Dos and Don'ts When Meeting with a Career Coach

When contemplating the idea of meeting with a career coach, you might wonder: what do you say to a career coach? It's natural to feel anxious about the conversation, especially if you're unsure about your career path. But fear not! Preparing a few key points can lead to a productive and enriching session. Here's how to approach your career coach meeting and the importance of being prepared.

Relax and Embrace the Conversation

Firstly, don’t worry and relax. You asked this question because you want to see a career coach who can help you to take that burden off your head because you need help to achieve your goal and to take a decision. So, you need to calm yourself and say whatever you feel. It's important to share your feelings about your worries and anything that has been bothering you. By doing so, you can take off that burden and start the process of finding the right path for your career.

Your Opening Line: "Hello!"

After breaking the ice, you can start by saying a simple "hello." Now that you're in the conversation, it's essential to introduce yourself and present why you've come to the session. Here are a few potential topics to discuss:

What is it that you came to see me about? Are you unsure about your career direction? Do you need assistance with your resume or interview preparation? Are you uncomfortable discussing your accomplishments? Do you struggle with typical interview questions like 'tell me about yourself' or 'what's your greatest weakness'? Do you feel clueless about how to introduce yourself in an interview? Is an interview simply an assessment or is it a sales pitch?

By addressing these questions, you can provide the career coach with a clearer understanding of your needs and aspirations.

Interview Preparation: Selling Your Services

One crucial aspect of your career journey is knowing how to present yourself effectively. When you go into an interview, it’s not just a meeting; it’s a sales call where you, the potential seller, are trying to sell your services to the potential buyer—the hiring manager. Here's how you can frame your approach:

Understand the Buyer: The hiring manager or recruiter is interviewing you because they are buying your services. The salary they offer is the currency they pay you for your expertise, skills, and experience. Selling Your Services: During the interview, you need to showcase your value proposition. This includes your skills, experience, and what you can bring to the table. Be Knowledgeable and Professional: When you go into an interview, you should be well-prepared and ready to answer questions confidently. Understand the Questions: Each question in an interview is an opportunity to showcase your skills and align with the job requirements. For example, when asked about your greatest weakness, turn it into a positive by discussing how you have worked to improve that area. Negotiate with Confidence: Knowing the fair market salary for the position you are applying to is crucial. You should also be prepared to negotiate your salary offer based on your research and your value to the company.

These are just a few examples of the types of questions and topics you can explore with your career coach. By delving into these areas, you can gain valuable insights and improve your ability to succeed in your career.

Ultimately, talking to a career coach is a wise decision. They can provide you with the tools and guidance you need to navigate your career journey with confidence and success.