What is a career coach?

Land the job of your dreams by working with a career coach

In this post, we'll learn a little bit about what a career coach does and how a career coach can help you find jobs and identify career pathways that are meaningful and fulfilling for you. If you're still in high school, your guidance counselor can be an excellent resource for you. If you're in college, look into the help offered by your school's career services office. Working with a career coach is merely another potential option available to you as you explore the world of work and lay out a vision and a plan to get there. 

Many soon-to-be graduates don't have the slightest idea about which career they'd like to pursue after graduation. Of those who do have career ideas, many don't know how to move beyond their current situation so they can begin working at the job of their dreams. If you are unsure about what you'd like to do for a living or need some guidance as you transition into the next phase of your life, then consider speaking with a qualified career coach.

Speaking with a career coach is beneficial for many reasons. For starters, a career coach can help you explore your interests and make suggestions about which occupations may be worth considering. Once you've decided on the profession you'd like to pursue, the career coach can then determine the most efficient path for making your dream job your actual career.

A career coach can also work with you to improve your resume and cover letter, plus give you tips for strengthening your online networking profiles on sites like LinkedIn and Jobster. A career coach may even help you to become more confident during interviews and teach you proven methods for negotiating a higher starting salary.

That said, many people who consider working with a career coach worry about the cost of such guidance. While prices do vary from coach to coach, fees are generally determined by the individual coach's level of experience and the number of sessions you are planning to attend. If you currently have a tight budget, shop around to find the most affordable option. Depending on your location and personal circumstances, partially-subsidized or no-fee options could be available.

While finding the perfect career may not be easy, it's certainly worth the effort. That's why, if you find yourself in need of a little career guidance, you should ask a professional career coach to point you in the right direction. After all, their guidance could mean the difference between you starting off in a job you despise or you being offered a coveted position by your preferred employer.