4 Common Misconceptions About Career Coaching
Are you falling for myths about career coaching? Unveil the truth from a Career Coach and a Chief Executive Officer who share their expertise. With insights on how career coaching teaches lifelong skills to how it helps achieve career potential, this article covers it all. Discover four key insights that will transform your perspective on career coaching.
- Career Coaching Teaches Lifelong Skills
- Align Career With Personal Values
- Coaching Is For All Career Stages
- Coaching Helps Achieve Career Potential
Career Coaching Teaches Lifelong Skills
People who hire career coaches like me are often at their wits' end, eager to learn and try new things to improve their situation ASAP. Coaching is not cheap, so a common misconception is that a career coach will match you with the perfect job after giving you a bunch of quizzes. Alas, and unfortunately, we are not genies or fortune-tellers who can grant wishes instantly. I explain that career coaching is a process where the coach teaches the client lifelong skills, such as personal branding, networking, resume writing, and interviewing, which they can apply to reach their goals. I am there to guide, inspire, and empower them. I never want to provide a one-time, transactional service that leaves the client dependent on me to do the same thing in the future.
Align Career With Personal Values
One common misconception about career coaching is that it's just about helping people find their next job or polish up their resumes. While those things can be part of the process, career coaching goes so much deeper. It's about understanding who you are, what really matters to you, and how you can design a fulfilling career that aligns with your values and goals—not just the next stepping-stone.
When potential clients come in thinking career coaching is just about job-hunting, I like to have an honest conversation about what they're truly looking for. We explore what's driving their desire for change, whether it's feeling stuck, burned out, or disconnected from their work. A big part of this is discussing the importance of aligning their values with their work. When your career reflects what's most important to you, it's easier to feel motivated, find meaning, and sustain a sense of purpose, even through challenges. That's why we always start with values—because having that foundation sets the tone for everything else we'll work on.
I explain that the coaching process is about gaining clarity on their career path, uncovering strengths they may have overlooked, and learning to navigate transitions with intention and confidence. To illustrate, I often share stories from past clients (anonymously, of course!) who came in wanting help with a job search but ended up uncovering much more—like realizing they needed to set better boundaries at work, reconnect with their core purpose, or even take a totally different direction they hadn't considered. It's about long-term fulfillment, not just short-term fixes.
I also emphasize that career coaching isn't me handing over a playbook of answers. Instead, it's a collaborative partnership where we dig into questions together, challenge assumptions, and map out strategies that feel right for them. Addressing this misconception helps clients see the value of investing in themselves in a more holistic way, and they usually leave our first conversation with a clearer understanding of what's possible through coaching.
Coaching Is For All Career Stages
A lot of people think career coaching is only for those who are struggling or unsure about their path. In reality, it's helpful for anyone at any stage of their career, even if things are already going well. It's not just about solving problems; it's about helping people grow, get clear on their goals, and make better decisions.
When I talk to clients, I like to explain that coaching isn't about telling them what to do. Instead, it's a chance to get an outside perspective, identify new opportunities, and make a plan to achieve their next career goal. Just like we help property owners get the most out of their investments, career coaching helps people get the most out of their talents and experience.
Coaching Helps Achieve Career Potential
A lot of people think career coaching is only for those in a career crisis, such as being laid off or feeling completely stuck in their current role. I try to share that coaching is really for anyone who wants more from their career—whether that means growth, clarity, or a fresh direction. I often share examples from clients who came in with steady jobs but wanted help identifying their next steps, preparing for a leadership role, or simply learning how to navigate challenges with more confidence. Career coaching is about having someone in your corner who's focused on your goals and helping you realize your potential, whether you're just starting out, ready for a change, or aiming for the next level in your career.
