8 Reasons you Should Consider Using a Certified Career Coach

Job seekers! Are you just starting your search, stuck in the process, or not certain even where to start? Maybe it is time to consider using a career coach. Here are 8 reasons why. 

Unique Career Advice

Job searching tips and guidance are all over the web, but not every piece of advice fits us all. Career coaches are trained to provide direction, motivation and council to identifying what you are passionate about, and morphing a career path that would align with your interests and values.

Strategy, Research, and Tactics

While there may be multiple positions listed on job boards, employers rarely hire from sites like Indeed or Zip Recruiter. Coaches spend time with you to form personal and professional goals and create an action plan that outlines the appropriate tools that would maximize your search efforts.  

Networking

Chances are, a career coach already has a pretty solid network in place. They are passionate about helping people in general so they know how to approach various networking situations. Whether you are a networking pro or in need of guidance, a career coach can help open a whole new world on how to make connections and staying in touch with valuable contacts.

Value Proposition

What make your skills unique? Your career coach will help you evaluate your job skills and strengths to create a powerful value proposition or elevator pitch to use at networking events, interviews, or every day interactions.

Personal Branding

Are you aware of what potential employers may find online from your social media accounts? You may be doing all the right things, but if an interviewer were to Google your name, what would pop up? 72% of companies are hiring directly from Social Media.  A career coach will review all your Social Media Platforms and teach you how to utilize Social Media in your Job Hunt.

Resume Review

Applicant tracking systems are taking over the recruiting process. Career Coaches have the expertise and knowledge on what keywords can help break down the doors of any ATS to help you stand out from the crowd.

Interviewing

You may have the skills and knowledge to land your dream job, but how are your interviewing skills? Coaches can run mock interviews and provide valuable feedback on appearance, body language, tone of voice, and information on how to answer those difficult questions.

Offer and Salary Negotiations

Let’s face it, if you are not familiar with salary negotiations, having an expert on your side can only help. Your career coach can help you determine the salary range you should be at based on the industry you are in, your market, and overall experience. They can also help with tips and tricks and how to approach the delicate subject matter.

Start your free consultation with MyHuntPath today and we will help you to identify strategies for your next move, prioritize tactics and develop initial plans to achieve your career goals. https://www.myhuntpath.com/CoachingServices.aspx

Writing an Elevator Pitch

The 60-second elevator pitch is your professional introduction. It is a critical communication that sets the stage for what any listener might learn about who you are as a person, and what you can do. These 60 seconds can take place during informational meetings, interviews, or in general conversations. It can take place via email, phone, or in person. You never know when you may come across someone that could be related to your industry or who could potentially further your career. To have an already established idea of what you are going to say in these situations is extremely helpful.

This serves as a framework for the professional conversations you will soon encounter. It is your elevator speech, and should change according to the nature of each encounter.

INTRODUCTION
Relay how you know this person, and through what connection. Also provide disclaimer that you are not asking this person for a job.

OPENING LINE
Present a Statement of Functional Strengths:

EXAMPLES OF EXPERIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTS and/or ROLES
Demonstrate by providing examples (at least 3) of the depth and breadth of what you have accomplished and in what environments or circumstances you developed your functional strengths and skills.

EXAMPLES OF LESSONS LEARNED FROM THOSE EXPERIENCES
Relay what you learned from these experiences in broad terms

STATE EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND and CERTIFICATIONS
Highlight your educational background and any certifications

LEARN THROUGH QUESTIONING

Remind contact why you are calling him/her and what you’d like to learn from him/her through asking a series of questions.

THANK YOU
Thank the individual for his/her time and insight. Reference the interesting areas or direction your call navigated.

For more detailed information and examples on writing an elevator pitch, become a subscriber at myhuntpath.com today! Myhuntpath.com

7 Ways to Prepare for your Next Interview

Mentally and physically preparing for an interview is a critical step in securing a job. Everyone should take time preparing for an interview, no matter how many interviews one has been through previously, or your seniority or level. Each meeting is unique and should be treated as such to succeed.

Here are 7 ways to help you prepare for your next interview:

Check out the company website
Learn about their history and growth over the years, as well as their mission statement and overall purpose for why they exist. Take some of what you learn and write down how your personal goals and desires will align with their values.


Check out other company profiles
Take time to look at the company through other mediums such as social media or Glass Door. This can help provide a different kind of insight to the company and industry overall.


Look for relevant press releases in major newspapers or trade publications
Searching for press releases can give you an idea of a company’s direction. You want to get a sense of where the company is going and write down questions based on what you find. Did the company recently launch a major project or start a new partnership with another major company? These are things you should be aware of and be prepared to mention in your interview.


Research the interviewers you will meet
With LinkedIn, company websites and other media platforms, it is easier to search for your interviewer. Try to understand their role within the organization and look for common connections, interests, or experiences. This can help you create an easier dialogue and allow you to answer their questions with a bend toward their area of expertise.


Re-read the job description
Fit your background most effectively to their needs. What things have you done in past positions that match the job function you are interviewing for? How would your skills and abilities benefit the company?


Be ready with questions for each interviewer
Focus on responsibility related issues not “what’s in it for me” questions.


Line up your references in advance
It is always good to have a list of 3 to 5 references in the event an interviewer asks. Be sure to ask your references if it is okay to provide their phone and email address to the interviewer.