Simply Admissions’ career coach, Anne Shields, is guest blogging this month! Below are 12 helpful questions to ask when hiring a career coach (and Anne’s own responses to those questions).
How can my high school or college student benefit from working with a career coach? Your student will get personalized attention from a professional career coach trained to help young adults identify their strengths, interests, and self-perceived limitations. I will guide them through the overwhelming process of exploring a range of career options and the majors which will help prepare them for a successful launch from college. I’ll guide the discussion about how volunteering and interning build the on-the-job skills employers want. They will gain confidence in their decisions during college and beyond.
Do you offer a free 30-minute consultation/exploratory session before I commit? Yes. I believe it is essential that we both understand the student’s goals and how I will support their efforts. Chemistry and “fit” between us are vital to their short- and long-term success and satisfaction.
Will you individualize the coaching plan for my student’s specific needs? Absolutely yes! Together we’ll discuss a strategy that will move them steadily through an exploration and decision-making process. We will design it and the pace of its progress based on their needs.
Which assessments do you use in your coaching? Are you certified to use them? I am certified to use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Strong Interest Inventory, and the FIRO-B. I may also recommend other assessment tools if your student might find the insight helpful.
Are all fees involved stated in writing upfront, indicating which services I will receive? Yes. There are no hidden costs. Should you later want to explore other services, we will discuss any additional charges.
How long have you been a coach, and what did you do before going into career coaching? What were your training and education? I have been a career coach for over 30 years, working primarily within a college/university career center. My graduate degree is in higher education (administration, counseling, and adolescent development). I hold the Board-Certified Coach and Associate Certified Coach credentials.
Does this coach’s style fit well with my student’s? A level of trust and compatibility needs to exist to gain the maximum benefit from the coaching relationship. If, after our free exploratory session, your student is not comfortable, they may want to meet with other coaches to find someone with whom they“click.”
Will you write or rewrite my student’s cover letters and resume? No, I’ll provide instruction, guidance, and support, but I do not write these critical documents for clients. I believe that this is a “teach them to fish” opportunity—your student must learn to create these documents themselves as they will have many more job searches in their future! *
Will you provide me with references from clients who have used your coaching service? Certainly!
Do you guarantee he will find suitable employment within a specific timeframe? No, I do not provide any guarantees. Career development and job search are very personal endeavors. They can be influenced by factors both in and out of my control--time committed to skill-building, experiential learning, job market fluctuations, etc.
Do you belong to any professional associations, and do you adhere to their ethical guidelines for career coaching? I am a member of both IFC and the NCDA; both organizations require strict adherence to their ethical guidelines.
Do you regularly attend professional conferences or training workshops to keep up with coaching skills, the job market, and best practices for career development and job search? I am constantly learning through reading, training, webinars, and networking with colleagues. Because the world of work is in constant flux, it is essential to keep up with emerging trends.
*Research suggests that Americans of all ages change jobs every 4.2 years and may have 3-7 career changes over a working life.
Interested in working with a career coach? Schedule a complimentary consultation with Anne today!