1. What types of clients does the career coach usually work with?

If you are a recent college graduate, 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 at this point in your career. If you are leaving the military and entering the private sector, you should look for a coach 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 coach offer a free consultation?

A free consultation will help you get a better idea of ​​your chemistry with a running coach. It’s not just about qualifications (though they’re certainly important too!), It’s also about finding someone you feel comfortable talking to … After you have a query, you should have some clear ideas about the kinds of things you would work with. the coach and an idea of ​​that coach’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 path? Do you want a coach who is more of a listener than an advice giver? Do you want a coach of the same gender or age as you? There are no “right” answers, it’s about finding a fit.

3. What are the trainer’s credentials?

Career coaching is still an unregulated field, and having a certification is no guarantee of competence, but a committed career coach is not just improvising, it 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 their credentials are and where they come from. Again, different clients look for different things from their career coach – if your main concern is conducting a job search, finding someone with experience in recruiting, resumes, and interviewing might be a good idea. If your primary goal is moving up within your current workplace, you may want to find someone who has a strong background in human resources and staff development.