Although most of us hope to keep climbing the rungs of a single career ladder, sometimes it becomes apparent that we’re cut out for something else. Did you know that as many as 75% of people feel professionally stuck? Often this can come from not finding the steps to let go and make changes that can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Imagine having dedicated help from the moment you realise that you need a new job. Being coached every step of the way to make your dream job a reality by a professional coach is what transforms lives. As you network with prospective companies and find new employment positions, you’ll be supported to maintain concentration and self-assurance.
There is so much to consider when deciding on that next step. This is why career coaching from specialist experts at Horton International is on-hand to support and guide you to map out your career and help you take your next step confidently.
What is career coaching?
Career coaching from Horton International also provides transition support to those who want it. This service helps you to make a career switch or a career transition. Professional career coaches help individuals explore their purpose, values, and experience to create a practical, comfortable, and self-assured transition from one career to another.
From personality profiling to assessing abilities and interests and understanding personal and professional goals, career coaching explores various areas to understand exactly what you want from your career and how to get there.
Working with a career coach
Over several sessions – typically between 60– 90 minutes- a career coach will use a range of exercises with the coachee to deliver self-awareness and understanding and then set out specific actions to help get the desired outcome for the individual.
Working with a career coach is an energising and rewarding activity and can sometimes be intensive. The process helps individuals to recognise their achievements and boost their confidence.
With career coaching, outcomes include;
- Exploring new career options in a safe space
- Reflect on personal skills and attributes
- Define strengths and transferable skills
- Identification of gaps in knowledge and expertise
- Resume editing and tailoring
- Guidance on your current LinkedIn profile
- Network building support
- Action plan that takes you toward your chosen career
- Follow-on support.
Is a career coach right for me?
A career coach can be a great source of support for those who feel unfulfilled in their current career but are unsure of the next steps. It can also be helpful if you know which career you want to switch to but are unsure how to leap.
Career coaching can also be ideal for those who need support in showcasing transferable skills or adapting resumes to attract recruiters in this new field with the help of a career expert.
A career coach can also be the ideal source of support if you’re unsure if career switching is the right choice. A career coach provides unbiased support but with powerful questioning and a toolkit of exercises to help you fully explore and review all available options.
Career coaching is also helpful if you decide to stay in your current career. Instead, you may find you have renewed motivation and a greater purpose which can help you reconnect and reignite your passion for that career.
How to start working with a Career Coach
Understand expectations
A career coach will not tell you what career you should do or which organisations to apply to. Instead, a coach will work with you, asking questions and really listening to your responses. They will allow the space and time to talk through what’s going on for you in a safe, non-judgmental manner. They may reflect on their observations to help you explore options and make the right decisions.
It is important to realise that a career coach isn’t there to tell you what to do; they also aren’t counselors or therapists and won’t be able to provide a diagnosis, for example. However, they do recognise that other factors in your life may play a part in your decision to switch careers.
Look for rapport
The most valuable coaching is with someone you feel has a genuine rapport. A coach may ask some challenging questions, and it’s crucial that you feel comfortable being completely honest with that person.
A good connection, where you feel happy to open up, can make all the difference in creating a successful coaching outcome.
Set a goal or intention
The great benefit of coaching is that it can often cover multiple areas in just a few sessions. However, with a clear goal or intention, you can maintain focus and ensure you get the most out of the sessions.
You might have a big goal of switching careers, but there may be challenges you’d like to overcome in the sessions, such as confidence in interviews or help with conflict at work. These smaller goals can all play a part in your bigger goal of a career switch.
Get started today
If you’d like to get started on a career change journey, or even just discuss the next steps to getting started, get in touch with Horton International today.
