Can a Career Coach Help You Find Your Dream Job?

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your dream job. What does a typical day look like? How do you feel when you wake up, start working, or finish the day?

For many people, that vision feels out of reach. You might feel stuck in your current role, unsure of your next step, or overwhelmed by the options ahead. That’s where a career coach comes in.

A career coach is a professional who helps you clarify your strengths, values, and ambitions, then take practical steps toward a role that fits.

In this article, you’ll hear from Britt Slief, psychologist and career coaching expert at OpenUp. Britt supports professionals at all stages of their career journey and will share her insights on how coaching works in practice.

Why career coaching is becoming more relevant today

The world of work is changing faster than ever. Hybrid models, new technologies like AI, shifting expectations around work-life balance, and entire industries being disrupted are creating both challenges and opportunities.

Here’s why career coaching is more relevant than ever:

• Rapid job market evolution: Skill requirements are shifting constantly. A career coach helps you identify what to develop and how to stay ahead.
  
• Increased competition: With so many qualified professionals applying for the same roles, personalised strategies give you an edge.
  
• Career plateaus: Many people hit a point where they feel stuck. Coaching helps you diagnose why and build a path forward.
  
• Personal fulfilment: More than ever, professionals want jobs that align with their values and lifestyle, not just a paycheck.
  
• Employer demand: Companies are realising that offering coaching improves engagement, retention, and well-being.
  

Britt sees this in practice:

“Many clients feel overwhelmed by workplace changes, whether it’s learning to manage hybrid teams or understanding how AI will affect their jobs. Coaching gives them structure and confidence to make decisions that align with both their personal goals and their professional future.”

What does a career coach do?

A career coach provides one-on-one guidance to help you define, plan, and achieve your career goals. They don’t hand you a ready-made solution. Instead, they help you find clarity, make informed choices, and hold you accountable for following through.

Unlike therapy, which often focuses on processing past experiences, or mentoring, which is based on sharing personal stories, career coaching is future-focused and tailored to your unique situation.

Here are the main ways a career coach can support you:

Clarifying your career direction

A coach helps you reflect on your strengths, values, and interests, often using assessments or guided exercises. This creates a clear career roadmap.

Britt shares:

 “During a session, I asked a client: ‘What would you do if money wasn’t a concern?’ His answer unlocked a new path he hadn’t considered before. From there, we identified practical next steps to make it achievable.”

Supporting job search and applications

From CV reviews to LinkedIn optimisation and cover letter feedback, coaches make sure your application materials stand out. This support not only improves visibility but also reduces stress during the job search.

Common tasks a coach helps with:

• Reviewing and tailoring CVs
  
• Optimising LinkedIn profiles
  
• Crafting compelling cover letters
  
• Building job search strategies
  

Preparing for interviews and networking

Confidence is key in interviews and networking, but it doesn’t always come naturally. Coaches prepare you through mock interviews, feedback on your answers, and strategies to tell your story with impact.

Britt recalls:

 “One client was incredibly nervous about an upcoming interview. After a few practice rounds focusing on strengths and storytelling, she walked in confident and landed the job.”

Navigating career transitions and workplace challenges

Career transitions are one of the most common reasons people seek coaching. Whether it’s moving industries, re-entering the workforce, or stepping into leadership, a coach helps you manage change with clarity.

They also support you through workplace challenges like conflict, communication issues, or adjusting to new responsibilities.

Who benefits most from career coaching

Career coaching is for anyone who wants more clarity, confidence, and direction in their professional life. You might relate to one of these situations:

Recent graduates

The leap from education to employment can feel overwhelming. A coach helps you bridge the gap, highlight your strengths, and find roles that fit.

Britt shares:

 “One graduate I worked with felt completely lost after finishing university. Together we explored her skills and interests. Within three months, she had landed her first dream role, a placement that matched both her strengths and values.”

Mid-career professionals

Many people in their 30s or 40s start asking themselves: is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life? Coaching helps you rediscover purpose, explore new options, or pivot into something more fulfilling.

Britt explains:

 “Age is often seen as a barrier, but in reality, your experience is an asset. Coaching helps you reframe doubts and see how your skills can transfer into exciting new opportunities.”

Individuals re-entering the workforce

Parents returning from leave or professionals who’ve taken a break often feel unsure about where to start again. Coaching supports confidence rebuilding, skills refresh, and practical steps for re-entry.

Leaders and managers seeking growth

Coaching isn’t just for job seekers. Many managers use it to become stronger leaders, improve communication, and create healthier team cultures. For organisations, supporting managers through coaching also boosts retention and talent development.

How to choose the right career coach

Not all coaches are the same. The right match will combine professional expertise with trust and chemistry. Here’s how to make a confident choice:

Key qualifications and certifications to look for

Always check for recognised certifications from bodies like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC). These ensure the coach works to professional standards.

