Even though the economy seems to be slowly improving, there are still tens of millions of people out of work, and many millions more are underemployed. With such staggering numbers, it’s easy to see why the need to stand out when seeking a career is so vital. Those who are looking for work need an edge these days, and that edge may just come in the form of a career coach.

A career coach is a professional consultant who works with people who are seeking to either find a job, discover possible career opportunities or who are interested in polishing their skills to advance in a current role. Some career coaches focus on a specific industry, while others provide general counseling advice. When working with a career coach, you’ll likely need to provide a lot of information regarding your professional history, your educational background, your skills and your desires regarding your career and your professional future.

Is It Worth Investing in Career Coaching Services?

One of the biggest roadblocks for the unemployed to take advantage of career coaching is that most coaches charge for their services. Even when you’re gainfully employed, every penny counts, but when you’re unemployed or underemployed, those pennies become even more valuable. In order to decide whether to invest in career coaching, you need to perform a cost-benefit analysis of the situation.

Will spending a little bit of money now help you to earn more for years to come? Have you found yourself at a dead end in your current position and you’re unsure about your next move? If so, then career coaching is likely a good investment. Remember, the money that is spent now can help you to have a lucrative career in a field you love where you can maximize the value of your skills.

Finding a Reputable Career Coach

A challenge that job seekers face when seeking out a coach is the task of finding reputable coaches. Remember, you’re investing your hard-earned money into these services, so you need to know that you will receive a reasonable return on this investment in the form of better career opportunities. A few things to look for: a reputable coach will provide his or her services at a market-based fee. This means that you need to do your research to find out what the going rate is in your area. Coaches who charge exorbitant fees likely do not understand the market, and therefore, they may offer subpar services.

Also, a career coach should be able to clearly explain his or her value proposition. If a potential coach speaks in vague terms about what you can expect to gain, you may need to look elsewhere. Finally, a career coach should not make guarantees. Just like in any other consulting or coaching role, there is no way that the coach can predict the future. He or she may be able to show you a track record of success, but this is not a guarantee that you will find gainful employment in your desired industry just because of the coach’s guidance. By engaging in due diligence, you’ll find that your investment was well worth it as you sign your contract at your new job.