We often find that people have misinformed views about what career coaching actually is (and isn’t). Here are the top 5 misconceptions we regularly hear, plus the real story.
1/. That we will represent our clients to recruitment agencies and employers
Career coaches don’t sit on the phone all day, making calls, and tapping their own networks, to find new career opportunities for their clients. We aren’t Jerry McGuire!
During career coaching sessions we teach our clients how to present themselves to recruitment agencies and potential employers in the most positive light. Consider career coaching to be more like a training and development program than a job search publicist or talent agent.
2/. The onus rests with the career coach to ensure clients achieve their goals
This simply isn’t the case. It’s a two way partnership and for success to occur it takes a combination of the skill and experience of the coach and the efforts and commitment of the client. Clients who do the ‘homework’ and activities that their coach suggests have a far greater chance of success.
I sometimes have prospective clients ask me if we ‘guarantee success’, and my answer is always ‘no’. I liken it to going to the doctor. The doctor has the training and experience to diagnose you and prescribe a treatment, but if you don’t attend the appointment, participate in sharing honest and meaningful information about your medical condition and take the medicine that is prescribed, then you don’t get well.
3/. That career coaching is only for senior executives
Actually career coaching can benefit anyone who wants to take a more focused, deliberate and strategic approach to their career. At Let’s Talk Career we work with individuals at all levels and locations. Are you in Melbourne? CLICK HERE to find out more about our services.
4/. That career coaching is limited to helping you update your resume and look for a new job
I can’t stress how wrong this misconception is!
A core benefit of career coaching is helping you be successful in your current role.
Career coaches can help you:
- define your unique strengths, value proposition and personal brand
- improve your interview technique
- identify a career path
- and so much more.
Think of a career coach as a strategy partner to assist you in finding a more deliberate and planned career!
5/. That career coaching is a self indulgent and expensive service
People are hesitant to spend money on developing their careers when in reality they probably spend more on their mobile phone bill each month. And when you think about the number of hours in your life you spend doing your job, it’s worth investing a little to make the most of those hours!
Ready to move your career forward in the direction you desire?
Let’s Talk Career provides career guidance and coaching services in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane & Far North Queensland, Perth and Auckland.
Email us today to discuss your Career Coaching needs on info@letstalkcareer.com or
Freecall: 1800 284 255 or (03) 8686 9102 to make an appointment. We’re happy to answer all your questions.
We would be delighted for you to reproduce our articles, as long as they remain intact and contain the author’s details as follows: Kris Reynolds is Managing Partner at Let’s Talk Career (www.letstalkcareer.com) in Australia. Kris can be contacted on 1800 284 255 or kris@letstalkcareer.com.
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