Does it feel like your work has changed you? It could mean you are seeing great changes or sometimes not so great. How often do you take an inventory of where you are personally and professionally?
There is a blurred line between personal and professional life today, especially in the rise of remote work and increasing options to apply our strengths and find personally satisfying work.
I am a career coach, dedicated to helping professionals navigate the challenges of advancing their career. I help individuals understand their own uncertainty and develop personal resilience in light of the ever-changing landscape.
It starts with helping you to identify strengths and then to create an honest personal story about yourself. You will learn how to communicate your unique story and see how this serves as a foundation for you.
When you are exploring a change and responding to online job posts it can be extremely frustrating to say the least. I hear that repeatedly from many individuals regardless of their specialty.
The importance of career coaching for any stage professional is two-fold. First, gaining clarity is key as one transitions to something new in the professional and entrepreneurial world where telling your story is crucial. We are good at knowing things and yet I see so many people hesitating to communicate who they are which reveals how well they know themselves. To build connections and reach out to people who can be influencers, long-time friends and valuable connections, it is important to know how to communicate authentically and persuasively.
Tackle these two areas for greater success.
· Confidence – This pays off when taking the time to reflect on what inspires you and how you want to be known in your work. It is also evident in networking and expanding your reach to new individuals who you are meeting for the first time.
· Marketable skills – The world demands a blend of hard and soft skills, whether you are in job search or influencing a boss to approve an expansion of your role. External coaching provides guidance in acquiring the specific skills employers seek. There is a process of discovering what employers value which is critical in determining the best approach and fit for you.
What might be your challenges?
Limited experiences – Often employers want a unicorn – the perfect candidate that fits their idealized position. Someone who is almost impossible to find. You may not fit the unicorn imagined profile. Coaching helps you create the transferable skills discussion which is grounded in who you are and what you value.
Competition – The market is highly competitive and especially for any level of experience ranging from early career to more experienced talent. Personalized coaching equips you with the tools to stand out from the crowd and pivot in tough conversations.
Salary negotiations – Knowing your worth and negotiating a fair salary can be intimidating. Your coach helps you prepare, anticipate questions, and empower you to advocate for yourself. Role-playing before the critical conversation grounds you for better outcomes.
Networking and job search strategy – Building a network is a life-long journey and it starts with an advanced lesson on how to network so that your approach is built for sustainability, give and take through good and not as good times. Like they say, that is what friends are for!
The Impact of Career Coaching
Believing in yourself is easier said than done. We are most critical of ourselves. We don’t learn these confidence building skills in school. You have meaningful experiences that you might overlook when sharing your story with others.
Imagine thriving in a role where you are learning, applying your strengths, and seeing more possibilities in the future. We all deserve that positive vision of the future for ourselves along with developing the skills and tools to power through the ups and downs of uncertain yet exciting times.
Sherry Benjamins is a strategist, advisor and career coach dedicated to helping others advance their career. Call or email me if you would like to learn more. Cell is 562.394.7091 Sherry@sbcompany.net
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