What Career Coaches Can’t Do for You

I love what I do and believe it's my personal calling to help others move forward in their careers. Whether I’m working with a student or doing private consulting I assist people of all walks of life with career planning, updating resumes, job search techniques and even motivation. However, with all the benefits of having a coach guide you through the sometimes complex job search process there are some things career coaches cannot do for you.

Coaches call the play; you drive the ball.

Can’t Drive You (figuratively or literally). Career coaches can give someone the tools and motivation to jump start their career, but it’s up to the individual to get behind the wheel and put the plan into action. We can make very strong suggestions, but in end you are responsible for the decision to follow through (or not) with any advice you are given. When you leave the office or hang up the phone with your coach you have to find what drives you personally in life. Is it your family, lifestyle, or financial gain? Ask yourself what motivates you and how can you tie that into your job search or career?

Make Something Exist that Isn’t There. The same way a beautician can’t make you look like Beyoncé, I can’t make you look like a stellar candidate if you’re not the right fit. I am not a magician or a genie that’s going to fly you on the red carpet to your dream job. By no means am I a dream crusher, however like a basketball coach is aware of the strength and weakness of her players, I am not going to encourage someone to seek a position that I believe doesn’t play to the person’s strengths. We want to see you win!

Shoulder Your Burdens. There are things that happen in life (some within or not in our control) that impacts our ability to achieve career success. I get it and I empathize with you, but I won’t sympathize with you. As a career coach I do need to know your challenges to partner with you, but leave your excuses behind as it will serve as a road block towards a solution. We want to see you move forward!

Employ You. We are not hiring managers. Career coaches may find you leads, introduce you to a connection, but you have to be prepared and do the work to seal the deal. Today’s job market is quite competitive to say the least and coaches give you the tools to help you rise above the pack; use them to your advantage. We want to help you get hired!

We can help you create a strategic career playbook, but remember you are the star that’s going to run the play because all great players have a coach.

Moving You Forward,

Cathy Francois, MBA
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward
http://about.me/cathy.francois

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Soul Search before You Job Search

My previous blog post was on creating a job search plan to get the job you want. But why go through the trouble of creating a road map when you haven’t decided on a final destination. It’s a plan that will work for most people just as long as you know what want. However, if you’re not sure which steps to take next, whether you’re early in your career or a transitioning professional,  the following tips may be able to help you find your way.

Think Outside Titles. Do remember as a kid people would ask you, “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” There are thousands of job titles out there and by the time they grow up some of them will be obsolete and new ones will develop. When asked that question as a kid, not once I said career coach, account executive or academic advisor. Instead we should ask, “What do I like to do? What am I good at? Think about what you’re recognized for among your circle of friends. Are you the Martha Stewart or computer whiz among your peers? Has anybody said, “I could see you doing….”? Take the time to assess your skills, interest and most importantly your values.

Explore. As a professional in higher education it amazes me how many people decide to enter a career without any real research.  Watching an episode of C.S.I. or Grey’s Anatomy does not qualify as research either.  Consider taking assessments such as those found on CareerPath.com by CareerBuilder to get an insight on what career paths may fit your skill set, personality and values. Research ideal careers even if you’re not sure what you’re looking for because when you seek you shall find your “aha” moment.

Don’t Settle. If you want something just to pay the bills, that is what you’ll get. Stop and listen to your inner voice. Sometimes we do know what we want, but simply don’t pursue it because we think it’s out of our reach. Or is it that we need to reach out to take the next step. What you want to do doesn't have to be popular or easily understood by others. Just know that if it’s your passion and calling, then success is almost inevitable. 

Remember nothing last forever.  Although important, this is not the be-all and end-all decision it seems. Knowing that each job is temporary really helps relieve the stress of making a decision. Besides, you can decide to explore other options and transition to other careers later. In the end do your due diligence; search within and research before embarking on your next job search quest. 

Moving You Forward,

Cathy Francois
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

P.S. The job search process can be complicated. Thankfully, you do not have to create a plan alone. Let’s team up to create a personalized plan to help you achieve career success today. Email me at cfrancois@rezumeforward.com

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