Local vs Non-Local Career Coach: Why Location Doesn’t Matter

I see so many people asking specifically for career coaches in their geographic area. Which is understandable because we naturally want to meet people face-to-face, especially if we are hiring them for something as potentially life-changing as career coaching. And while I can appreciate this, with technology today, a non-local coach can be just as, if not more effective, than a local one.

In this article, I’ll outline the advantages of hiring both a local vs non-local career coach and explain why there are more important factors to take into consideration over location.

There are two obvious advantages for hiring a local coach:

1. You can meet them in person and do mock interviews
2. Coaches who are well-entrenched in their area may have contacts at local companies that could be helpful in the long run in the job search process

However, in my opinion, neither is compelling enough to discount non-local coaches. Here’s why:

1. Mock interviews can also be done via Skype and Google Hangouts and the in-person interview process is just one very small part of working with a career coach.
2. Even well-connected coaches would only have contacts for a small percentage of companies that you may be interested in. And many of their connections may have more of a global reach.

There are so many other factors that are more important than geography. Rather than limiting yourself to local coaches, I recommend you consider the following when seeking a career coach:

Hire someone who you connect with

When hiring someone for any type of service, we are naturally inclined to go with those that we connect with. When you are searching for a career coach, listen to your gut and ask yourself these questions:

• When reading their profile, do feel drawn to them and what they are saying?
• Do you like them when you talk to them?
• Can you communicate with them easily?
• Do they really listen to you and hear what you are saying?

Hire a coach with the right background and expertise

Be sure your coach has the right type of experience and knowledge to help you navigate your way through the process. For example, if you are an IT person wanting to stay in the IT field, be sure to find someone who understands the language and field. Individuals who have a background in human resources and hiring are excellent choices for career coaches.

Identify exactly what you want to get from working with a career coach and then ask the coach if they have those specific skills. It might include anything from:

• Discovering your purpose. Learning to listen to your inner wisdom and knowing what is right for you
• Determining how to make a living pursuing your purpose or passion
• Moving from a job you dislike into one you love or transitioning from what you have always done into what you really want
• Becoming more successful in your current job or career
• Identifying what you are meant to do in life so you choose the right school and education
• Creating a plan for moving into entrepreneurship and launching your own company

Or maybe you just need help with the mechanics of finding a job, such as:

• Creating a powerful resume, one that sells your strengths and resonates with employers looking for those skills
• Writing a compelling cover letter that speaks to hiring managers
• Conducting mock interviews in a way that increases your confidence and prepares you to interview in a way that employers want to hire you
• Knowing how to search for jobs that are right for you

In summary, know what you are seeking and then find the right person and solutions that work best for you and your situation. Don’t let location deter you from choosing the best possible fit. If it “feels” right and the person’s experience matches what you need in a career coach, it is likely that you’ve found the perfect match – local or not!

Thinking of hiring a career coach? Connect with Marla, browse our directory of career coaches and get a FREE consultation or request a personalized coach recommendation!