6 Secrets of Career Coaching Success

6 Secrets of Career Coaching Success

Career coaches fill a special role, especially in a challenging economy. When frustrated job-seekers just don't know where to turn, a career coach can help them to get clarity and find a new path filled with purpose.

Career coaching is more art than science and is comprised of teaching, encouraging and offering practical solutions. The ultimate goal of career coaching is to help clients to make informed decisions about their careers and learn valuable tools to reach their goals. Here are 6 steps the best career coaches use:

1. Be solution-oriented. Career coaches should be focused on coming up with concrete steps to assign clients to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals. While some aspects of coaching are process-driven, ultimately tangible action steps should come out of every session.

2. Make use of assessments. There are a number of assessments career coaches can use when assisting clients -- interest inventories, personality tests and comfort-zone challenges are just a few. These assessment tests can help in pinpointing what type of work the client is best suited for. You can also ask clients to get constructive feedback from colleagues, former co-workers, bosses, family members and friends.

3. Address the weakest area. There's usually one major area a client will need the most help with. Identify the client's weakest link and address it early and often. For example, a client may be struggling with assertiveness issues that underlie procrastination or other surface-level manifestations.

4. Be ready to handle common complaints. Some of the most common complaints of coaching clients include: feeling stuck in a job they hate, not knowing how to use and apply current skills, a lack of clarity about what to do next, or an aversion to using social media in their job search. Be ready with solutions and action plans for these common issues.

5. Know when to recommend counseling. In some cases, your clients may suffer with mental health issues like depression or an anxiety disorder. If you suspect this is the case, recommend professional counseling or medical help.

6. Make career satisfaction your #1 goal. Never forget that your clients are coming to you because they seek a genuine sense of career satisfaction and fulfillment. For best results, help them to align their career choice with their personal value system.