How to Find a Career Coach: A Guide

Finding the right career coach can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking to switch careers, climb the corporate ladder, or simply gain clarity on your professional goals, a career coach might be the ticket to your success. Let’s dive in!

Why You Might Need a Career Coach

Think of a career coach as your professional GPS: someone who helps you navigate the twists and turns of your career path. While no two people have the exact same reasons for working with a career coach, here are some of the most common scenarios where coaching can make a real difference:

• Transitioning careers: Maybe you’ve been in the same field for years, and now you’re ready for a change, but you’re just not sure how to get there. A coach can help you map out a clear path.
• Job search assistance: Resumes, cover letters, interviews, oh my. The job search process can be overwhelming. A career coach can guide you through it all, from polishing your application materials to practicing for interviews.
• Professional development: Perhaps you’re looking to build new skills like leadership, networking, or time management. Coaches can help you identify areas for growth and create a plan to improve.
• Overcoming career roadblocks: Feeling stuck in your current job? A coach can help you uncover what’s holding you back and suggest ways to break free.
• Clarity on goals: Sometimes, it’s hard to know what you want until someone helps you articulate it. A coach can guide you through defining your long-term goals and the steps you need to take to achieve them.

No matter your reason, the right career coach can provide valuable perspective, encouragement, accountability, and actionable advice to help you confidently take the next step in your career.

When to Start Finding a Career Coach

Timing is everything, but when is the right time to start working with a career coach? Honestly, there’s no single answer. It depends on your situation and career goals. That said, here are a few times when finding a coach might make sense for you:

• You feel stuck in your current job: If you’re unhappy or unfulfilled at work but can’t figure out your next move, a coach can help you gain clarity.
• You’re preparing for a major career change: Coaches can guide you through job transitions like switching industries or seeking a promotion.
• Your job search isn’t yielding results: If you’ve been applying for jobs but haven’t gotten many responses, you might benefit from a coach’s help tweaking your approach.
• You’re ready to invest in your career growth: Proactively working with a career coach can help you identify opportunities for growth and set you up for long-term success.
• You’re feeling overwhelmed: Juggling work, family, and personal commitments can make it hard to focus on your career goals. A coach can give you an outside opinion to help you prioritize and stay on track.

What to Look for in a Career Coach

Interpersonal Skills

Let’s be honest: nobody wants to work with someone who doesn’t make them feel heard. A good career coach should be approachable, empathetic, and an excellent listener. They should create a judgment-free space where you feel comfortable sharing your challenges and aspirations. Anybody can give solid advice, but how you feel during the process is important, too.

Experience with Job Seekers Like You

Every career journey is unique, and so is every career coach’s expertise. Look for a coach who has experience working with people in similar situations to yours. For instance, if you’re a recent high school graduate planning to go directly into the workforce, you’ll want someone who understands the challenges of doing just that. Or, if you’re a mid-career professional, find a coach who specializes in helping people pivot or climb the ladder.

Referrals and Connections

Word of mouth can be a powerful tool when searching for a coach. Ask friends, colleagues, or online communities for recommendations. Coaches who come highly recommended often have a proven track record of success for their clients. Bonus points if the coach has a network of professional connections they’re willing to share. Sometimes, who you know can be just as important as what you know.

Flexibility for Your Needs

Life is busy, and finding time for career coaching sessions can be a challenge. That’s what makes flexibility so important. Many coaches offer online sessions, which can make scheduling easier. Also, consider what kind of support you need, whether it’s one-on-one sessions, group coaching, or self-paced programs. The best coach for you will be someone who can adapt to your schedule and preferred learning style.

A Compatible Coaching Style

Coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some coaches take a structured, goal-oriented approach, while others focus on personal exploration and mindset shifts. Consider these styles of coaching as you look for a coach that fits you:

• Democratic: Allows the people being coached to choose their own path and feel in control of their training. The coach steps in to help keep their progress on track.
• Authoritarian: The coach makes all the decisions about what, when, and how the client is going to develop skills. This is a useful style for people who need extra support setting goals.
• Holistic: Coaches who use this style of coaching believe that everything in life is interconnected, so they focus on all aspects of the client: physical, spiritual, mental, financial, and relational.
• Vision: This coaching style empowers clients with a clear, detailed plan that sets the focus for each session.
• Developmental: Coaches who use this style of coaching focus on creating awareness and perspective within their clients.
• Group: This coaching style creates conversation in a small group setting and allows clients to benefit from not only the coach’s expertise but also each other’s.

The best coaching style is the one that fits you; otherwise, you won’t be inclined to stick with it. Finding someone whose style aligns with your personality can make all the difference.

SkillUp’s Online Career Coaching Services

We get it—finding the right career coach can feel overwhelming. To make it easier to find the support you need, we've partnered with top coaching platforms to connect you with professionals who will give you the support and expert advice you need to soar in your career.

• Group coaching: We offer free, online group sessions to tackle common career issues and help you navigate your journey. The virtual sessions are available every other Wednesday at 6 PM ET (3 PM PT).
• One-on-one coaching: We’ve partnered with Empower Work to offer free, confidential one-on-one career coaching sessions. Live, trained peer counselors are available to support you Monday-Friday, 7 AM-7 PM PT.

The coaches we partner with specialize in working with career changers, upskillers, and people who just want clarity for their next steps. They bring a wealth of experience and a people-first approach, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll be supported every step of the way. Plus, their online availability means you have access to high-quality coaching from the comfort of your own home.

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. SkillUp is here to help you build the confidence and clarity you need to soar in your career journey.