Professional Career Coach Job Description

The job description of a career coach involves contact with high school students, college students and other individuals who need help with professional development. Through personal consultations, the coach helps people identify their specific aptitudes and go on to realize their career goals.

Position Description

A career coach can help individuals research possible career options and search out job openings that match their career interests and they may work in schools, colleges, government agencies or in private practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Career Coach

• Helps clients identify personal interests and life goals.
• Assists clients in planning strategic career moves and developing leadership skills.
• Finds new employment opportunities for clients.
• Reviews clients’ resumes and cover letters and provides feedback.
• Rehearses job interview tactics with clients and offers advice.
• Holds seminars and workshops to educate individuals who are searching for the right career path.
• Guides clients who desire to make a career change.
• Performs personality and skills assessments on clients.
• Administers aptitude tests to help determine clients’ interests and talents.
• Considers clients’ experience and education when recommending career paths.
• Recommends additional education to clients to help them achieve their career goals.
• Helps clients write resumes and letters to prospective employers.
• Assists clients with job search skills, making contact with prospective employers and completing job applications.
• Counsels clients on how to strengthen their weaknesses.
• Helps clients conquer habits that prevent job advancement.
• Answers client questions concerning details about different careers.
• Advises students on courses to take in high school and college to prepare for a particular career.
• Helps students choose the right colleges to match their career choices.
• Helps students locate financial aid and other funding to pay for their educations.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem solving and decision making skills are important.
• Must be a good multi-tasker, scheduler, time manager and an active listener.
• Must have excellent management and motivational skills.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of designing spreadsheets and maintaining databases is a plus.
• Knowledge of human resources and recruiting techniques.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Counseling.
• Master’s degree in Counseling with concentration in career counseling.
• Licensing required in state of employment.
• Internship and supervised clinical experience.
• Continuing education to keep up with changes in the field.
• Pass criminal background check and drug test when working in schools with students who are minors.
• Certification by the Center for Credentialing and Education.
• Certification by the International Coach Federation.

Work Environment

• Time is spent in a climate controlled private office setting.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, busy environment when working at a high school or college.
• Must be willing to work normal day time hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Must be willing to take some work home such as students’ or clients’ job applications and resumes that were not reviewed during normal working hours.

Salary

• Salaries range from $35,000 to $70,000 depending on whether the job is in a private practice, a college, a public school or a government agency.