Let’s face it; today, life is hectic. We are all juggling family, work, and social obligations. It can be tough to make time for our well-being, let alone try to improve our careers. This is where a business coach comes in. A good career coach can help you get clarity on your goals, action steps to achieve them, and accountability to stay on track. But how do you know if you are hiring the right coach? Here are 9 key points to consider

What do you want to achieve?

This may seem like a no-brainer, but your goals must be clear before you start working with a coach. Do you want to improve your productivity? Hone your leadership skills? Make a major career change? The more specific you can be, the better. This way, you and your career coach can develop a plan of action to help you achieve your desired result.

What’s your budget?

Coaching is an investment; like any other investment, you need to have a clear idea of what you can afford before you commit. Once you know how much you are willing to spend, you can start researching coaches who fall within your price range.

Keep in mind, though, that cheaper doesn’t always mean better. In some cases, it may be worth spending a bit more to work with a coach with the experience and expertise to help you reach your goals.

What’s the coach’s experience?

When considering coaches, look at their experience and see if it aligns with what you are looking for. For example, if you are interested in developing your public speaking skills, it would probably be pointless to hire a coach with experience in business coaching.

Similarly, if you want help developing an online presence, don’t hire a coach who works with offline businesses. Do your research and ensure the coach you’re considering is qualified to help you achieve your goals.

What are the coach’s values?

It’s crucial that you find a coach whose values align with yours. This doesn’t mean that they have to share all of your values.

In fact, it can be helpful to have a coach who challenges some of your beliefs—but it does mean that they should at least be respectful of your values and where they come from. Otherwise, the coaching relationship is likely to be unsuccessful (not to mention really uncomfortable).

Is the coach certified?

Now, this one isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s something to consider. There are several coaching certification programs out there, and while not all of them are created equal, the fact that a coach has been certified by one of these programs does say something about their commitment to the profession.

In addition, many coaches certified by these programs have to adhere to a code of ethics, which can give you peace of mind.

What do other people say about the coach?

What is the first thing you do before claiming the Juicy Stakes poker bonuses? You read the reviews, of course! The same principle applies when you are considering hiring a career coach. Be sure to get input from other people who have worked with them.

Ask around and see if anyone you know has used the coach’s services. If so, find out what they thought about the experience. Did they feel like the coach was helpful? Did they reach their goals? These are key things to consider before making a commitment.

What’s the coaching style?

Not all coaches have the same style- find one whose style meshes well with your personality. Do you want a coach who is more hands-on and will give you specific tasks to complete?

Or do you prefer someone who takes a more laissez-faire approach and simply gives you advice when you ask for it? There is no right or wrong answer here; it just depends on what you are looking for in a coach.

What’s the coaching process?

The coaching process can vary depending on the coach; you need to understand what you can expect before you start working together.

Will you meet in person, or will the coaching be done over the phone or online? How often will you meet? What is the duration of each session? These are all things that you should know before you start working with a coach.

What mistakes has the coach made in the past?

This is an important question to ask because we all make mistakes, and your coach is no exception. This doesn’t mean that you should only consider coaches who have never made a mistake, but it’s important to find out how they handle their mistakes. Do they take responsibility for them? Do they learn from them? Or do they simply brush them off and move on?

Finding out the mistakes they have made can help you avoid making the same mistakes in your career.

Take Away

Hiring a coach is a big decision—but it can also be a really rewarding one! If you keep these key points in mind during your search, you will be well on your way to finding the right coach for you. When you find that perfect fit, get ready for some serious personal and professional growth!