There are currently approximately 30,000 people who call themselves career coaches and that number is expected to double every year through 2014. How can consumers know who to trust?
There are a number of industry associations that provide membership directories as well as a listing of credentialed professionals. Some of the key professional associations for the career management field include:
- Association of Career Professionals (ACP)
- American Society of Training & Development (ASTD)
- International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- National Career Development Association (NCDA)
- National Resume Writers Association (NRWA)
- National Society of Career Management (NSCM)
- Professional Association of Resume Writers (PARW)
- The Five O’Clock Club (5OCC)
Here are some tips to help you select an appropriate career coach:
- What is the person’s educational background?
- What is the accreditation/reputation of the educational institution?
- What additional industry-specific credentials does the person have?
- What trade associations does the coach belong to?
- Have you verified membership and credentials?
- Is the coach bound by one or more professional code(s) of ethics?
- Has the coach received endorsements and/or testimonials?
- What have previous clients had to say?
- Is the coach an active participant in the local community?
- Does the company belong to the local Chamber of Commerce?
- Does the company belong to the local Better Business Bureau?
- What is the coach’s area of specialization or expertise?
Most coaches offer a complimentary first session. This will allow you to determine if the two of you have a good rapport. No matter how skilled or highly trained a career coach may be, if you do not have good rapport, the professional relationship will not work. You must be able to trust and feel comfortable with your career coach. The process often requires discussing topics of a sensitive and confidential nature. If you do not have confidence and trust it will be impossible for you to speak openly and honestly.
An effective career manager understands how to communicate with clients in a way that gets results. He or she must stay on top of latest research and industry trends. Finding a professional career manager with the right experience, passion, and dedication can be tough. The best career managers demonstrate a commitment to what is in the best interest of clients. Professional career managers should possess the following traits:
- Experienced in identifying and resolving career issues in a turbulent market
- Supportive of the client’s unique career needs and dedicated to helping them overcome obstacles
- Consistent in following a proven methodology with a reputation for success
- A realistic planner to assist the client in setting SMART goals now and in the future
- An honest communicator who is willing to tell the client what he or she needs to hear
- A professional who keeps current on the latest career trends and issues
