In the beginning of your job search, ask yourself these questions:
How do you decide when to hire a high visibility job search coach vs ‘go it alone’?
Response: Not getting a lot of contacts on your own
How do I know I need a job search coach?
Response: Internet is yielding nothing – so many hours searching / filling out applications / cover letters = no responses from companies – still not getting to hiring managers
When in a current job, under what conditions do you ‘search out’ a job coach?
Response: When you are ‘feeling stuck’ / you have exhausted career opportunities in your organization / lay off / project ending etc.
In the book Work Reimagined, Richard J. Leider and David A Shapiro, include the following Work Reimagined ‘Checkup Questions.’ If you can answer yes to one or more of these statements it may be time to look for a job search coach:
- Life seems to be passing me by while I am trying hard to make a living.
- Work is getting my best energy, and my relationships are getting what’s left.
- I know there is more to work, but I am not sure what it is or how to get it.
- I am ready to take my career in a new directions, but I do not know what it is or how to figure it out?
- These days, I rarely wake up eager to face the workday with anticipation and energy.
- I rarely enjoy what I do each day on the job.
- I do not feel like my gifts and talents are being well used at work.
- I rarely go to sleep at night with a fulfilling sense that this has been a well-lived day.
How do I use a job search coach?
Prepare background questions for your first conversation with a job search coach:
What is the mindset of a job search coach / when you contact them / what will they ask you?
Find out about the organizations / companies they represent.
What makes a good job search coach for you / industry specific / Job search coach’s attitude?
Ask the job search coach how they approach the following:
How will they help you prepare for a behavioral interview / write a resume / discover your competencies / develop a marketing plan?
- Help you define your values / skills /interests / career direction / personality traits
- How will they help you negotiate a new salary for the next job
- What are your Generational needs / How will you work for younger vs. seasoned managers
Determine if there is a ‘match’ between you and the job search coach
Review the responses from the job search coach; do you see a ‘fit’ between you and the coach?
Review your thoughts from your conversation with the job search coach, with a friend and ask them to be a sounding board to help you make the decision.
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