People do job searches on their own every day, and it may seem counterintuitive to spend the money when you’re in between jobs. So why hire a career coach? There are lots of reasons to make that investment in yourself – here are some of the big ones.

They can help you find a job faster

A career coach can keep you focused and on track. They have the expertise and experience to help you create an effective plan for your job search, market yourself to potential employers, and prepare to wow them in the interview process. That combination of insider knowledge and accountability often means you’ll get back to work sooner.

They can help you find some direction

If you’re looking to make a career change but don’t know what kind of job you want, a career coach can help. Many career coaches use assessments like CliftonStrengths® or the Strong Interest Inventory® to facilitate a discussion of what kinds of roles might fit your personality. This can help you gain some clarity on where you want to be – and if you need help getting there, your career coach can work with you on a job search plan.

They can help you make a big change

Planning a major career shift? Career coaching can help. Your coach can give you advice on how to market your past experience in a way that will make someone in a completely different industry or job area see you as a great candidate. And once you get those interviews lined up, your career coach can work with you on how to articulate why you wanted to make a change and how your experience can carry over.

They can help you see a recruiter’s perspective

Career coaches work with job seekers all the time, so they have a wealth of information on what works. Some (like my teammates at Purple Ink) are even former or current recruiters themselves, and they can give you insight into the things that often make recruiters pay attention and why. Having those proven strategies can really make a difference in your job search.

Investing in yourself by hiring a career coach can really pay off in terms of a shorter job search and a better fit. If you’re interested in learning more about Purple Ink’s career coaching services, please reach out to us. We’d love to talk more about how we can help you.