand What to Expect
Career coaching can be a real game-changer for some, but it’s not for everyone and knowing whether it’s for you can come down to what you’re expecting from the process. A career coach is there to help you become a more employable professional, but they’re not there to be your friend, teacher or consultant.
Neither are they trained in career counselling, mental health support or anything else that falls outside of their purview. They have a very specific skill set that can help you no end, but that’s all. Essentially, you’ll still be in control and will have to take the recommended actions yourself, so be prepared for it.
Tip #2 - What Kind of Coach Do You Want?
Another factor to consider is what kind of coach is going to suit you, personally. This can depend on whether you’re after no more than a guide or someone to get tough with you when you procrastinate. This will certainly have a bearing on what type of person you need your career coach to be.
Also, some coaches work in person, whereas others are online or phone-based, so it’s crucial that you give this some thought.
Tip #3 - Start Your Search Locally
A great way to find a good career coach is by recommendation, so why not first turn to your own professional network for guidance? Reach out to those closest to you and if you do get a result, you can get some real, honest feedback about how they found their services.
From there, you can widen your search and compare what you find, giving you a clear view of what’s available. It’s also a good idea to search specifically for EXACTLY what you’re looking for like “Relaxed” or “Laid Back” career coaching if you’d rather avoid something too ‘full on’.
Tip #4 - Check Their Reviews & Credentials
Once you’ve narrowed down your search for your career change coach and found someone who seems to fit the bill, the next step is to check their online reviews and credentials. As we mentioned earlier, it’s an unregulated industry, so you need to know who you’re speaking with.
That’s not to say that a good career coach HAS to have credentials, but it is a very good sign regarding their level of expertise. Plus, if it’s backed up by great reviews, the chances are you’ve found a winner!
Tip #5 - Sample Their Services
Any good career coach will typically offer a short, free, no-obligation consultation prior to starting regular services, so this is your opportunity to check them out. This is valuable time that can be used to ask them lots of questions about their approach and anything else you feel is important to the process.
After your initial consultation, take a moment to ponder how you feel. Do you feel inspired? If not, it might be time to move on to someone else.
Finding the right career coach can be tricky, but by following the tips shown here, your odds of success go up markedly. For more career change resources, visit the government website page that offers lots of useful advice and guidance.
Boost Your Career Possibilities With OCA Online Learning
The right career coach can be hugely valuable during your career and we hope the advice given allows you to find yours. Something else that can help widen your professional horizons is video-based, CPD-endorsed training from OCA that comes with support 7 days a week from a dedicated mentor.
Our online courses are put together in collaboration with industry experts and covers 20+ professional sectors and can even be paid for using our flexible payment plans. To find out more about this or anything else, visit us today at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au or to see what learning with us is like first-hand, take a look at our Student Study Demo that really puts it into perspective.
Alternatively, so speak to us directly about your training needs, give us a call on 1300 611 404 and we’ll be delighted to help.
