Why You Should Consider a Career Coach
A career coach will rewrite your resume so you shine
Career coaching can help even the most experienced candidates. Even the world’s best professional athletes have a coach, and that’s how they got on top (and continue to stay on top).
As a headhunter and career coach since 2007, I'm constantly asked by job seekers of all experience levels why they didn't score a dream job they were more than qualified for. The short answer, obviously, is that the employer didn't think there was a "fit," but getting information beyond that point is next to impossible.
The reasons for not getting (unfiltered) feedback are quite simple: Not only do HR managers prohibit employees from discussing such matters with candidates, it may actually be illegal for them to tell you the real reasons they didn't choose you. So they will simply err on the side of caution and keep their lips sealed.
It goes without saying that there are dozens of disqualifying aspects to the interview process, but the leading reason for not being selected -- assuming the candidate is qualified -- is that the applicant's overall presentation, resume included, is less than polished.
If you've been submitting resumes and you're not getting called back as much as you should, then a career coach can probably help you refine your image because they are trained, and willing, to give you the “tough but necessary” feedback. HR managers and recruiters simply don’t have the time, nor are they allowed.
As a headhunter and career coach since 2007, I'm constantly asked by job seekers of all experience levels why they didn't score a dream job they were more than qualified for. The short answer, obviously, is that the employer didn't think there was a "fit," but getting information beyond that point is next to impossible.
The reasons for not getting (unfiltered) feedback are quite simple: Not only do HR managers prohibit employees from discussing such matters with candidates, it may actually be illegal for them to tell you the real reasons they didn't choose you. So they will simply err on the side of caution and keep their lips sealed.
It goes without saying that there are dozens of disqualifying aspects to the interview process, but the leading reason for not being selected -- assuming the candidate is qualified -- is that the applicant's overall presentation, resume included, is less than polished.
If you've been submitting resumes and you're not getting called back as much as you should, then a career coach can probably help you refine your image because they are trained, and willing, to give you the “tough but necessary” feedback. HR managers and recruiters simply don’t have the time, nor are they allowed.
What a career coach can do for you
A qualified career coach can do a number of things for you, but the most importantly include:
- Rewrite your resume so that it looks aesthetically appealing
- Make your resume search-friendly for ATS software
- Teach you tips and tricks for getting noticed by recruiters
- Assist you with building or refining a LinkedIn profile
- Increasing your overall marketability by revamping your attire
- Teach candidates how to answer questions effectively
- Run mock interviews and learn how to overcome objections
What you can do if you can't afford a career coach
If you can't afford a career coach, then don't fret because there are a number of things you can do to help yourself stand out when submitting resumes for jobs:
- Visit websites like DreamJobsGuru.com and FindCelebrityJobs.com to read articles about the job market.
- Follow blog feeds written by recruiters who give advice about increasing your marketability
- Make sure you customize each resume for each job submission by using key words that are listed in the job description
- Follow up professionally so that you're not a pest, but let the company know that their open position is interesting to you. You have to find a balance between eager and over-eager
- Getting help with an interview strategy (practice with a friend)