1. What type of clients does the professional coach usually work with?
If you just graduated from college, while it may be tempting to meet with an executive coach because you want to be an executive, it may not be the best advice for this point in your career. If you are coming out of the military and going into the private sector, you should look for a trainer who specializes in military-to-civilian or military-to-contractor transitions. Finding someone who “speaks your language” and has helped others in similar situations is key to developing a productive relationship with a running coach.
2. Does the career counselor offer a free consultation?
A free consultation will help you get a better idea of your chemistry with a career coach. It’s not just about qualifications (although they’re certainly important too!) – it’s also about finding someone you feel comfortable talking to… After you have a consultation, you should have some clear ideas about the types of things. you would work with the trainer and an insight into that trainer’s methodologies. Some coaches rely heavily on evaluations and tests, while others focus more on building a relationship. Do you want a coach who thinks that spirituality is an important part of your career? Do you want a coach who is more of a listener than an advice giver? Do you want a trainer who is the same gender or age as you? There are no “right” answers, it’s all about finding a fit.
3. What are the trainer’s credentials?
Career coaching remains an unregulated field, and certification is no guarantee of competency, but a committed career coach isn’t just winging it: this is a profession that requires a lot of study and practice. Having studied with a highly respected institution like the Career Planning & Adult Development Network is a good sign that a coach has been exposed to well-accepted industry methodologies. An established career coach should have no problem telling you what her credentials are and where they are from. Again, different clients look for different things from their career coach – if conducting a job search is your main concern, finding someone with recruiting, resume and interview experience might be a good idea. If your main goal is to move up within your current workplace, you may want to find someone who has a strong background in human resources and people development.