Could Career Coaching Benefit You? (part 4)

This is the fourth segment of a series, Could Career Coaching Benefit You? One area of a job search that many people don't think about is their references. Many employers still ask for references from job candidates and it is important that you have professional references to provide. A career coach can help you identify people to serve as your references, if needed, and help you communicate with them so they will be of most value in your search. They can also share suggestions for ways in which you should "take care of" your references.


In today's job search, your references could be a very significant part of your background. It goes beyond asking a co-worker or your former supervisor to serve as a reference. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Are your references the RIGHT professionals for you to use?

2. Do you and your references understand their role in your search?

3. Do you know how to improve the performance of your references when
they are talking about you to a potential employer?

4. Can you make the reference-checking process easier for your references?



A coach can also help you adjust to your pending (or current) transition and assist you through the decision-making process to select your next direction. S/he can also assist you to determine the feasibility of your new goal(s) and help you develop a plan to achieve them. Consider these questions:

1. Are you considering making a change in your profession, career path or industry?

2. Have you identified your transferable skills?

3. Are you concerned that you might be 'stuck' in your current industry or profession?

4. Do you know if you have the skills needed for your desired direction?



Having appropriate professional references will add to your overall marketability, but you must help prepare them to take on that task. Once you determine the direction in which you would like to take your career, then you can decide which individuals will be the best references to use for the search. Your career coach can help you with the preparations for your search and can provide support, encouragement, perhaps information as you work through your decisions.


Check back for the final segment in this series on career coaching.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.