Working with a coach can be one of the most powerful ways to accelerate your career. Nearly nine out of ten coaching participants report a high ROI, according to a survey by FMI. Where professionals often get stuck is deciding whether to work with a career coach, an executive coach, or both. In this article, I break down the differences, when to work with each, and common topics you might explore
When To Work With A Career Coach
If you’re looking to grow in your career, your first stop is likely a career coach. They can help you gain clarity, explore potential occupations, and navigate the modern-day job search. Common topics include:
- Determining what you want to do for a living—or figuring out what you want to be when you grow up
- Crafting a resume to stand out in today’s saturated job market
- Optimizing your LinkedIn profile to attract the attention of employers
- Building a networking strategy to tap into the “hidden job market”
- Preparing for job interviews with confidence
- Navigating salary conversations and total compensation packages
With today’s competitive labor market, it’s more important than ever that you work with a coach who specializes in your industry and has worked with someone at your level. If you’re a college student, for instance, you need a coach who knows how young professionals can shine among new graduates. Similarly, if you’re a senior leader, you need a coach who specializes in executives, as the job search is more complex, and many opportunities for more experienced people will never make it to public job boards.
When To Work With An Executive Coach
Coaching doesn’t have to stop when your job hunt does. As I shared in last month’s article, much of the deepest work happens when you’re in a stable role. This is where executive coaching comes in.
Executive coaches are called on by leaders who want to ensure their success, elevate their impact, or both. Common topics include:
- Hitting the ground running in a new company or position
- Improving your leadership skills
- Navigating difficult workplace dynamics
- Battling imposter syndrome and bolstering your confidence
- Securing an internal promotion
- Becoming a better leader and team coach
- Strengthening your thought leadership and online brand
- Upleveling your public speaking and presentation skills
Executive coaching not only helps you succeed in your current role but also prepares you for what’s next. For instance, if you’re trying to secure your first VP or C-level position, you can partner with an executive coach to develop a customized plan to help you get to the next level, determine your strengths, and identify any areas of opportunity. One of the things I love most is that the skills you gain often serve you now while also setting you up for your next opportunity.
When Should I Hire A Career Coach?
You might consider working with a career coach if you’re uncertain about your direction or want support with your job search. A career coach can provide you with clarity, confidence, and a competitive edge as you pursue your next opportunity.
When Should I Hire An Executive Coach?
If you’re ready to improve your leadership skills, want to ascend to the next level, or simply feel lonely at the top and want the support of a trained professional, an executive coach is probably a more appropriate resource. Additionally, many companies will invest in executive coaches for their current talent, so the cost may even be covered by your employer.
Can I Work With Both A Career Coach And An Executive Coach?
Yes! You can absolutely work with both a career coach and an executive coach at the same time. Be sure to set clear goals for each engagement and keep them both looped in so they complement one another, rather than compete for your time, energy, and focus.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be afraid to speak with several coaches to get a sense of their expertise, style, and process. If one isn’t the right fit, ask for referrals until you find the coach who fits your needs and goals. Finding the perfect coach is a process that requires your due diligence, but once you do, you’ll be thankful you invested your time. You’ve got this!
