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You Need a Career or Life Coach if...
A Quintessential Careers Quiz


 

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

 

Job-seekers are sometimes afraid to admit that they may need some help and guidance from an outside career professional. Some think it's a sign of weakness, others a sign of defeat. In reality, using a career or life coach could be the smartest decision a job-seeker makes. Coaches can offer new directions, perspectives, and ideas, as well as expand thinking and encourage brainstorming.

 

Do you need the services of a professional career or life coach? Take our quiz and find out. (Scoring can be found at the end of the quiz.)

 

Directions: Answer true or false to the following statements.
  1. I feel as though I have lost direction or career focus and am not sure how to regain it.
    True
    False

     

  2. I am getting no results in my current job-search.
    True
    False

     

  3. I feel burnt out in my current career but don't know what to do next.
    True
    False

     

  4. I am considering relocating to find better job prospects.
    True
    False

     

  5. I am concerned about being downsized in the near future and need a plan.
    True
    False

     

  6. My next career move is into management, and I need some advice and coaching.
    True
    False

     

  7. I'm stuck in a career that I never wanted to do in the first place.
    True
    False

     

  8. I am at a career crossroads and really need help developing some alternatives.
    True
    False

     

  9. I need help and support in developing my professional network of contacts.
    True
    False

     

  10. I'm a high-achiever but stuck in a job that doesn't reward my talents and abilities.
    True
    False

     

  11. I've discovered that my values and the values of my employer do not match.
    True
    False

     

  12. I feel as though my work is suffering because I don't like going to work anymore.
    True
    False

     

  13. I'm now at a point where I am ready for success in my life -- and I need help making it happen.
    True
    False

     

  14. I'm frustrated with all employers and thinking of starting my own business.
    True
    False

     

  15. I can't seem to resolve an ever-escalating conflict with my boss or co-worker.
    True
    False

     

  16. My physical health or mental well-being are suffering because of my job.
    True
    False

     

  17. I feel as though my job has no impact and that I am just a cog in a machine.
    True
    False

     

  18. I have been passed over for a promotion on more than one occasion.
    True
    False

     

  19. I believe I am paid significantly less than my peers in similar jobs.
    True
    False

     

  20. I constantly feel overwhelmed, overworked, and overburdened by my job.
    True
    False

     

  21. I'm over 50 and feel a need to make a plan for the rest of my career.
    True
    False

     

  22. I know exactly what I want to do with my life, but I have no idea how to get there.
    True
    False

     

  23. I am ready and willing to take action with my career, but need some honest answers.
    True
    False

     

  24. My friends and family keep suggesting that I need to make a career change.
    True
    False

     

  25. I am on a path of renewal and self-growth and want to continue moving forward.
    True
    False

     

  26. I need to find a better way to find a balance between work and family.
    True
    False

     

  27. My career has been running in neutral too long, and it's time to get my career in shape.
    True
    False

     

  28. Everyone else around me seems much happier and successful with their careers.
    True
    False

     

  29. I want to have more time for my hobbies and personal interests.
    True
    False

     

  30. I'm an idea person and need some help in transforming my ideas into realities.
    True
    False

     

Scoring Directions/Results: Give yourself one point for each "true" response.

 

Some experts suggest that answering just one of these 30 statements with a true is a sign that you should consider using a career coach. We don't feel quite so strongly.
1 point: Your career is generally in good shape, but you need to find the time to deal with the issue you're facing. Consider using a career coach if you feel the need.
2-3 points: Your career is heading to a major crossroads, and you need to begin a period of introspection, planning, and improvement. A career coach could help you deal with identifying the paths of your crossroads.
3+ points: Your career has multiple problems that you may be able to sort through, but it would be very beneficial for you to use a coach to help you through the problems.

 

Career and Life Coach Resources: Use these resources to further assist you in deciding and choosing on a coach.

 

Critical Career and Job Resources: If you're not sure you're ready for a coach, but are looking for "self-help" materials to get your career or job-search moving forward, check out these resources.

 


 

Don't forget to check out our entire collection of Tests and Quizzes for Job-Seekers.

 


 

Questions about some of the terminology used in this quiz? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.

 

QuintCareers.com Founder Dr. Randall Hansen Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press, including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter, QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his personal Website or reach him by email at randall(at)quintcareers.com.

 


Enhance your career! Take advantage of all of our expert free career development advice, tools, and more in our Career Resources Toolkit for Job-Seekers.

 


 

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