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Working With a Career Coach – What Every Job Seeker Must Know

Working With a Career Coach - What Every Job Seeker Must Know

In today’s tough economy, every job seeker needs assistance in landing his next employment opportunity in the most efficient and expedient means possible. The services of a career coach are targeted for individuals who are unemployed or in a dead-end job or are attempting to move up the ladder or re-enter the work force.

History

Career coaching as we know it today, developed its roots from corporate coaching of the 1980’s. At that time, large corporations saw their top performers experience professional growth and increased performance through the assignment of a life coach. This process benefited key executives across all levels of the organization. Since this time, Career Coaching has evolved to a service that is available to job seekers everywhere.

Working With a Career Coach

Any candidate who is contemplating a business relationship with a Career Coach should first be aware of how the process works. It is important to connect with a Coach who will best meet the job seekers needs. Initially, expect to have either a face-to-face or telephone consultation, to determine both short and long term employment goals. This is a critical appointment that provides the Career Coach with the background information necessary to assist their client. The Career Coach provides information about the candidate’s chosen career path, salary expectations, current trends in the industry, and provides advice on prospective target employers who hire for the candidate’s chosen position.

Services Provided

A Career Coach’s role is to train the job seeker to out-perform their competition in the job market. They routinely provide services such as career exploration, interview success coaching, setting up a strategic career plan, salary negotiations assistance, as well as advice in the initial career planning process. When a job seeker requires assistance in revising their resume, or additional career services, the Career Coach has connections in the industry they readily recommend. The average cost to work with a coach is between $75.00-$250.00 per hour.

Benefits of Working with a Career Coach

While the cost of hiring a Career Coach may seem like an unnecessary expense when unemployed or re-entering the workforce, the benefits of the relationship can be the difference between landing a position, or remaining on the unemployment line. The coach spends time preparing the candidate for interviews and meetings with prospective employers, and literally guides the job seeker toward success in the hiring process. Individuals who work with a Career Coach are far more likely to get in the door of their target employer, and out-perform their peers in the job market.

What to Look For

Before shopping for a Career Coach, it is critical to know how to identify a professional who delivers results. Look at the coach’s work experience, ask about their professional affiliations, determine their reputation in the industry, and ask for references before moving forward with any one coach. Always know the Career Coach’s fees in advance, and ask about any guarantees offered. Above all, speak with the coach before making a final decision, to see if this is a person you will enjoy working with.

Christina Archer is the owner of I-CareerSearch, helping candidates land their next job faster and more efficiently. An entrepreneur and author of the new book, Landing Your Dream Job In Any Economy, Christina has provided a roadmap to enable job seekers to differentiate themselves from their competition within the job market.

Offering free resume evaluations, I-Careersearch offers a host of free and paid services to job seekers. Premium members receive full job search management services, to save them both time and money.

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