How to Find a Career Coach: What to Look For and Why

Knowing when and how to find a career coach can make all the difference.

Let’s face it, no one ever teaches you how to navigate your career. At best, we get half-hearted questions like, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and “Do you know what you’re going to do when you finish school?”

From there, you can try to find a mentor or hope for a great boss who might help you get promoted or otherwise grow in your career. More often than not, though, you’re left to figure it out on your own. And that’s where a career coach can step in.

A career coach is someone specially trained to help you navigate your entire career journey. They can help you decide what career you want, create a career plan, and even navigate getting a new job or making a larger career change.

But finding the right person to help you along the way can feel daunting. That’s why we’re here to help you understand how to choose the right coach for you!

First, though, let’s start with the basics.

What is a Career Coach?

A career coach guides individuals along their career path. Contrary to popular belief, they are different from mentors and provide a different type of support than consultants.

Instead of simply telling you what to do, coaches empower you to leverage your resources and find the best solution for yourself, no matter the challenges you’re facing in your work life. Whether you’re at a crossroads or seeking advancement, they can provide invaluable support tailored to your unique goals and challenges.

What Does a Career Coach Do?

Career coaches can support you with a number of things from finding clarity around your career path, or finding a new job (think resume review and interview preparation), to confidence building, decision-making and leadership development. If you’re feeling stuck in your current role or seeking more satisfaction in your work life, they will empower you to take aligned action towards your goals.

They can also assist in making sense of your professional aspirations and guide you through potential career changes.

They can also assist in making sense of your professional aspirations, and guide you through potential career changes.

Through exploration, strategy, and accountability, a career coach helps you move forward with intention to achieve your own unique version of success.

Why You Need a Career Coach

Figuring out your next career move can feel like a full-time job. Between researching roles, updating your resume, networking, and second-guessing yourself at every turn, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck.

A career coach brings a grounded, objective perspective and stays current on the job market and hiring trends. They help you cut through the noise, clarify what really matters to you, and focus your time and energy where it counts.

They’ll help you move forward with more direction and less stress, while supporting you to build confidence, hone your transferable skills, and take meaningful steps toward a career that actually feels right.

Before You Start Searching, Understand Your Support Needs

Before you dive into your search, take a moment to reflect on the following questions to help you pinpoint the specific support you need.

Are you looking for clarity on your career path or considering a career change?

If you’re reconsidering your career trajectory and exploring a career transition, you’ll need a specific kind of support. This kind of coaching focuses on exploration, getting to know yourself and what a successful career looks like for you. A career coach trained in career exploration may not focus on technical support, but rather self-awareness to guide your decision.

Are you looking for a new job in the same industry?

Maybe you enjoy your current job, but want a change—whether it’s a new role, a better company culture, higher pay, or more work-life balance. If this is the case, you may want to find a career coach who specializes in your industry.

Do you need technical support like resume review or job search guidance?

If you’re looking for resume writing, interview prep, or job search strategy, you may benefit more from a coach that also doubles as a career consultant. This type of support is often advice-heavy and focused on helping you navigate the process efficiently.

Are you looking to grow within your current role or industry?

Career development coaching can support leadership growth, skill-building, and strategic planning. This is great for mid-career professionals to senior leaders who want to advance, become more effective, or explore what’s next in their field.

How to Find a Career Coach that Fits Your Needs

Understanding how to find a career coach that’s truly right for you can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, this process becomes an empowering step toward real, lasting professional growth.

Instead of spending hours searching online, scrolling through endless bios, and wondering if a coach will “get” you, there’s a simpler way.

Let Ama La Vida’s Relationship Strategists Do the Work for You

At Ama La Vida, we take the guesswork out of finding your ideal coach. Our coach-matching process is deeply personal and 100% human. You can get started by filling out a quick form about your goals and needs, or jump on a free consultation call with one of our Relationship Strategists.

During the call, they’ll ask thoughtful questions to understand your challenges, goals, and preferences. Then, based on that conversation, they’ll hand-select a certified coach from our diverse team of 60+ career experts who best aligns with your needs. You’ll receive a link to their profile, which includes their experience, specialties, and testimonials—plus you can schedule a complimentary coach consultation to make sure it’s the right fit.

You’re not limited to just one coach either. Through our “celebrity sessions,” you can meet with other experts on our team to explore topics outside your primary coach’s expertise. It’s full-cycle career coaching, built around your goals.

