Do you need a career coach?

Welcome to Career Insider. Oracle found that over 75% of people feel stuck in their careers. That’s incredibly high! If you’re one of the three-quarters of people who feel trapped or unsatisfied, this email’s for you.

COACHING
Do you need a career coach?

If you feel stuck in your career, consider talking to a career coach. Here’s how you know that you’re ready for one.

First, if you’re feeling lost or unsure about your career direction, that’s a big sign that it might be time to seek some guidance. Do you find yourself constantly questioning whether you’re on the right track or if you’re in the right job?

Another telltale sign is if you’re facing a major career transition. Navigating these changes can be daunting, whether you’re switching industries, moving up the corporate ladder, or re-entering the workforce after a break.

Feeling overwhelmed by the job search process? Maybe you’re feeling undervalued and underappreciated in your current role. Or perhaps you’re facing challenges in the workplace, like dealing with a difficult boss or navigating office politics. Feeling burned out and uninspired?

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I feel satisfied and fulfilled in my current job?

• Am I clear about my career goals and how to achieve them?

• Do I feel confident in my ability to navigate career challenges and transitions?

• Am I getting the support and guidance I need to succeed in my career?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it might be worth considering talking to a career coach. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Investing in your career development is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

“Okay, but how do I find a good coach?” you might ask. Good question. Harvard Business Review has a nice resource about this, but here’s what you need to know.

First, look to your professional network and ask around. See if anyone has used a coach and if they’d recommend that person. A personal rec straight from your network is the best way to find the right person.

If that fails, try your local college or university. Many offer low-cost career coaching programs. If all else fails, use platforms like BetterUp and CoachUp, but these programs are more expensive.

P.S.: You’re looking for a career coach, not a “life coach.” A career coach is like a personal trainer for your job hunt and professional development. They're there to help you determine what you want to do with your career and how to get there.

Think of them as a guide who can advise you on everything from updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to acing job interviews. They can also help you explore different career paths, set goals, and develop a plan to reach them.

They're your secret weapon for navigating the tricky world of finding and advancing your career. They want to see you succeed.

CAREERS
Switching careers doesn’t need to be a chore

It might be time to switch if you’re just done with your existing career. While it seems daunting, it doesn’t have to be.

Here are six actionable tips to help you successfully switch careers.

Network with Intent - Start by identifying key players in your desired industry. Use LinkedIn to find professionals with the job title you’re aiming for. Send personalized connection requests, mentioning specific reasons for wanting to connect, like “I noticed you transitioned from marketing to project management, and I’d love to hear about your experience.” Once connected, ask if they’re open to a 15-minute chat over coffee or a virtual meeting.

Use Your Network - Similarly, have lunch with a few people from your professional network who switched careers (or are already in the career you want to switch to). They may know of opportunities you can step into or, at the very least, offer guidance on making the switch. After all, this is why you have a professional network, isn’t it? Use it!

Acquire Targeted Skills - Find out which skills are essential for your new career. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer courses on just about everything. For instance, if you’re moving from sales to data analysis, take a course in SQL or Python. Aim to complete at least one certification or course that you can prominently feature on your resume.

Volunteer Strategically - Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your new career. Websites like VolunteerMatch can connect you with relevant opportunities. For example, if you want to get into digital marketing, volunteer to manage social media for a local nonprofit. This gives you hands-on experience and real projects to discuss in interviews.

Craft a Skill-Based Resume - Redesign your resume to highlight transferable skills rather than job titles. Use a functional resume format. For example, if you’re transitioning from teaching to human resources, emphasize your communication, conflict resolution, and training development skills. Tailor your resume for each job application to highlight the most relevant skills.

Join Industry Groups and Forums - Become active in professional groups and forums related to your new career path. For instance, join groups like Women in Technology International or Tech Networking Events on Meetup if you're moving into tech. Participate in discussions, share your insights, and ask questions. This will help you stay updated on industry trends and make valuable connections.

Switching careers is all about strategic planning and proactive learning. Take these steps one at a time; before you know it, you'll be well on your way to your new career!

CLICKS
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