Guide to Career Coaching

Career coaches can help you find and succeed in your dream job

By Frances Sharpe, freelance writer/editor

1. Career counseling can help students discover their natural abilities and find careers that fit.
2. Career coaches can help young professionals advance their careers.
3. Career advisors can help mid-career professionals transition into new careers.
4. Career counseling can help seasoned professionals change jobs.
5. Career coaching can help entrepreneurs be more successful in their business endeavors.
6. Career coaches can help people who have been out of the job market re-enter the workforce.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find career advisors who are certified

Look for career coaches who have the appropriate training, experience and credentials.

I recommend: Search for credentialed career coaches in your area at the National Career Development Association – just click on “Need a Career Counselor?” under the Career Center heading. The National Board for Certified Counselors lets you search for credentialed career development counselors in your area. You can also find career coaches at the Association of Career Professionals International or by reviewing the list of career counseling organizations at Business.com.

Take advantage of testing offered by career coaches

Many career coaching programs begin with career testing - determining your aptitudes and skills as well as your level of dissatisfaction with your current job.

I recommend: The Oxford Program, a career counseling service that offers a step-by-step guide to finding the perfect job, starts with taking a career depression self-test. At the Rockport Institute, you can sign up online for career testing. You can also order an aptitude test online at Pathfinders.

Make a smooth mid-career transition with career counseling

The idea of changing gears when you've already moved up the career ladder can be very frightening. Career advisors can help you move past the fear and complacency that keeps so many bright professionals stuck in dead-end jobs.

I recommend: The Rockport Institute claims to have coached more mid-career professionals through career change than any other organization, but also works with students, young professionals, people re-entering the workforce and entrepreneurs. Career Planning & Management, which works mostly with mid-career professionals, offers a variety of career counseling services along with seminars and workshops. Pathfinders offers a career change center with programs for mid-career professionals as well as young and seasoned workers.

Let career advisors help you identify what makes you happy

One of the key services career coaches provide is helping individuals discover what truly inspires them. Knowing where your passions lie can give you a clear roadmap to an ideal career.

I recommend: Download a free demo of LifeJournal’s self-exploration tools and software, which help you identify your core skills, areas of interest and core values.

Meet with career coaches in person or via phone

Working in person with a career coaching professional can be fulfilling, but it isn't the only way to take advantage of career counseling. Many career coaches work with clients nationwide by scheduling a series of phone calls.

I recommend: Based in Seattle, Bridgeway Career Development also works with clients nationwide via phone to help them, choose, change or advance their careers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't expect career coaches to do all the work for you; finding the perfect career requires effort and homework on your part.
• •  Career coaching services can help you rebound after a layoff.
• •  Career counseling programs require you to keep an open mind about opportunities you may not have considered in the past.