Why Consider Career Coaching At All?

It’s about clarity, direction, and a sense of ownership over your professional journey. Just like an athlete wouldn’t leave their success to chance, neither should you.

At first, I was skeptical about hiring a career coach. I mean, shouldn’t I be able to figure this out on my own? But after months of feeling stuck, I realized I needed an outside perspective. Friends and family could offer opinions, mentors could offer some advice, but I needed a professional who specializes in guiding people through career transitions, skill assessments, and long-term planning.

From having worked with more than 10 career coaches to date, I learned that a good career coach is like having a coach if you were a professional athlete. Even the best athletes in the world—those at the top of their game—don’t train or compete alone. They rely on coaches to refine their strategy, uncover blind spots, and push them further than they could go on their own. Why should your career be any different?

Working with many coaches taught me that a good career coach can help you:

• Identify transferable skills and figure out new industries where you’ll fit.
• Develop a game plan for advancement, rather than just hoping something opens up.
• Build confidence to apply for roles you never thought possible.
• Improve your resume, LinkedIn profile, and networking skills so that opportunities come to you.
• Align your career path with your personal life goals—whether that’s having more family time, moving to a different city, or ensuring financial stability as you age.

Honestly, it’s not just about landing a better job (although that’s part of it). It’s about clarity, direction, and a sense of ownership over your professional journey. Just like an athlete wouldn’t leave their success to chance, neither should you.

My Trial and Error: Exploring Different Career Coaches

When I decided to find a career coach, I googled “career coach near me” and felt instantly overwhelmed. Some people recommended using online directories, others swore by local referrals. I tried the 'career coach near me' approach, hoping to meet someone in my own city who knew my local job market intimately, but I didn’t get the right fit immediately. And when I looked into a career counselor, I realized I needed someone who could not only guide me through personal assessments but also help me navigate today’s evolving professional landscape.

I wish someone had told me sooner that the process to find a career coach involves understanding not just their credentials, but also their coaching style, area of expertise, and whether they’re equipped to help you pivot in a meaningful way.

There were so many options! Some coaches worked independently, others were part of platforms. Everyone promised the world. I wish someone had told me sooner that the process to find a career coach involves understanding not just their credentials, but also their coaching style, area of expertise, and whether they’re equipped to help you pivot in a meaningful way.

Over the past couple of years, I tried a handful of well-known services. Here are all the services I tried and my quick takeaways:

• Jobtest.org (my rating: A+): the most personalized and structured experience, with actionable strategies that aligned with my long-term goals.
• LinkedIn Career Coaches (my rating: B+): Convenient for quick wins like resume critiques, but the process felt transactional with little follow-up or depth.
• BetterUp (my rating: B): Great for building confidence and leadership skills, but the rigid structure didn’t align with my unique goals.
• The Muse (my rating: B-): Useful for practical tips on LinkedIn and networking, but lacked the depth needed for a major career pivot.
• Bark (my rating: C): A mixed bag—some valuable insights but inconsistent quality and a time-consuming vetting process.

LinkedIn Career Coaches (my rating: B)

LinkedIn makes it easy to find coaches who specialize in certain industries or positions. It felt promising at first—I could see their credentials, read reviews, and even filter for niche expertise. I booked a coach with a stellar profile who claimed to have helped countless executives land six-figure roles. The first session was encouraging: they gave me a solid resume critique and a few tips to tighten up my LinkedIn profile. But when I asked for strategies to pivot to a new industry, things fell short.

It was very much "one and done," and I found myself wondering if I had misunderstood the process. I could see the value for quick wins like resume polish or a LinkedIn refresh, but for deeper career exploration? It wasn't enough.

The advice felt generic, like something they’d tell anyone looking for a job. After our session, I expected a follow-up—some accountability, maybe next steps—but I heard nothing. It was very much “one and done,” and I found myself wondering if I had misunderstood the process. I could see the value for quick wins like resume polish or a LinkedIn refresh, but for deeper career exploration? It wasn’t enough.

