What It Is Like To Be Coached

Have you ever wondered what the experience of being coached would be like?  Below is an article written by one of my clients about her experience of being coached by me.

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I am no stranger to seeking help when it comes to sorting out emotional or psychological issues.  Throughout the last ten years of my life I have sought out counseling for myself.  It has always been a positive and life changing experience.  But where do you go when you do not necessarily need a counselor and the ear of your family and friends is not enough? 

 I recently got to a point in my life where I was overwhelmed and confused about where my life was going and where I wanted it to go.  I knew I needed help to sort things out.  Being in the field of psychology and counseling I knew that there were professionals out there that specialized in assisting others in their search for a life and/or a career change.  I decided to find a career coach and thankfully found Stacy.  I was not sure what to expect since all my experiences have been with counselors but I knew that it would be different.  I knew that she would not be one to enlighten me on the matters of the mind or explain to me why I do the things I do.  I also knew that this would not be a time to explore the past.  After the consultation with Stacy I soon found out what the relationship would be like.

 Stacy explained to me that we would be working together as a team.  She was not going to tell me what to do but be a helper throughout the process.  This was my journey and she was going to be there to guide, clarify, and probe.  Through Stacy’s knowledge and experience, she was going to coach me as I went down the path of self-exploration and awareness.

 I have seen Stacy for six months now.  In this time, she has helped me not only figure out what I want for a career but assist me in making the changes that I need to make to get there.  I came into the first sessions grieving over a life that I knew I did not have.  I felt that there was something more out there for me but did not know what it was or what it looked like.  Stacy was there to help me prioritize my wants and needs and ignite the spark to self-discovery.  There were discussions that confirmed beliefs about who I was as well as the times when I walked away from our sessions seeing myself in a whole new light.  The exercises she gave me opened a whole other world to me and she made me realize that it was completely possible to have a life in that world. 

 Being coached is an empowering experience.  You are able to make the changes in your life because there is someone there to be a consultant and encourager.  I am a more confident person because I know what my purpose in life is and I am taking the steps to fulfill that purpose. 

 -Amanda Jacob

Stacy Harshman brings her experience as a recruiter for a Fortune 500 corporation to her work as a life and career coach. In addition to helping people discover their passions, she also provides clients with insight into the mind of a recruiter, unlocking the secrets of what employers look for in potential employees. Stacy offers individual and group coaching in person and by phone to those seeking positive change in their professional and personal lives.

Assess Your Job Search Plan

Here is a short quiz to help you assess your job search plan.

 1.  Are you clear on what job you want to pursue?    Yes or No

 2.   Do you have a list of employers you are targeting?  Yes or No

 3.   Do you know how to tap into the hidden job market? Yes or No

 4.   Do you have a strong network or people who are willing to recommend you?  Yes or No

 5.   Do you have a resume that attracts employers to you?  Yes or No

 6.   Do you have a brand that enables you to stand out from the competition?  Yes or No

 7.   Have you utilized social networking sites?  Yes or No

 8.   Do you feel confident in answering commonly asked interview questions?  Yes or No

 9.   Are you setting daily and weekly job search goals for yourself?  Yes or No 

 10. Do you have people in your life that are supporting you in your job search?  Yes or No

 Count up your number of yes answers.

Total of 8-10: You are well on your way to getting a job.  You will need someone in your life to support you, encourage you, and hold you accountable in your goals.  A few sessions with a career coach could really benefit you.

Total of 5-7: You have some things figured out but you still need a better plan to get a job in these times.  Investment with a career coach would pay off as it would shorten your time in getting a job.

Total of 0-4: You may or may not realize it yet but you need help!  With the unemployment rate rising, you can no longer afford to spend sufficient time looking for a job with no results.  You will benefit greatly by meeting with a career coach to establish a solid job plan, revise your resume, and gain interviewing skills.

Stacy Harshman brings her experience as a recruiter for a Fortune 500 corporation to her work as a life and career coach. In addition to helping people discover their passions, she also provides clients with insight into the mind of a recruiter, unlocking the secrets of what employers look for in potential employees. Stacy offers individual and group coaching in person and by phone to those seeking positive change in their professional and personal lives.