Let’s face it. You were skeptical about career coaching at first. Don’t worry, I get it. I’m here to clear up some common misconceptions about the process and how it works so that you can see for yourself just how much a career coach can change your life!
1. Career coaches just tell you what you want to hear
This is a common myth, but in reality, career coaches want to help you figure out who you are and what you want to do, even if that means telling you something that might not be easy to hear. If a coach keeps telling you what they think you want to hear instead of challenging your ideas and helping you grow, then they aren’t doing their job right.
2. Career coaches are all the same
You wouldn’t go to any doctor or dentist—you’d pick one based on their experience and expertise, right? The same goes for picking a career coach. Check out their credentials and make sure that they have a background in what they’re teaching to ensure this is someone that you want to work with before making the leap into hiring them as your coach.
3. Career coaching is too expensive to be worthwhile
This is simply untrue. A good career coach will help you make more money in the time you work with them than you spent on their services (and then some) because they’ll help you identify and land career opportunities you would dream about!
4. Career coaches only work with executives
Career coaches work with people at every level of the professional ladder, from executives to entry-level workers. When it comes down to it, no matter what job you have or where you sit in the corporate hierarchy, everyone has room for improvement—and all employees can benefit from learning how to communicate more effectively and how to make the most of their skills and experience.
5. Career Coaches don't actually help you to find a job
Career coaches can help you find and land your dream job, but they also provide other services beyond helping you get hired. They can help with interviewing skills, networking, cover letters and resumes, negotiating salaries, and more. Get what you pay for!
6. Career coaching is for people who can't do it themselves
While some people seek out coaching because they’re feeling stuck or lost, this is not the only reason people use coaches. Many people who hire coaches simply want to maximize their potential and ensure that they are moving forward in their careers as quickly as possible. It’s similar to how many top athletes hire personal trainers to help them make sure they’re at the top of their game.
7. Only millennials use career coaches
This might be the most ridiculous misconception on the list. The truth is, anyone from any generation could be in need of career coaching services for career advancement.
Career and life coaching has been around for decades, but it’s still a relatively new concept for a lot of people. And that’s okay! I mean, some people think the earth is flat and that the best pizza in the world is made in Chicago (it’s not… and it’s not). But there are a lot of misconceptions floating around out there about career coaching. If you have additional questions about career coaching, let’s chat!
