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If you are asking this question, you are in for insight! I have tirelessly scanned the web for any question you may have to include – if you should consider a career coach.
I will cover this and more to assist you in understanding if one is right for you.
If you are stagnant in your career or if you have a need for motivation having someone assigned to assist you may be a great option.
Keep reading to find out if you should pursue a professional coach for your career path.
Skip to What You Want…
- What is a Career Coach
- What Services do Career Coaches Offer
- How Much Does a Career Coach Cost
- Why do I Need a Career Coach
- How to Prepare for a Meeting with a Career Coach
What is a Career Coach?
They are dedicated individuals who serve to unlock your full potential to meet your professional goals.
Typically this is done through an initial consultation. The length of this varies. These trained professionals attempt to gain insight into you as a person, your skills and abilities.
From there, they reconcile your strengths and weaknesses via self-discovery exercises.
According to Wolfgang Career Coaching, they feel a coach’s responsibility is to:
- Discover and clarify your goals
- Promote Self-discovery
- Find Solutions and Tailor Strategies
- Perform Accountability Checks
If you are need of any of these services – one may be a great option!
What Services Do Career Coaches Offer?
Services are filled with every kind of option you can think of. Most offer different bundles of programs.
For example, a quick scan of Google found these options:
Hallie Crawford
Starter Consultant
One 55 minute session includes:
Career Welcome Packet – Identify Your Ideal Career Workbook – Job Search Workbook – Resume Critique
Professional
Two 55 minute session includes:
Career Welcome Packet – Identify Your Ideal Career Workbook – Job Search Workbook – Job Search Worksheet – Resume Critique
Premium
Three 55 minute session includes:
Career Welcome Packet – Identify Your Ideal Career Workbook – Job Search Workbook – Job Search Worksheet – Resume Critique – Jumpstart Your Job Search Home Study Program with resume samples – Strategic Career Plan Template
Ideal Career Home Study
Three 55 minute session with Hallie Crawford includes:
Career Welcome Packet – Identify Your Ideal Career Workbook – Job Search Workbook – Resume Critique – Online Coaching with Hallie
Job Search or Interview Prep
Three 55 minute session includes:
Career Welcome Packet – Job Search Workbook – Job Search Worksheet – Resume Critique – Job Search Home Study Program – How to Answer the Top 20 Interview Questions
Becky Roth Coaching
Career Coaching Services
Becky Roth Coaching offers a TON of personal services to jumpstart your career.
The below is a listing of some of the things they have available to you…I’ve bolded the ones I feel are most important.
- Job Search Strategies
- Career Exploration
- Networking Plan
- Interviewing Preparation and Techniques
- Resume and LinkedIn Profile Review
- Career Branding
- Career Management
- Career Transitions
- Effective Communication Strategies
- Values and Strengths exploration
- Salary Negotiations
- Life Coaching
- Career Counseling
- Assessments: EQ-i and EQ-1 360 assessments
- Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
- Workshops: Re-entering the Workplace, Targeting Interviewing and Networking, Resume and LinkedIn Profile Development
As you can tell, there are many options available when it comes to searching for a career coach. Choosing the right one for you is key.
So how much does this cost, you may ask, let’s review.
How Much Does a Career Coach Cost?
While services like the ones mentioned above aren’t cheap, they are affordable. You shouldn’t think in terms of what you can afford now.
When looking into a coaching service try to get your investor mindset ready.
For example, if you are making $1,400 per month now, a coaching service for $2,400 may seem outrageous.
But what if you received a job making $3,000 a month?
Get the point?
You would not only make back your investment but continue to scale your income to afford a lifestyle with more options.
So How Much Does it Truly Cost?
According to a study done by Biron Clark, a writer for CareerSideKick.com, the average per-hour cost of a career coach is $207.00.
Biron states, while $207 is the average per-hour-cost, the range was “as low as $75, and as high as $497”.
Biron Clark charted this data from his study and this is what it reveals…
Keep in mind, this is simply for a consultation. Many others offer consultation services but upcharge for additional products/services.
The truth is, you get what you pay for.
Often times a simple consultation just isn’t enough.
Perhaps you need a resume, interviewing or job-finding assistance? This is where the upcharge is.
Is it worth it?
I lean towards yes.
We tend to underestimate our abilities and accomplishments. These professionals ensure you can accurately curate and dictate your professional career accomplishments.
What if I Can’t Afford a Career Coach?
Don’t fret. There are plenty of cheaper alternatives to career coaches.
- Purchase/read used or new career development books
- Search online for free resume assistance
- Utilize current contacts to comb over your resume
- Conduct mock interviews with friends/family
- Outreach to recruiters on LinkedIn
- Ensure you have an accountability partner
- Continue Scanning WeWHPH for Career Growth Topics
Why Do I Need a Career Coach?
The truth is that you may not. Think of it this way…
The role of a coach is to provide you with key actions, resources, feedback, accountability, networking, and knowledge of position opportunities.
You can do each of these on your own.
These services simply provide you with an all-in-one service to meet your needs.
It all boils down to convenience. Your budget will always dictate the amount of ‘convenience’ you can receive.
Should I really consider a career coach? I can’t afford it at this time?
If this is you…then strap up your brain and prepare to self-teach.
There is no shame in this.
I have done this exact thing and have reached the higher-echelons. Truth be told, now that I can afford one – I will be using them in the future to leverage my career growth.
How to Prepare for a Meeting with a Career Coach…
You must understand that they will not tell you what job you should do. Their function assists you in finding the path YOU want.
From there a strategy can be identified. Ultimately, it is YOU that must put in the effort and work.
To Prepare for a Consultation…
- Think of current struggles with your career
- Update and fine-tune your resume
- Prepare a list of all:
- Former employment details and responsibilities
- Education
- Training
- Certifications/Licenses
- Special Skills (coding, foreign languages, etc.)
- Professional Organizations
- Volunteer Work
- Military Experience
- References
- Conduct an assessment of yourself
- Interests
- Desired Job
- Strengths/Weaknesses
- Hobbies
- Salary Desired
- Prepare to be upsold
- While you paid for a service, often these professionals will tend to pique your interest in higher-end products they offer. Be prepared to say no and keep your budget in mind.
Conclusion:
Going this route may not be right for everyone but they are extremely efficient. Choosing the right one for you may seem hard so definitely do your research.
If you can’t afford a one, there are plenty of free alternatives.
I hope this has helped you to understand if you should consider a career coach. The options are endless and the assistance they provide is uncontested.
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