One coach even pitched me a package during our first session: $2,000 for a “Career Breakthrough” program. I couldn’t help but feel like I was being upsold, not supported.

BetterUp (my rating: B)

BetterUp came highly recommended, and I’ll admit—I was excited about the idea of working with a coach from a platform that even big companies use to train their leaders. I liked that they focused on personal well-being as part of their approach because career success isn’t just about getting a job; it’s about feeling fulfilled.

But while the sessions were productive, they also felt… scripted. It was like following a pre-set curriculum instead of diving into the messy, nuanced questions I had about shifting industries.

The coach I worked with was warm and encouraging. They helped me work through some imposter syndrome and reframe how I thought about my leadership skills. I even walked away from a session with a few practical tools for boosting my confidence in interviews. But while the sessions were productive, they also felt… scripted. It was like following a pre-set curriculum instead of diving into the messy, nuanced questions I had about shifting industries.

I remember asking, “How can I position myself for roles outside my current field?” The coach offered solid insights about transferable skills, but the advice lacked specificity. I didn’t walk away with a tailored game plan that felt actionable for me. If you’re looking to build confidence or grow as a leader, BetterUp is a strong option. But for someone like me, who needed personalized strategies and a more flexible approach, it missed the mark.

The Muse (my rating: B-)

I’ve been a fan of The Muse’s articles for years—they’re packed with tips on everything from resume writing to navigating tricky interviews. Naturally, I was curious about their coaching services. I booked a few sessions focused on LinkedIn strategy and networking tactics.

The coach I worked with was energetic and clearly knew their stuff. They gave me some great advice for reaching out to people in my desired industry and even suggested a few LinkedIn tweaks that made my profile stand out. But something about the experience felt surface-level. I didn’t get the sense that the coach truly understood the complexity of my career pivot or the bigger picture of where I wanted to go.

I remember sharing how stuck I felt in my current role, explaining that I wanted something more aligned with my long-term life goals. The coach responded with, “You just need to get out there and start talking to people!” which, while true, felt overly simplified. It was like being told to network for the sake of networking rather than with a clear, deliberate plan.

The coach responded with, “You just need to get out there and start talking to people!” which, while true, felt overly simplified. It was like being told to network for the sake of networking rather than with a clear, deliberate plan.

The Muse coaching is great if you need a resume review, a LinkedIn boost, or quick-hit advice on job searching. But if you’re hoping for someone to help you navigate a major pivot with depth and care, you might find yourself wanting more.

Bark (my rating: C)

Bark is essentially a directory where you can find professionals for all kinds of services, including career coaching. At first glance, I loved the variety. There were so many coaches to choose from! Some had decades of experience, others were newer but seemed hungry to prove themselves. I reached out to a handful, hoping to find a coach who would “get” me.

…it’s a mixed bag. I had one session with a coach who clearly wasn’t prepared. They spent half the call asking me generic questions I’d already answered in their intake form.

Here’s the thing about Bark: it’s a mixed bag. I had one session with a coach who clearly wasn’t prepared. They spent half the call asking me generic questions I’d already answered in their intake form. On the flip side, I did connect with one coach who offered some insightful thoughts about aligning my career with my personal values. Unfortunately, their approach was very loose—no structure, no follow-up, and no clear next steps.

The biggest challenge with Bark was the vetting process. It was on me to figure out who was legit and who wasn’t. I ended up spending a lot of time (and money) sifting through profiles, emailing back and forth, and trying to schedule introductory calls. For every productive session, there were two or three that felt like dead ends.

What I Learned

During these explorations, I spent hundreds of dollars—sometimes a lot more—and often walked away feeling like I’d only scratched the surface. The truth is, not all career coaching is created equal. A good coach doesn’t just hand you advice; they listen deeply, ask the right questions, and create a plan that’s tailored to you. I realized I needed more: more personalization, more accountability, and a long-term partnership with someone who understood the nuances of my career stage and life priorities.

