Guide to Career Coaching

Find career advisors who are certified

Look for career coaches who have the appropriate training, experience and credentials.

I recommend: Search for credentialed career coaches in your area at the National Career Development Association – just click on “Need a Career Counselor?” under the Career Center heading. The National Board for Certified Counselors lets you search for credentialed career development counselors in your area. You can also find career coaches at the Association of Career Professionals International or by reviewing the list of career counseling organizations at Business.com.

Take advantage of testing offered by career coaches

Many career coaching programs begin with career testing - determining your aptitudes and skills as well as your level of dissatisfaction with your current job.

I recommend: The Oxford Program, a career counseling service that offers a step-by-step guide to finding the perfect job, starts with taking a career depression self-test. At the Rockport Institute, you can sign up online for career testing. You can also order an aptitude test online at Pathfinders.

Make a smooth mid-career transition with career counseling

The idea of changing gears when you've already moved up the career ladder can be very frightening. Career advisors can help you move past the fear and complacency that keeps so many bright professionals stuck in dead-end jobs.

I recommend: The Rockport Institute claims to have coached more mid-career professionals through career change than any other organization, but also works with students, young professionals, people re-entering the workforce and entrepreneurs. Career Planning & Management, which works mostly with mid-career professionals, offers a variety of career counseling services along with seminars and workshops. Pathfinders offers a career change center with programs for mid-career professionals as well as young and seasoned workers.

Let career advisors help you identify what makes you happy

One of the key services career coaches provide is helping individuals discover what truly inspires them. Knowing where your passions lie can give you a clear roadmap to an ideal career.

I recommend: Download a free demo of LifeJournal’s self-exploration tools and software, which help you identify your core skills, areas of interest and core values.

Meet with career coaches in person or via phone

Working in person with a career coaching professional can be fulfilling, but it isn't the only way to take advantage of career counseling. Many career coaches work with clients nationwide by scheduling a series of phone calls.

I recommend: Based in Seattle, Bridgeway Career Development also works with clients nationwide via phone to help them, choose, change or advance their careers.