Interesting question.

A coach can add value and help you expedite your search process if you are willing to stretch your comfort zone and do the necessary work to get you to where you want to be. If you are not willing to try this then it’s best that you stop reading now.

If you interested in making either a career change or if you are in transition, a coach may be a worthwhile investment. And it is an investment. If you are viewing a coaching relationship as an expense then it’s best that you stop reading now.

Sometimes the hardest part is the start part. Here are a few areas where a coach can help.
1. Help you assess and articulate your strengths thus your value proposition. You can be better. You can be different. Or you can be cheaper. The last one is no fun.
2. Guide you through the resume writing process which is an arduous task at best. An accomplishment based resume can go where you can’t go and it can sell when you’re not there.
3. Identify and select your target companies and networking prospects. There are no easy answers to this process, but there some simple ones.
4. Develop a marketing plan that will get you noticed. Would you rather sell or have people buy from you?
5. Give you a place to go when you feel like you hair is on fire.
6. Act as your Accountability Partner.
7. Help you put things in perspective.
8. Double the joy and divide the pain.
9. Teach you skills that will stay with you for the rest of your career.

In an interview after losing a playoff game, Dick Motta, the former coach of the Washington Wizards, was asked, “You missed a lot of shots out there tonight, coach. What are your plans for shooting better in the next game?” To which Motta replied, “I didn’t miss any shots.”
A coach can prepare you and help you get in the right place at the right time, but you have to take the shot.

You should pick your coach carefully. Do your due diligence. This is a business decision. Choose wisely as this is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ relationship.

I ask only three things from the people who I accept as clients:
• Come prepared to our meetings
• Make a concentrated effort to implement your agreement upon plan
• Play straight with me

This is crucial if, and only if, you are interested in a return on your investment.