I realized I needed more: more personalization, more accountability, and a long-term partnership with someone who understood the nuances of my career stage and life priorities.

What I wanted was the career equivalent of a sports coach—someone who could push me to see my blind spots, hold me accountable to my goals, and give me the tools to perform at my best. Finding that person wasn’t easy, but I learned a lot along the way.

Finding the Right Fit: Jobtest.org

After what felt like an eternity of trial and error with different services, I stumbled across Jobtest.org. I first noticed the name in a few online career forums. A Reddit thread caught my eye—it described how they match people with coaches who truly understand specific industries. Someone else mentioned their 100% money-back guarantee and flexible payment options, which felt reassuring after the money I’d already spent elsewhere. Intrigued, I started digging deeper.

Third-party review sites like Trustpilot also painted a positive picture. What stood out to me was how often people mentioned that Jobtest.org thoroughly vets their coaches. Unlike other platforms where you roll the dice, this seemed like a more deliberate, quality-driven process. Honestly, I was at the point where I figured, what do I have to lose?

Why Jobtest.org Worked for Me (my rating: A+)

From the moment I signed up, things felt different. Instead of dumping me into an endless directory of coach profiles, they used a guided process that was refreshingly straightforward. It started with a detailed onboarding quiz, where I outlined my industry experience (financial services), my interest in pivoting to renewable energy and sustainability, my timeline for making a move, and the type of support I needed—career planning, interview prep, networking strategies, and even balancing it all with my personal life.

This was the career counselor who took the time to understand my background, my stumbling blocks, and my aspirations. It was as if every question I had—from how to handle tough job transitions, to which steps to take for real growth—was met with personalized, actionable guidance.

She also understood something crucial: I wasn’t just chasing a new title. I wanted a career that aligned with my values and personal life goals.

A day later, I was matched with a coach who had experience helping professionals transition into the “green” sector. She also understood something crucial: I wasn’t just chasing a new title. I wanted a career that aligned with my values and personal life goals. From our first session, it felt less like a service and more like a partnership. She asked questions that pushed me to clarify what I really wanted—not just what sounded good on paper—and gave me the tools to make it happen.

Key Highlights of Working with Jobtest.org

1. Deep Personalization

My coach didn’t rely on cookie-cutter advice or vague platitudes. She dug into my skills and experience, helping me see how my project management expertise could seamlessly translate into consulting roles in renewable energy. Together, we mapped out specific steps to position myself as a strong candidate, from crafting targeted resumes to identifying transferable skills I hadn’t even considered.

Together, we mapped out specific steps to position myself as a strong candidate, from crafting targeted resumes to identifying transferable skills I hadn’t even considered.

2. Long-Term Roadmap

This wasn’t just a “fix your resume and good luck” kind of deal. My coach helped me develop a six-month action plan that broke my goals into manageable weekly tasks. These included building connections in the sustainability field, attending specialized webinars, and even enrolling in a short online course to address skill gaps. Every step felt intentional, and by the end, I had a clear path forward.

3. Confidence Building

One of the most unexpected outcomes was the boost in my confidence. I came into the process feeling uncertain and stuck, unsure if I could pull off such a big pivot. But session by session, my coach helped me believe not only that it was possible but that I was more than capable. I remember one session where I walked away feeling lighter—more sure of myself than I had been in years.

4. Practical Tools

Jobtest.org didn’t just give me advice; they equipped me with tools I could use immediately.

Jobtest.org didn’t just give me advice; they equipped me with tools I could use immediately. From personalized resume templates to step-by-step LinkedIn optimization tips, every resource felt tailored to my goals. The mock interviews were a game-changer—my coach’s feedback was so detailed, it felt like I had a secret weapon heading into real interviews.

