Coaching has grown exponentially over the last decade, and research has shown that coaching effectively improves performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), there are currently more than 71,000 professional coaches worldwide, and the industry is worth an estimated $2 billion per year.
Career coaching, in particular, has become increasingly popular as individuals seek guidance and support in navigating their careers. A career coach can provide personalized and objective feedback, help clients identify their strengths and weaknesses, and guide them in developing strategies to achieve their career goals.
Research has shown that coaching is effective in improving job performance, career satisfaction, and overall well-being. According to a study published in the Harvard Business Review, coaching can increase productivity by an average of 88%. Another study found that coaching can significantly reduce stress levels and improve overall life satisfaction.
When choosing a career coach, it is important to look for someone who has experience and expertise in your industry or field. A coach who understands the nuances of your industry can provide more targeted and practical guidance. It is also essential to look for a coach with a track record of success and who is willing to provide references.
When working with a career coach, it is important to have realistic expectations. A coach cannot make decisions for you or guarantee a particular outcome. Ultimately, the success of the coaching relationship depends on the client’s willingness to take action and implement the strategies discussed in the coaching sessions.
In terms of cost, career coaching can be a significant investment. However, it is important to remember that coaching is an investment in yourself and your career. The fees charged by career coaches vary widely, but it is possible to find a coach who is within your price range. Many coaches offer free initial consultations, which can help you determine if a particular coach is the right fit for you.
In summary, career coaching can be a valuable investment for individuals looking to make a major change in their career or feeling stuck and unsure about their next steps. When choosing a coach, it is important to look for someone with experience and expertise in your field and to have realistic expectations about what coaching can achieve. With the right coach and a willingness to take action, coaching can help you achieve your career goals and increase your overall satisfaction and well-being.
The career coach will:
- Try to find out your life purpose and suggest careers aligned with this. The closer your job is to your purpose, the happier and more satisfied you will feel.
- Help you recognize what jobs you are suited for based on your talents, personality, and ambition. These can be detected through general discussion, testing, and probing questions. The best coaches are candid and will tell you what you can do and what your limitations are likely to be.
- Assist you in clarifying your long-term career goals and creating a roadmap to achieve them. This is a long process and can take a few sessions.
- Structure your job search, help with your application documents, and coach you through job interviews.
The career coach won’t:
- Tell you precisely what job you should go for. The idea of having somebody telling you exactly what you should do and making your decisions for you is not what career coaching is about. Like a Freudian psychotherapist, the coach will not give you the answers but rather ask probing questions to reach the solution yourself. Like psychotherapy, this can be a lengthy process, so the more clarity you have, the quicker this process will be.
- Know everything about you and what you should pursue. Some coaches will purport to have the answers and solutions to your career before you sign up for your first session. Stay away from any coach claiming this, as this is impossible. A coach can’t turbocharge your career; only you can make this happen.
- Come with you to interviews or write your resume. They are there to assist you with the job application process, not to do it for you.
Cost & time scales:
The fees charged by career coaches vary greatly, and you should shop around for a deal. Expect to pay anything from $200 to $1,000 for a two-hour session. Remember that being a coach is a very popular profession, and there is a great deal of competition, which plays into your hands as the buyer. The sessions are usually paid upfront for several hours with the coach.
You should be able to swing a free initial consultation, to get a feel for the coach and their methods before deciding whether you want to continue.
As for the time scales, career coaching can take anything from one session to a full-year program with fortnightly sessions or checkups.
The best way to find one:
Coaching is not regulated in any way and there are myriads of self-appointed career coaches out there. The best way to go about finding the right one for you is to ask friends, coworkers, and perhaps even your HR department who they can recommend and why. You will want to find a coach that works with people in your industry, that has added value to others (a good coach should have references available), and is within your price range.
Make sure you get a coach that treats you as a preferred client and not just another appointment of the week if the coach sounds very busy, best to check with someone with the time to focus on you and your needs.
So is it worth it?
Yes and no. The determining question here is really: Do you know what you want to do and how to get there? If so, do it yourself. If you are unsure about what career direction to take or have little idea of how to get somewhere, speak to a coach and see what they can do for you. Remember always to get a free consultation first!
