Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Here’s When to Hire a Career Coach (And How to Find the Right One)

Author: Dr. Gina M. Wilt, Founder, NextReady Studio

Keywords: career coach, early career professionals, resume help, LinkedIn coaching, job search strategy, career clarity, professional growth, interview prep, workforce readiness, career change support

If you’re uncertain about your next career move, struggling to land interviews, or feeling disconnected from your current job, it might be time to consider working with a career coach. In a world where the workforce is shifting rapidly and expectations are evolving, personalized career support can make all the difference.

According to Marlo Lyons in the Harvard Business Review, career coaching helps professionals at all stages, from recent graduates to mid-career professionals, gain clarity, confidence, and momentum. A career coach can support you in identifying what you truly want, positioning your experience for the roles you’re targeting, and overcoming mindset blocks that might be holding you back.

Signs You Might Need a Career Coach:

• You don’t know what direction to take next.

• You’re applying to jobs but getting ghosted.

• Your resume or LinkedIn profile feels generic or unfocused.

• You're stuck in a job that no longer fits but don’t know what’s next.

• You're not getting promoted or growing in your current role.

Choosing the Right Career Coach

Not all career coaches are created equal. Look for someone with training, experience, and/or certification, relevant industry experience, and a coaching style that resonates with you. Many coaches offer free discovery calls (like we do!)- take advantage of them to assess your fit.

It’s also key to understand what services you need. Do you want help with interview preparation, professional presence, or career clarity? A great coach won’t just polish your resume, they’ll challenge your assumptions, help you reconnect with your strengths, and guide you toward your long-term career goals.

At NextReady Studio, we specialize in helping early-career professionals navigate the unknown with confidence. Whether you're launching your career or pivoting to a new path, career coaching can help you move forward with clarity, strategy, and purpose.

Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Book a free discovery call today.

References

Lyons, M. (2022, February 9). Do you need a career coach? Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2022/02/do-you-need-a-career-coach