Red flags to avoid

Be cautious of coaches who:

• Make vague promises like “I’ll get you your dream job in 30 days”
  
• Lack any credentials or training background
  
• Pressure you into long-term contracts without transparency

Questions to ask before committing

Use an initial consultation (often free) to see if the coach feels like a good fit. Ask questions such as:

• What is your coaching approach?
  
• Have you worked with people in my industry before?
  
• What outcomes can I realistically expect?
  
• How do you measure success in coaching sessions?
  

Britt reminds us:

“Chemistry matters as much as credentials. Many of us make breakthroughs simply because we feel heard, safe, and understood.”

What does career coaching cost and is it worth it?

The cost of career coaching varies depending on the coach’s experience, location, and services.

Typical price ranges:

• £100–£300 per session is standard in the UK and Europe (Leiden International Centre)
  
• Packages or multi-session cards usually offer better value
  
• At OpenUp: career coaching is often free if your employer partners with us. Independently, you can buy a three-session card for £210 / $270 / €249
  

Is it worth it?

Yes absolutely, if you’re ready to act on the insights you gain. Research by the International Coach Federation found that most individuals earn back their investment, with a median ROI of 344% (3.44x the cost). For companies, the ROI is even higher, with a median of 700% (7x the cost). Some reported results of up to 50x the original investment.

Beyond money, coaching often pays for itself in the form of promotions, salary increases, or simply finding a role that feels fulfilling.

Britt puts it this way:

 “One client told me the biggest ROI wasn’t the promotion she got, but the confidence she built. That shift changed how she approached every aspect of her career.”

Career coaching is best seen as an investment in your future, not just a cost.

Can AI tools replace a career coach?

It’s a question many people ask: can ChatGPT or other AI tools replace a career coach?

The short answer: no.

AI can be a powerful support tool. It can:

• Draft CVs and cover letters
  
• Generate interview questions
  
• Analyse job market trends
  

But what AI cannot do is provide empathy, accountability, or nuanced guidance. Coaching is about more than tasks,  it’s about exploring your values, addressing doubts, and building confidence.

Britt explains:

 “In my view, AI is useful for efficiency, but it can’t replace human connection. Coaching combines practical advice with emotional support, and that’s what makes the process transformational.”

The most effective approach is often blended: use AI for speed and information, while working with a human coach for reflection, confidence, and direction.

Career coaching for organisations and teams

Career coaching isn’t just valuable for individuals. More and more organisations are offering it as part of their employee well-being and development strategies.

Benefits for organisations include:

• Higher retention, as employees feel supported in their growth
  
• Stronger leadership pipelines through developing emerging managers
  
• Increased engagement and motivation across teams
  
• Improved employer branding, making the company more attractive to new talent
  

Employees also gain:

• Clarity on career goals and next steps
  
• Practical support navigating transitions
  
• Greater confidence and resilience at work
  

Britt has seen this first-hand:

“When companies provide career coaching, employees often feel more motivated and loyal. It shows them that the organisation values not just their output, but also their growth and well-being.”

Real-world examples of career coaching impact

Career coaching looks different for everyone, but here are a few real-life examples:

Finding purpose abroad

Britt shares:

“One client had been working in real estate in the Netherlands but felt deeply unfulfilled. In our sessions, we explored her ikigai,  what she loves, what she’s good at, what the world needs, and what she could be paid for. This reflection gave her the clarity to take a bold step: moving abroad to open a bed and breakfast. It was a complete shift, but one that aligned perfectly with her passions and lifestyle.”

Leadership growth and promotion
A colleague of Britt, Laura, recalls:

“A mid-level manager felt stuck in his role. Through coaching, he worked on leadership skills, communication, and confidence. Within four months, he secured a senior management promotion, leading a larger team with more responsibility.”

These stories show that coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes it leads to big changes, other times to smaller but equally meaningful steps, both of which move you closer to a fulfilling career.

How OpenUp supports your career journey

At OpenUp, career coaching is designed to be accessible, flexible, and impactful.

• If your employer partners with us, sessions are often free.
  
• Independently, you can purchase a three-session card for £210 / $270 / €249.
  
• Coaching is available in 35+ languages, across time zones, ensuring cultural and personal fit.

Whether you’re seeking clarity, preparing for a career shift, or aiming for leadership growth, OpenUp career coaches are here to guide you.

Britt puts it simply:

“Career coaching is about moving closer to a life and job that feels right for you. It doesn’t always mean dramatic changes. Sometimes it’s about small steps that bring you more meaning, confidence, and balance.”

Discover how OpenUp can help you move closer to your dream job today.