For most of us career advice ends at school. That’s if we got any at all. Millennials may have had sessions with an advisor but Baby Boomers were pretty much left to figure out their futures for themselves.
Once immersed in our careers we might occasionally ask colleagues, friends and family for guidance but it’s only when faced with a failed job interview, redundancy or a career crisis that we tend to seek out impartial advice.
Unless, of course, you work in the legal profession where giving and receiving professional careers advice – or career coaching – has become very popular.
Not only are legal professionals seeking out their own specialist career coaches, many law firms are now adding in-house coaches to their teams, viewing this as a critical part of their recruitment, retention and talent management strategies.
Having a career coach is a bit like having your own personal therapist, counsellor and personal trainer all rolled into one.
Sessions don’t involve any kettlebell swings or incense but exercises of a more cerebral nature, with the sole aim of getting your career in shape.
And they don’t just assist those having a mid-career crisis either – coaches can help graduates looking for their first job as a solicitor, seasoned professionals wanting to move up the ranks to partner, those keen to explore a different area of law or some wanting to leave law altogether.
A specialist legal coach knows the ins and outs of the profession, will be up to date with the latest developments and has good networking contacts.
Coaches ask questions, provide structure and feedback with the aim of helping individuals see themselves in a more honest light. They can identify strengths and weaknesses, clarify goals and design strategies for best achieving them.
Become a career coach and you must be able to provide career road maps that feature helpful signposts such as professional objectives, personal satisfaction, work-life balance, take a break or way to exit.
It’s when applying for legal positions, such as those featured on s1jobs, that the benefits of career coaching can be seen.
Jobs search campaigns are likely to be less scattergun and instead more targeted and focused. That’s less wasted time and energy that can be saved for the next stage – the interview.
Of course, it’s not only career coaches who can help with these – if you’ve been falling at the last hurdle, check out all you need to know about being in the Hot Seat (http://www.s1jobs.com/newsandguides/guides/g5.shtml).
Then put your newfound skills to use and go for the best the Legal vacancies from s1jobs.