Searching for a new job comes with many challenges. You may lack a strong online presence or network. You may not know where to look, and even if you did, you might find it challenging to get interviews. What if you’ve received a few interview requests but aren’t getting offers?
If you’re finding it difficult to steer your career in the direction you want, or you feel like you’re not getting anywhere, then a career coaching session is what you need. A career coach can add significant value to your professional life and help you create an actionable roadmap towards finding the job of your dreams.
If you are still unsure, here are seven benefits of career coaching services and how to find a career coach, courtesy of Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona.
1. They Hold You Accountable
If you find yourself not putting in the time and effort needed to pursue your career goals, you should probably get a career coach. As with any objective, a little push can help drive you forward. So why not seek professional expertise to make you accountable for your career goals?
Because, let’s face it, while your friends, partners, and mentors can be effective at spurring you on, they’re also likely to cut you some slack. On the other hand, a career coach won’t be as forgiving. So if you’re serious about finding a new job, landing a promotion or advancing your career, a career coach will help you make the correct moves and put you on track to meet your goals.
2. They Encourage Thriving Over Coasting
Sending out multiple resumes and not hearing back from any employers can cause your self-esteem to take a hit. However, career coaching can help reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with multiple rejections.
At Goodwill, we believe that a coach serves as a strong motivation that inspires you to keep trying even when you feel like quitting. They can challenge you to explore new subjects, consider new perspectives and develop your capabilities. Simply put, a career coach can help you reset, improve and identify the things that motivate you.
3. They Give You the Feedback You Need But May Not Want
Sometimes you need to hear the truth from someone you can trust. In such situations, it’s common to turn to friends and family for advice. However, while they can be helpful, they may not provide honest feedback to avoid hurting your feelings. Or, they may simply lack sufficient experience to identify the problem and provide you with quality advice.
Conversely, a career coach will act as a neutral third party to provide constructive, independent guidance. Plus, they’re experienced enough to identify your strengths and unwrap the mistakes you’re making. This will help you put your best foot forward, make your goals more realistic and purpose-driven and help you develop practical solutions when you encounter career challenges.
4. They Help You Discern the Depths of Your Potential
Ever heard of imposter syndrome? Many people experience doubts about their abilities and feel like frauds at some point in their lives. By letting distorted beliefs define their professional worth, most of the time, these people end up self-sabotaging their prospects, wearing themselves down and dropping their productivity.
However, the truth is that no one else can offer what you do. A great career coach can show you how valuable your skills are and help you identify your strengths, weaknesses and the value you offer employers. What’s more, by emphasizing the unique skills and abilities that only you can bring to the table, a coach can mitigate your insecurities.
5. They Can Make You an Interview Superstar
A job interview can present an intimidating, nerve-wracking situation for any job seeker, even more so when you consider that, at certain levels, even your impressive resume is matched by almost everyone else. This makes acing the interview critical, as the outcome will ultimately make or break the job offer.
You can demystify any interview process by seeking the help of a career coach with years of real-life recruiting insights. A coach will go a long way in calming your nerves. Plus, they can provide professional insights about responding to specific interview questions in a way that impresses the hiring manager.
6. They Can Help Navigate Difficult Career Decisions
Many people find themselves unsure about their career direction more than you might think. A few challenges may arise when switching to a new gig, changing positions or approaching a difficult task, and facing them alone can be daunting.
However, career coaching can offer you an alternative, insightful way to solve any complex career problem.
7. They Can Help You Transition Into a New Career
If you feel like your current job doesn’t cut it for you anymore, a change might be what you need. But how do you do that when you’re overwhelmed by the thought that it’s probably too late to make the switch? Or, you’re doubting the possibility of getting a new position if you leave your old one.
If you are at a professional crossroads, our team at Goodwill believes that a career coach can give you the advice you need to get through the transition and take on an entirely new job.
What a Career Coach Won’t Do
Though career coaches can help with several things, you need to take responsibility at some point and do the work. That’s why you must understand that the best career coaches will not:
- Get you a job. While they will guide you, they cannot magically place you in your dream role.
- Tell you what to do with your life. Though their inputs can serve as guidance, you must still bear the responsibility of making those difficult decisions.
- Do the work for you. A career coach will give you all the advice and actionable insights you need. However, to succeed, you must implement those tips yourself.
- Instantly change your life. That’s right. If you seek real change, you must be ready to eradicate any bad professional habits and overcome long-held internalized beliefs. That said, some things may improve immediately, but a good career coach helps you plan long term.
How To Get a Career Coach
Career coaches can leverage their wealth of experience to provide you with the resources you need to succeed in your chosen career path. And, it’s well known that successful individuals make for a thriving society and nation.
That’s why Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is dedicated to leveraging the power of work to end poverty. However, we recognize that it can be expensive to hire a career coach.
So, if you’re thinking, “how can I get good coaching near me at a low cost,” you may want to take advantage of our career development, training and education services at no cost. You can also shop at any of our local stores or donate to Goodwill to support our nonprofit cause.