A career coach can be a valuable member of any job candidate’s team.  Below are a few tips on how job candidates can maximize the benefits of working with a career coach.

1.     Be prepared to share your values, goals and aspirations with your career coach.  This actually is easier said than done.  What many job candidates discover once they begin working with a career coach is that they are not clear about their values, goals and aspirations or they are not fully prepared to share them with others.  A career coach is an intimate partner in moving your life in the direction you desire, so working with someone you trust is important.

2.     Be willing to accept suggestions, constructive feedback and be willing to change course.  Career coaches are particularly helpful for job candidates because they can give them the type of feedback and direction that can help them land a job faster than their peers.  But if the job candidate engages a career coach as if they are the “hired help” instead of a partner on their journey, they may not fully benefit from the relationship.

3.     Do not expect your career coach to make decisions for you. Career coaches are there to help you along your journey not become the “captain” of your ship.  Job candidates must not ever abdicate their responsibility for their own career; but they can always accept a helping hand.