If you are considering working with a career coach, but need assistance determining the right fit, we have developed questions to help you vet out the right one. Read our article on How to Choose A Career Coach. And if the coaches you are considering conduct their calls virtually or, if you would prefer virtual because of your location or tight schedule at work, here is some advice to help you make the most of your virtual career coach…
Here at Hallie Crawford.com we understand how to work as effectively as possible with our clients virtually because 90% of our client interactions are conducted that way. We interact with our clients over the phone, Skype, Facetime, or email. If you have a full time job and a family life, it may be hard to schedule time to drive to meet a career coach. Instead, virtually you can have your meetings during your lunch hour directly from your office! This offers more convenience and flexibility, because as long as you have internet and a computer or tablet, you can meet with your coach anywhere in the world. While this form of coaching is many people’s preference, when a client prefers face to face it is understandable and is also available in some cases. Ask the coach you are speaking with if they offer in person meetings at their office, a local coffee shop that will afford enough privacy, or if they come to you. For our clients if they prefer in person and are in the Atlanta area, we will conduct the first few meetings face to face. And after that they can continue in person, but many often move to virtual meetings or rotate. We find that using Skype or Google Chat can help us assist a client with their non-verbal communication and in some cases, provide a very good replacement for an in-person session. When you’re interviewing coaches, try to be open-minded about options while considering what is best for your needs.
We typically leverage virtual meetings not only based on client preference but also because it enables us to reach audiences we wouldn’t be able to otherwise. For example, recently I worked with a client who lives in Kuwait! It was wonderful to be able to serve someone that far away who may not otherwise have that opportunity to work with a career coach in the United States, if one at all. We have an interactive workbook we use with our clients, where they post their answers to our workbook online and we respond to them. Ask the virtual coach you’re considering working with if they offer materials that support your process because having that as an option can support you enormously. It facilitates the process of working together virtually and still stresses accountability on the client’s part to finish their assigned tasks. Having materials also enables the client to complete work prior to each call that will enhance the effectiveness and depth of the call. It also allows the client time to ponder difficult questions between calls they may not be able to answer on the call.
If you are considering virtual career coaching or career coaching in general, do your research! Check their testimonials and references. Get to know your potential virtual coach via their website, written articles, youtube videos, etc. This will help you feel like you know your coach on a more personal level in advance and get a sense of their style and if it’s a fit for you.
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Want free tips, tools and expert advice on finding a career you’re passionate about? Visit the certified career coaches at HallieCrawford.com, and sign up for their monthly career newsletter, right now. Bookmark their career blog for recommendations on resume writers, online career tests and more career resources.