The difference with Jobtest.org was clear: this wasn’t about checking off boxes or delivering generic advice. It was about truly understanding my goals, building a strategy that worked for me, and giving me the confidence to pursue a career that aligned with my values and long-term plans. After months of feeling stuck, it finally felt like I was moving forward—and that made all the difference.

Comparison Chart: Different Coaching Services

To save you time, here’s a quick rundown of how I personally rate the platforms I tried:

Understanding the Value of a Career Coach

But if you’re feeling uncertain, stuck, or overwhelmed—if you’ve been typing “career advice” into Google at 2 AM—then a coach can be a game-changer.

If you’re still wondering, “Do I really need a career coach?” let me say this: if you’re perfectly happy with your trajectory and know exactly where you’re headed, maybe not. But if you’re feeling uncertain, stuck, or overwhelmed—if you’ve been typing “career advice” into Google at 2 AM—then a coach can be a game-changer.

What They Offer That You Can’t Get Alone:

• External Perspective: Coaches see patterns and possibilities you might miss because you’re too close to your own story.
• Structured Guidance: They help you map out a plan rather than jumping blindly from one job posting to another.
• Accountability: Knowing you have a session next week can push you to complete that LinkedIn update, reach out to that contact, or apply for that stretch role you’ve been eyeing.
• Industry Insights: The right coach (like the one I found at Jobtest.org) has insider knowledge and connections that can open doors you didn’t know existed.

My Results and How It Changed My Perspective

After a few months with my Jobtest.org coach, I started seeing concrete changes. My networking led me to conversations with hiring managers in the sustainability sector. I got multiple interviews—and not just the kind where you never hear back, but serious, productive interviews with feedback and next steps. Eventually, I landed an offer that paid slightly better than my previous role and offered more flexibility. But beyond the paycheck, it aligned with my values. I could see a future path here. I knew I’d have room to grow and balance my eventual family plans with a meaningful career.

The transformation wasn’t some magical fairy tale—I still had to put in the work. I still faced frustrations and rejections along the way. But this time, I had a partner in the process. When I got stuck, my coach helped me brainstorm solutions. When I needed a pep talk, she delivered. This guidance changed how I think about my career. It’s now something I shape, rather than something that happens to me.

Ready to Take the Leap?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering a career coach. Maybe you’re fed up with feeling stuck. Maybe you’re trying to pivot industries, find better work-life balance, or just figure out what the next few years should look like. Whatever your reason, I can honestly say career coaching was worth it for me.

Why I Recommend Jobtest.org Above All Others:

• They really take the time to understand your goals and background.
• Their coaches aren’t just random freelancers; they’re vetted professionals with expertise in different sectors.
• The experience feels supportive, personalized, and flexible.
• The money-back guarantee and no-subscription model give you peace of mind. If it’s not working, you’re not trapped.

Ultimately, the “best” coach will depend on what you need. But if your needs are anything like mine were—a deeper industry-specific insight, a custom roadmap, and ongoing moral support—Jobtest.org is the first place I’d send you.

if your needs are anything like mine were—a deeper industry-specific insight, a custom roadmap, and ongoing moral support—Jobtest.org is the first place I’d send you.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your sign. Try a reputable service, invest in yourself, and see how far it can take you. And if you want to skip straight to what worked for me, head over to Jobtest.org and start your own journey. You deserve a career that grows with you and supports the life you want to live.

Career coaching isn’t just for executives making seven figures or recent grads starting from scratch. It’s for anyone who’s hit a crossroads and wants a trusted guide to help them find the next exit. It took me a while (and a few false starts) to figure this out, but now I’m in a much better place both professionally and personally.

If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your sign. Try a reputable service, invest in yourself, and see how far it can take you. And if you want to skip straight to what worked for me, head over to Jobtest.org and start your own journey. You deserve a career that grows with you and supports the life you want to live.

Good luck out there—I’m rooting for you!