Spring is here and a time for new beginnings. So has this got you thinking about dusting off your CV and taking on a new project, going for that promotion, or even considering doing something entirely new?
If so, then a career coach is in the perfect position to help you make those decisions (well I would say that wouldn’t I?). But how do you know if hiring a 1:1 coach is the right option for you? And if so, how do you go about finding the perfect one when there are so many coaches out there?
Well I’ve written this little two part guide to help you figure it all out. In part one, I’ll share my tips for deciding if 1:1 coaching is right for you and in part two, how to choose the right career coach. So here we go...
Part 1: Do I need 1:1 coaching? Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do you prefer an experience that is tailored to you and your specific needs?
Perhaps in the past you’ve done a course or read a book and you loved some of the material but not all of it was relevant to you. Or perhaps you’ve been in a group or a class situation where you learned some general information on the topic but felt like you didn’t get quite enough attention from the tutor or the coach about your particular issues. If you recognise either of these situations, then it could be a sign that working 1:1 with someone is what you really need, because the whole experience is then tailored to your needs and you won’t waste any more time. It can be a great option if you want to see results FAST!
2. Would you benefit from some extra accountability?
Do you need someone who is going to guide you through that a process of change? This doesn’t mean that they do the work for you of course, but do you want someone who can encourage you, support you and also gently challenge you when you need it? When you work with a 1:1 coach, you book regular sessions to check in with them and often you can also email them in between if you have any extra questions or need some encouragement. This additional accountability can make a huge difference towards achieving your goals.
3. Do you want a clear and personalised action plan?
This is the sort of plan which shows you exactly what your personal version of success looks like and the steps you need to take to get there. With 1:1 coaching, you usually come away from each session with specific action steps or reflection points, so that you know exactly what you need to go and do or think about next. Are you the kind of person this would appeal to?
Ok so I hope those questions helped to clarify your thoughts, and in part 2 of this ‘Spring clean your career’ mini guide with some additional tips for helping you choose the right career coach.
