Are job coaches worth it?

Anonymous

March 5,2023 at 8:05PM UTC

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Are job coaches worth it?

I'm looking for someone who knows my area (NYC metro), can suggest outside-the-box positions that I might not think of, and tell me if it's feasible for me to get the salary I want.

I got my first job through a placement agency 20 years ago, and they did a great job of getting me a great salary with my skills. But now I feel like they only meet with me to fill a quota of applicants.

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AnonymousMarch 5,2023 at 8:13PM UTC
I’ve worked with job coaches in a marketing capacity and I think they can be worth it- if you find the right one for you. For example, maybe you have one that focuses on mid career women, or for people in medical careers. I’d do lots of research and ask questions to find one that aligns with your needs and goals.
AnonymousMarch 6,2023 at 12:07AM UTC
It really depends on the job coach. There are some very good ones and then there are many who are not good. I agree with the suggestion to do your homework, interview before you sign up and also ask for referrals. But I myself have been burned even after all of this. Unfortunately, good job coaches and good recruiters are very difficult to find.
Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.LMarch 6,2023 at 5:50AM UTC
It depends on the coach and what you are looking to gain. When in doubt, do a little research yourself before making the decision. Happy thinking.
KristenMarch 7,2023 at 1:18PM UTC
As a career coach myself, I agree with all the previous comments that a) it depends on the coach, their background, their references, certification, etc., b) absolutely do your research and maybe most importantly c) set your expectations; it is not a coach's job to find you a job / achieve your career goals - it's their job to support you in doing so. Good luck!
AnonymousMarch 7,2023 at 1:43PM UTC
Agree with the other comments, bearing in mind that it's not for the coach to give you advice or guidance (that would be a mentor - also worth looking into) but to help you put some structure around your goals.
AnonymousMarch 7,2023 at 5:25PM UTC
Are you expecting someone else to help you decide what you should do careerwise? It sounds like you are an experienced person looking to maybe make a change? A recruitment firm that is contingent works on commission and that is why they meet you to fill roles. If you're not what their client is looking for and the job description is then you have zero value to them and they work for free. They are fee based and the employer pays. If a recruitment firm is on container or retainer it is similar but they control more of the decision but are paid no matter what. Internal recruiters work for their own employer and sift through to find the right person with the hiring manager and internal knowledge. Perhaps you should write your own skills resume. Figure out what skills you have from your current profession, go through the exercise of sorting them into strategic, and tactical. Determine what you really like in those 2 buckets and then seek out 3rd party help - coach or other or classes to determine what might be good for next steps. If you're just in a basic job search, take that information and then use it against posted roles. Cast the net widely find places where those skills are valued and used and if the role seems more than a 50% fit get your revised resume in the bucket. Seek out others who might have made the transition you want. Ask questions and take your curiosity to the next phase of what YOU want.