How Do I Find a Career Coach? Shinebright Explains!
- Shannon Philip
- Sep 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Your next chapter doesn’t have to be unclear or overwhelming. Let’s explore how to find a career coach and how working with one can help you move forward at your own pace, in your own way.
You’ve read the books. You’ve listened to the podcasts. You’ve journaled, meditated, and maybe even made a vision board. Still, you feel stuck or unsure of what your next move should be.
You’re not alone. Many high-achieving professionals reach a moment in their career when the next step isn’t clear. If you can relate to that feeling right now, then we’re here to tell you that that’s where the advice and guidance of a career coach can be invaluable.
But how do you find a career coach who won’t just offer the same generic advice that you’ve heard before, but personalized tips that will actually help you move forward in a way that feels right for you? In this guide, we’ll walk through what to consider, what to look for, and what to avoid, so you can find someone who truly supports your professional growth.
Signs You Might Need a Career Coach
You don’t need to be in crisis to seek help. In fact, some of the best outcomes come when you’re simply feeling misaligned. Here are a few signs it might be time:
You feel like you’re going through the motions in your job.
You’ve outgrown your current role but aren’t sure what’s next.
You’re returning to work after a break and need guidance.
You want to explore a new path but feel overwhelmed by options.
You’re not being challenged and want more purpose in your work.
Sound familiar? If you’re wondering how to find a career coach who can truly support you, remember that a good coach won’t simply ‘hand you the answers’. They’ll help you ask better questions and hold space for you while you figure them out.
What Does a Career Coach Actually Do?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I find a career coach?” and then not been able to answer that question, then it can help to understand what career coaching actually involves. Career coaching is not therapy. It’s not consulting. And it’s not about handing you a list of things to fix.
With a skilled coach, you gain the structure, tailored support, and accountability needed to:
Clarify your values, strengths, and motivations, and build the confidence to pursue roles that align with who you are.
Shape a career vision that reflects your unique strengths, values, and aspirations
Navigate transitions in your career with less overwhelm and a clear roadmap forward
Different Types of Coaching Support Shinebright Can Provide
Career coaches can have different strengths and specializations that may make them a particularly good fit for you. For instance, some may have a natural affinity for working with executives, others may be stronger at the other end of the experience scale, working with graduates and others who are just starting out in the world of work. Yet others may be particularly well-versed when it comes to more practical things like job search strategy and LinkedIn optimization, and so on.
The good news is that when you’re thinking about how to choose a career coach with Shinebright, we have people on our team who can support you in each of the four areas below, and more:
Executive coaching: Often a good fit for senior leaders navigating leadership challenges.
Career coaching: For when you’d like support to help you navigate changing careers, returning to work, or making a bold move.
Coaching for new graduates: Some coaches specialize in supporting those just entering the workforce, and helping them navigate early career transitions with clarity and confidence.
Whole-person coaching: This type of coaching can help you align your career goals with your personal values, and life as a whole.
If you’re thinking about how to find a career coach who truly understands where you’re at right now, and who’s ready to meet you there and help you move forward, starting by identifying the type (or types) of coaching you need is a solid first step.
What to Expect from Career Coaching Sessions
Every career coach brings their own style, but most sessions share a few common threads. You can expect reflective questions that help you dig into what’s really holding you back, along with structured exercises to clarify your core values, unique strengths, and career goals.
Often, you’ll work together on setting clear intentions for your next steps, and there’s also space for practical support, whether that’s updating your resume, practicing for interviews, or developing your strategic job search plan.
When deciding how to choose a career coach, it’s important to know that lasting change is a gradual process. The best coaching isn’t about quick fixes or overnight transformations. It’s about steady progress, creating momentum and confidence as you move forward.
Look for a coach who gives you room to reflect, holds you accountable, and tailors their approach to you, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
How Do I Find a Career Coach?
If you’re looking for a credible career coach who’s the right fit for your needs, consider these proven pathways:
Referral: Ask colleagues or friends who’ve worked with a coach.
LinkedIn: Search for “career coach” and filter by industry or specialty.
Instagram or Substack: Some coaches share reflective content on platforms like these, so you can get a sense of their values and style.
Yelp: Check reviews and ratings for local career coaches on Yelp to see real feedback from clients.
Google Business: Look up career coaches on Google Business for ratings, client reviews, and business information to help choose the best fit.
How to Know If They’re Right for You
Most coaches offer a free consultation. Use that time to:
Learn about their coaching style and approach
Share your goals and what you hope to achieve
Notice if the conversation feels supportive and aligned and trust your instincts on fit
Ask about their process and what working together would look like
You’re choosing a partner in growth, someone who believes in your potential, even when you can’t see it yet.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
If you're asking, "How do I find a career coach?”, start by knowing what to avoid. Be wary of anyone who promises a six-figure job in 30 days, claims they can “fix” you, or relies on cookie-cutter formulas, those can be red flags. Instead, look for coaches who offer both structure and flexibility: a clear process to guide your growth, paired with the ability to tailor their approach to your unique strengths, needs, and goals.
The Cost and ROI of Career Coaching
Career coaching prices vary depending on the coach’s experience, specialty, and what’s included. Some offer package options or sliding-scale pricing to make coaching more accessible.
But the real question most people ask is: what’s the ROI of coaching? While clarity, confidence, and alignment can be hard to measure, the impact can be life-changing. Clients often walk away with:
A new role, promotion, or career direction they feel excited about
Practical tools to navigate future transitions with more ease
The language and confidence to advocate for themselves
A deeper sense of fulfillment in their work and life
If you’re still wondering “How do I find a career coach who’s worth the investment?”, remember that you’re not just paying for advice. You’re investing in real transformation; clarity, confidence, and support that extends far beyond your next role.
Ready to Find Your Coach?
You might not need to reinvent your whole career. Sometimes the real work is finding a career coach who can help you tune into your own wisdom and make choices that feel true to you. If that’s what you’ve been missing, now might be the right time to explore coaching.
At Shinebright, we offer a grounded, compassionate space to reflect on what’s next. Our coaching helps you reconnect with who you are and what you want.
Curious to see if we’re the right fit? Book a free consultation, just space to breathe and begin the conversation.
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