The Top 10 Things Coaches Should Know When Working With Clients in Career Transition

Originally Submitted on 4/10/97.

Clients in career transition can present a special challenge to the coach. Here are some things to keep in mind that will help the coach to be of the best possible service to these clients.

1. Your greatest value as a coach is to help the clients understand themselves better before jumping into the next job or career.

By helping clients strengthen their personal foundation so they approach career transition from a position of strength, they will seek a change that is consistent with their true values. Helping clients identify their passion and gifts and matching those to their career is a unique gift which few other than coaches can provide.

2. Career transition covers a lot of ground.

It includes assessment, clarifying objectives and targeting organizations, job market research, resume writing, how to conduct a job search, interview skills, salary negotiation and transition to the new job. Clients may need more or less assistance with these different areas, depending on their knowledge, personality and background. Ask them specifically where they can use help.

3. Encourage clients to build a life plan.

This includes career, relationships, health and emotional being, finances, personal growth and recreation. A thorough and well-thought-out life plan will have the client's career aspirations be congruent with his/her values.

4. Make sure you and the client are in agreement on your deliverables.

Will you help with resume writing, write the resume, show them how to write cover letters, give them job leads, find the job for them (a surprising number of people think you will), teach them how to interview, etc.?

5. Be familiar with assessment instruments, and know when to refer to other professionals.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a popular instrument for discovering individual preferences that contribute to work style and job fit. It is administered by individuals trained and certified to do it. Others which do not require certification include: TTI, available through Coach U (800 48COACH), Campbell Interests and Skill Survey from NCS (800) NCS 7271, ext.5151. To use with clients, first take it yourself and also purchase and study the manual.

6. Be careful not to over promise.

Even if you are knowledgeable about job search, or about a given industry, you have no control over what your client will do or how the job market will respond.

7. Do not over-encourage a client in a specific industry or type of job.

You might think it's a perfect match, but again, you can't control what goes on in the job market or the economy in general.

8. Clients must do their own job market research.

A good rule of thumb is to talk to at least five people in a given field or industry before deciding to make a change. Get the inside scoop from those who are there.

9. Some coaches have clients sign a waiver of liability.

It is unclear at this time how legally binding this is, but it may let the client know that you are serious about it.

10. Encourage clients to put themselves in the best light on resumes and interviews.

At the same time, it is not only right, but in their interest to tell the truth.

---

About the Submitter

This content may be forwarded in full, with copyright, contact, and creation information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit context. For other uses, permission in writing from CoachVille is required. Questions: email topten@coachville.com

Please use your browser controls to close this page & return to the selection page, or click to return to Top 10 home page.