Working with a Career Coach is the quickest way to build your reputation as a high-performing leader, find a career path that makes you feel excited to hit the office everyday, AND continue earning at your highest potential (because your lifestyle is just as important as your job, right?).

But how do you know who to hire?

How do you know if someone’s legit?

Just like finding the right doctor to help get your health on track or the perfect financial planner to get your money game tight, finding the right Career Coach starts with knowing what questions to ask.

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself and your potential coach to make sure you’ll be a match (and you’ll get your money’s worth).

One  Do we have rapport? Do I feel comfortable getting personal?

Making a career transition is deeply personal work. It’s a big life change and can bring all kinds of hidden emotions to the surface.

Some Career Coaches out there are all about prettying up your resume and sending you on your way. Ask yourself…will this truly create the kind of transformation I need?

This is an important thing to consider, because it’s not just about your resume or how many jobs you apply to. Working with a Career Coach, like me, starts with YOU.

We dive deep into your specific background to figure out what led you to your current situation. We tackle mindset and habits that have been holding you back for years – and we blow them the eff up. I’m not a therapist, but it’s kinda like taking a seat on the proverbial couch.

You want to make sure you feel relaxed and ready to open up so that your results are transformative and long lasting.

Two   Do they have a formula or process that they can walk me through, or are they just winging it?

An experienced Career Coach will have a customizable method they’ll use to guide you along your journey.

I’ve developed a system based on my years of HR, recruiting, and corporate leadership roles that I designed to shift your career in a way that’s the perfect for you. It’s something I’ve refined and that’s proven to give my clients results.

Avoid coaches who take a “throw spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks” approach, because you have no idea whether you’ll get the results they promise.

Three   Do they have the credibility and experience to help me with my specific goals and issues?

Ask questions and pay attention to the past experience of any coach you speak with about working together. They should have credentials that show their expertise and work experience that proves their abilities.

When you hire me, you’re getting my 15+ years of corporate leadership, HR, and recruiting experience to help you figure out the kind of work that lights you up, find the role that’s the perfect fit, and ace the interview for the job you’ve been searching for. I’m proud to say that I’ve been around the block, honey. When it comes to work & careers, I’ve seen it all.

Just like you wouldn’t choose a doctor who doesn’t have a medical degree, don’t work with a Career Coach who doesn’t have the skills and experience required to help you be successful.

Four  Do they have positive testimonials and social proof from others they have helped?

This street cred is one of the best indicators of a Career Coach’s abilities. You can check out the Success Stories on my website to see the epic experiences and results my clients have had.

It’s like looking up Yelp reviews before hitting up a new nail salon. You want to know what the world has to say about a place before you commit. If the coach you’re considering has tumbleweed rolling through their social proof files, my advice is to keep it moving.

Five   Why is NOW the right time to make this investment in my career?

Just like hiring any professional, you’re going lay out some moolah to sign up. You get that, right? You wouldn’t take your BMW to the shop and expect it to be pro bono.

Hiring the right Career Coach is no different. Always remember, you get what you pay for.

Hiring me as your Career Coach means making an investment in yourself and your future. You’ve come this far because you know that your current career path isn’t giving you the satisfaction you crave.

You’re here because you’re ready to make a shift that will allow you to do work that aligns with your values, develop your professional skills (the ones you actually want to focus on), and collaborate with brilliant people who lift you up.

This is totally possible for you! And I’m here to help.

If you want to learn more about my apporach to to career coaching, let’s talk. Book a complementary Connection Call so I can learn more about you and where you’re struggling professionally. Email us to schedule: hello@cindyharveyonline.com

To your success,

P.S. Are you on my mailing list yet? If you’re not already part of my crew, you’ve gotta get in. Click here to sign up & get the best career strategies I have to offer right to your inbox every week.

Cindy Harvey is a Career Strategy Coach and Founder of Amelia Dee, a career strategy company for women. Cindy helps corporate career women learn how to make the next phase of their careers the most fulfilling version they’ve ever had.

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