In setting up the coaching relationship, the option for training or consulting in addition to coaching was discussed and planned with Katrina. As discussed in coach training, it is essential to be clear on roles and to schedule services other than coaching separate from coaching. Katrina wanted to schedule consulting on her resume; she provided a copy of her updated resume and asked for input. During the consulting, coaching questions were used. Here are examples:
- What are your significant measurable successes?
- How do you stand out from other candidates?
- What do you want to highlight for your ideal job?
- What are the expectations of an employer?
- What will your ideal employer want to see?
- How does this resume demonstrate your ability to do the job?
- How will an employer know you will fit their culture?
- What will be a value-add for an employer?
With the resume fine-tuned, the next step Katrina chose was to ensure social media profiles were up to date and consistent. Additionally, it was important for Katrina to feel comfortable with a potential employer seeing everything she had online. Coaching questions again helped during the consulting session:
- Which pictures are you comfortable with anyone seeing?
- Which elements of your resume do you want included?
- What narrative do you want to add?
- What interests do you want included?
Katrina’s next step was listing and ranking possible jobs. This started with brainstorming, moved to free online assessments for identifying jobs, and expanded to Katrina researching plus asking friends for suggestions. After developing the list, I supported Katrina in grouping the types of jobs, then listing likes and dislikes of the groups, and finally prioritizing based on her interests.