For new jobs, salary discussions or next career steps: How to find a good job coach

    The old oneis boring, career prospects are poor or the next salary discussion is coming up - many professional challenges can cause headaches. A job coach can help in such moments. But finding the right coaches is not an easy task. The market is crowded and the selection of offers is huge. Finding a suitable job coach requires more than just a quick click on one-Advertising. It takes a targeted selection that is tailored to your own needs and goals.We tell you what is important when choosing a good job coach.

    Career through coaching: Finding the right job coach is not easy

    Finding the right coaching offer is not always easy. Since the title “coach” is not protected, basically anyone can call themselves that. For this reason, the market for coaching services has increased significantly in recent years. It's not that easy to find the right person for your needs.

    Why a job coach can be a good idea for your career

    A job coach supports you in overcoming professional challenges and theto drive forward in a targeted manner. Whether reorientation, preparation for application processes or further development in your current job - coaching offers individual support that is tailored to personal goals and needs. Common coaching content includes analyzing strengths, weaknesses and interests, optimizing application documents and developing a convincing personal brand. Also the preparation for, assessment centers and salary negotiations are part of it. Coaches help to formulate long-term career goals, create action plans and consistently implement them. In addition, coaching strengthens thisand conveys strategies to overcome challenges and adapt flexibly to professional changes. With qualified feedback and individually tailored tips, coaches help you to fully exploit your own potential and achieve lasting success. And that sounds like a good idea at first – especially if you are currently dissatisfied with your job.

    Coaching, advice and training: differences for careers and jobs

    Since the job titles are neither protected nor clearly defined, coaching, consulting and training are often used interchangeably. There are clear differences between these approaches.

    • Coachingfocuses on helping individuals develop their own solutions. It encourages self-reflection and promotes personal responsibility without providing concrete guidelines or ready-made answers. Coaches accompany the process and help to define and achieve personal or professional goals.
    • AdviceOn the other hand, it is based on the transfer of specialist knowledge and clear recommendations for action. Consultants analyze the situation, identify problems and present specific solutions. The aim is to provide practical and actionable answers to a clearly defined concern.
    • Trainingaims to acquire or deepen skills. It is methodically structured and relies on knowledge transfer and targeted exercises. The focus is on the practical application of what has been learned in order to develop concrete skills for everyday professional or personal life.

    For success in your career: Criteria for finding a suitable job coach

    Finding good job coaches is a challenge. The most important selection criterion is the vibe between coach and client. Only if there is trust can collaboration be effective and successful. But other factors also play a decisive role in choosing reputable coaches.

    1. Qualifications and experience
      Reputable coaches should have sound training and proven experience in professional advice. Pay attention to whether they can provide evidence of relevant certificates or further training.
    2. References and reviews
      Experience reports from other clients or recommendations from trustworthy sources can provide information about the quality of the coaching. Positive feedback is an indicator of effective work. A coach can also be a member of recognized associations such as the German Coaching Association (DCV) or the International Coach Federation (ICF). Such memberships signal professionalism and compliance with quality standards.
    3. Transparent way of working
      A transparent way of working is another important criterion when choosing a job coach. Professional coaches explain the coaching process, the methods used and the associated goals clearly and comprehensibly. The coach should not only point out general procedures, but also specifically describe how the coaching is designed individually. It's helpful to ask about the specific techniques the coach uses.
    4. Results and goal orientation
      A good coach ensures that coaching sessions have specific, measurable goals and that progress is regularly monitored. A goal-oriented approach is crucial for success.
    5. Preliminary discussion and transparency
      A reputable coach offers a free preliminary consultation in which you can get to know each other. Dubious providers, on the other hand, often invite you to free trial sessions, but then bill them later if no order follows. To ensure that the coach works transparently, ask to describe an exemplary coaching process. This way you can better assess how the coach works and whether the methods suit you.

    Job coach: Questions to ask during the preliminary interview

    A preliminary discussion with job coaches offers the opportunity to get a first impression of the coach's working methods and skills. To ensure that the coach has the right skills for your needs, some key questions should be asked. Important points that should be clarified are:

    • Methods and techniques: A coach should be able to explain the methods used in detail, be it through structured conversations, exercises or specific coaching models. Ask about the techniques used in the coaching process and get a clear overview. The first information about how the coach works can often be found on the coach’s website.
    • Focus of coaching: Each coach usually has a specific focus, such as career advice, executive coaching or support with professional reorientation. Ask about the coach's specific focus to ensure it fits your professional goals. This will help you determine whether the coach is suitable for your specific concerns.
    • Experiences with similar concerns: An experienced coach should be able to give concrete examples from their practice and show how they have supported clients with similar challenges. Ask whether the coach has worked with people who have similar professional problems or goals as you. This provides insight into how well the coach can deal with specific challenges and whether they are able to understand and address your needs.

    These questions help to get a detailed idea of ​​how the coaching process will work. A clear and transparent description of the approach helps to define your own expectations and ensure that the collaboration is based on trust and professional principles.