Ask Your Network or Therapist for Referrals

Another great way to find a career coach is to tap into your network, as they can offer valuable recommendations based on their own experiences. Talk with people who you trust, discussing your career goals, and ask if they can recommend any reputable coaches.

Additionally, if you’re currently seeing a therapist, they may also be a helpful resource.

Leverage Coaching Directories and Social Media

If you’d prefer to find a career coach online, check out coaching directories like the International Coaching Federation or leverage LinkedIn. These platforms allow you to explore coach profiles, specialties, and client reviews.

LinkedIn is especially helpful—you can view recommendations and shared connections, as well as get a feel for their style through their content.

Once a profile resonates, schedule a consultation to ask questions and see if it’s the right fit for your goals.

Ask Your Employer for Resources, Benefits, and Funding

Many employers offer funding or reimbursement for coaching services, recognizing the helpful role coaches play in supporting employees’ job progression. And, if they don’t currently offer funding, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Want some help? Use Ama La Vida’s AI tool to help you draft an email to ask for funding of your coaching. (Join our mailing list to get tools just like these!)

HR departments may maintain lists of approved career coaches, making it easy to access valuable support tailored to your job-related needs.

What to Consider When Choosing a Coach

Choosing the right coach is a meaningful decision that can shape your professional journey. Here are key factors to keep in mind when evaluating whether a coach aligns with your needs and goals.

Approach and Style

A coach’s style can make or break your experience. Some people thrive with structure and a clear roadmap, while others prefer a more open, creative space to explore ideas.

You might respond best to “tough love” or feel more motivated by an uplifting, cheerleader-like presence.

What’s important is that your coach’s approach and style align with your unique needs and preferences so that you feel supported and empowered to succeed.

Areas of Expertise

It’s a common myth that a career coach must have experience in your exact industry. In reality, coaching is about thinking creatively, navigating challenges, and taking confident action—skills that transcend any one field.

That said, coaches often bring different types of expertise. Some will specialize in technical job search strategy, while others focus more on exploration, mindset, and motivation, helping you uncover your ideal path or navigate a major transition. You might benefit from a coach who blends both: someone who can help you clarify your goals and take action to achieve them.

If you’re pursuing a highly specialized path, it can be helpful to work with a coach who understands the nuances of your field. They may offer insights specific to your industry and help you navigate complex roles more effectively.

Certification Matters: Look for a Certified Professional Coach

Coaching is an unregulated industry, which means anyone can technically call themselves a “coach,” regardless of training or experience. That’s why it’s important to look for someone who has completed an ICF-accredited program (or equivalent) and who uses evidence-based coaching methods. Certification ensures your coach has been rigorously trained to support your growth in an ethical, effective, and personalized way.

This is why all Ama La Vida Coaches go through an intensive vetting process, and also undergo rigorous training to learn our proprietary methodologies, processes, and technology.

Explore Additional Service Offerings

While personal coaching can be transformative, other services can also provide valuable support along your career journey.

At Ama La Vida we believe there is power in community and growing alongside peers facing similar career challenges. We also offer self-guided eCoaching programs and online courses to continue your growth between coaching sessions.

How Much Does Career Coaching Cost, and is it Worth it?

While the cost of a career coach can vary based on experience, services, and location, it’s important to consider the long-term value they bring to your professional growth. Investing in a career coach goes beyond the financial investment; you’re also investing time and energy.

The benefits of working with a coach often extend well beyond immediate career advancements, impacting your long-term earning potential, job satisfaction, and overall career trajectory.

Given how much time you spend at work, the insights, strategies, and accountability provided by a coach can yield far greater returns than the initial cost, making it a smart investment in your career.

For a deeper look at pricing and what you can expect from Ama La Vida’s coaching membership, schedule a call and we’ll match you with the right membership type.

For a deeper look at pricing and what you can expect from Ama La Vida’s coaching membership, schedule a call and we’ll match you with the right membership type.

Ready to Find the Right Career Coach for You?

Now that you know what to look for, let us make the process easier. At Ama La Vida, we’ll help you find the best-fit coach based on your goals, preferences, and needs—so you can spend less time searching and more time growing.

Book your free consultation with one of our Relationship Strategists today and take the first step toward a more fulfilling career!