By Amanda Wormann
Thinking about a career change? You’re far from alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended almost every work norm on the books, causing a shake-up in the job market that continues to reverberate across sectors, job type, and employee demographics. However, don’t let the recent uptick in job changers mislead you into thinking a new, rewarding career will drop in your lap in this favorable candidates’ market. A job search is still a tough job. Especially if you are among the many workers who are reassessing your career trajectory and considering entering a whole new field or type of work, there’s a lot to consider, research, and manage. Here, a career coach can be invaluable.
With the help of a career coach, you can create an actionable roadmap toward finding the job of your dreams and gain confidence in the process. “Finding a job is hard work, and you need a focused job-search strategy to be successful,” explains career coach and recruiter Sue Schlom.
UVM’s Career Coaching optional online course is offered in tandem with a professional certificate program at UVM and is useful for folks who are looking to make career shifts or change industries. In our 5-week online Career Coaching program, job seekers learn skills to leverage their work and school experience into a career. At the course’s completion, students will understand how to create a job search strategy, identify real opportunities, create targeted resumes and cover letters, and prepare for interviews.
Not sure if a career coach is for you? Here’s why we recommend career coaching for job seekers.
Benefits of Career Coaching
1. Learn critical skills required in today’s work environment.
Today’s work environment is changing fast, and to be successful in your job search strategy, it’s crucial to master the skills that will best position you for success. As an experienced recruiter, your career coach is adept at identifying prospective employees and will work with you to ensure you are prepared for your next step.
2. Build confidence and define your value proposition.
We are so close to our work that it can be hard to see the full value in our work experiences. By working with a career coach, you can identify your value proposition, articulate why you would make a good hire, and stand out from your competition.
3. Build a powerful and relevant resume.
Simply updating an existing resume and sending it out to multiple companies and positions is rarely successful. Instead, your career coach will help you build a stand-out resume that showcases your understanding of the role for which you are applying and the specific needs of the organization.
4. Make informed decisions about the evolution of your career.
Sure, moving into a sales role in the craft beer industry sounds like a dream, but how will your next move position you to meet your short- and long-term career goals? Your career coach will help you understand the evolution of your career and identify the appropriate steps to get there.
5. Set goals and build a roadmap to your destination.
Goal setting is essential to make progress in your search. Your career coach will help you identify where you are headed and create benchmarks to get there.
6. Build connections.
As a participant in one of UVM’s certificate programs, you’ll have access to our diverse network of program partners, allowing you to tap into industry leaders and veterans to unlock a world of possibilities.
7. Gain lifelong career skills.
While UVM’s Career Coaching Course is designed to give you the skills and resources to take immediate action in your career search, you will also develop skills that have the longevity to grow with you as you progress in your career.
8. Launch a career in a new field.
Put your new education to use in an internship or full-time job by looking and learning at the same time. The Career Coaching Course is split into two parts, class time and one-on-one coaching sessions. This mix allows you to learn and execute simultaneously, so if you’re eager to find an internship or job right away, you can get right to it.
9. Prepare for interviews with an experienced recruiter.
Job interviews can be intimidating, and preparation is imperative. Take the mystery out of the interview process by prepping with your career coach, who has years of real-life recruiting insights to help you succeed.
10. Help craft your story to land your dream job.
What does your current job in finance have to do with launching a career in the beer industry? Your career coach will identify and highlight the value in your prior experience to craft a story that brings relevance to your journey. Creating your personal brand helps you stand out and makes you desirable to employers.
Amanda Wormann is a freelance writer and digital marketing consultant.
Editor’s note: this post was originally published in 2015 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy.
