As The Great Resignation continues, maybe you’ve been thinking about making a change in your professional life. Hiring a career coach could be the right move for you.
Career coaches can offer valuable guidance as you look to change jobs. They can also help make the process more efficient and far less time-consuming.
Here are five reasons you may want to engage the services of a career coach.
1. You're feeling stuck
You’ve been doing your job for a while and no longer feel excited about the career you’ve chosen. You feel it’s time for a change, but you’re not sure what else you might enjoy doing. A career coach can help you identify your transferable skills and offer advice on careers you may not even be aware of.
A coach can also challenge your thinking and open you up to new ideas. For example, suppose you’re thinking of leaving the field of computer science because you no longer enjoy managing large teams of tech workers. A good career coach will ask insightful questions to help you determine whether you’re simply frustrated with your current work situation or it’s time to leave the field.
[ Also read IT careers: 5 common interview mistakes to avoid. ]
2. You're ready for a new opportunity
You’ve been in your job for a while, and you’re ready for your next move. A career coach can provide pragmatic advice on how to best position yourself for a promotion in your organization or guidance on how to package yourself for a new opportunity elsewhere.
Career coaches can also help you locate potential employers that align with your values as well as negotiate a competitive compensation package.
3. It's been years since you've looked for a job
If you’re starting a job search after spending years at the same company, you’ll find that the job application process has changed dramatically.
A career coach can help you optimize your search. They’ll be able to tell you what’s working these days and what’s not and guide you on how to effectively manage your job search.
4. You're not making enough progress in your job search
You recognize the need for an accountability partner. Looking for a new opportunity is especially challenging when you have a high-level job that requires your full attention. Often job seekers approach their search half-heartedly and quickly get frustrated with how long the hiring process takes. Some quickly give up on their search, while others take a position that they later regret accepting.
Career coaches help keep you on track and aren’t afraid to call you out, if necessary, to ensure that you stick to strategies and commitments.
5. You need help preparing for interviews
You’re getting plenty of interviews but no offers. In today’s hot job market, if you’re not getting past the interview stage then you likely need some help.
A coach can help you craft a compelling career story and provide feedback on how you’re coming across in interviews. They can also help boost your executive presence, both online and in person. A coach can also help you address gaps in your work history, why you may have been let go, and other potential challenges.
Career coaches could make the difference between landing a new gig and remaining stuck in an unhappy work environment. Consider these benefits the next time you’re feeling stuck and unmotivated in your current job.
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