The Benefits of Career Coaching

The Benefits of Career Coaching jesadaphorn Fotolia.com Athletes engage coaches to assist them to win, why dont you hire a career coach to assist YOU to win your dream job? Coaching brings a significant return on investment, boosting both performance and earnings. A PricewaterhouseCoopers study commissioned by the International Coach Federation found that coaching led to improved self-confidence, crucial during the sometimes long and arduous career transition process. After all, a career move or transition doesnt happen overnight. In the meantime, you may find yourself working in a setting you do not enjoy. Coaching can boost your morale so that youre not as unhappy to go to work as many others around may be. You have a secret weapon someone to listen to you and guide you forward as you work towards your dream job. ICF also noted improvements to communication and relationship skills, both of which are integral for job search activities such as interviewing and networking. In my own 20+ years of experience, I have seen that people who make an investment in their career advance their career goals faster than people who dont. Their earning potential goes up dramatically, which more than compensates for the cost of a coaching service. Coaching is an investment. Hiring a coach is the first step in taking charge of your own career, rather than letting your employer control your career. Together, you and your coach take the reins. With guidance, support, and the occasional kick in the pants, your coach champions you to achieve your career goals. A qualified coach one who is trained, designated and certified will have a deep understanding of the market in which you are operating, both the function and the geography. Your career coach can uncover both your hard skills and soft skills, and work with you to develop a career plan based on your unique goals and ambitions. In todays economy when hiring is good, a career coach can really advance your career fast. In a recession, a career coach provides steady support and a valuable sounding board when you may not be able to advance as quickly. While some career professionals function in a silo of being either a career coach, a job search coach, or a career transition coach, there is a distinct benefit to hiring someone who can provide complete career management. Someone with that kind of experience also tends to have vast connections to recruiters, HR people and other hiring decision makers. They have deep insights into the hiring market and trends, and access to hidden opportunities that are never advertised. While coaching is not counselling, a career coach can be an empathetic and supportive listener, and help you take concrete and effective actions that move your career forward.