Do you take pride in your DIY attitude, handling everything from home projects to career moves on your own? If so, you’re not alone. That’s definitely me with a lot of things — naturally, not always with spectacular outcomes. For example:
Coloring my hair.
Much to the chagrin of my hair and despite the well-deserved eye rolls of professional hair stylists, coloring my hair been a hobby for 25+ years. I figure if it doesn’t turn out great (like the time it turned green, e.g.), I’ve spent about $10 versus $250.
Building my website.
I’d micromanage a designer to the bitter end so let’s just save us all from that agony! Plus, I really enjoy web design, and again, if I don’t like how it turns out, I know who to blame.
Cleaning my home.
I’m not that fussy. 😁
You get the picture. If it’s an activity I feel I have some level of skill at, I tackle it, and save my resources for the things I have zero chance of doing well. These activities would include most home repair projects, learning new things from teachers who know a lot more than I do on a topic, and traveling long distances — I’m leaving it in the capable hands of those with experience, expertise and the equipment in place to get ‘er done.
It’s all about weighing the pros and cons, knowing when to tackle something myself and when to bring in an expert. That “I can do it myself” spirit is powerful — until it starts to hold you back, especially when it comes to something as critical as your future. And that's one big one area where the DIY approach often falls short: job hunting.
WHY DIY JOB HUNTING OFTEN FAILS
Job searching, especially for a new grad or someone aiming for a significant career shift, can seem like a task you should handle on your own. After all, you know yourself best, right? You’ve successfully navigated college, and maybe even your first few jobs, so why not take charge of this too?
Here's the catch: the job market is more competitive than ever, and the stakes are high. While your DIY approach might work for things like tweaking your resume or preparing for an interview, it’s easy to overlook the strategic, big-picture elements that are crucial for a successful job search. This is where many people, even the most self-sufficient DIYers, hit roadblocks.
You might start with enthusiasm, but without a clear roadmap, it’s easy to get lost. You could end up applying for jobs that aren't the right fit, or worse, staying stuck in a role that doesn't leverage your skills or passion. This is where the value of a career coach truly shines.
HOW A CAREER COACH CAN BE A GAME-CHANGER
A great career coach doesn’t just help you polish your resume or practice interview answers. They help you craft a comprehensive strategy that’s tailored to your unique goals, strengths and circumstances.
Here’s how:
Clarity and Direction: A coach helps you gain clarity on what you truly want, not just what seems like a good idea. They guide you to align your career choices with your core values and long-term goals, ensuring that you’re pursuing roles that will bring you fulfillment and success.
Strategic Job Search: They’ll help you create a detailed job search plan that includes networking strategies, how to position yourself in the market, and how to tackle each stage of the process in the right order. This structured approach prevents you from getting overwhelmed or going off course.
Personal Branding: A coach will help you identify and communicate your unique value proposition — what makes you stand out as a candidate. This is crucial in a job market crowded with applicants. Whether it’s on your resume, LinkedIn or in interviews, a strong personal brand is key to making a lasting impression.
Accountability and Motivation: DIYing your job search can be lonely and discouraging, especially when things aren’t going too well. A coach provides ongoing support, helping you stay focused, motivated and confident, even in the face of rejection or setbacks.
Expert Guidance: There are nuances to job searching that only an experienced coach can provide. From leveraging LinkedIn effectively to negotiating job offers, a coach brings insider knowledge that can make all the difference.
WHEN TO CALL IN THE PROS
For the DIYers who still aren’t convinced a coach is the way to go, there’s what I call a hybrid approach, a compromise solution if you will: invest in a high-quality career course or guidebook (like Launch: The New College Grad’s Guide to Getting Unstuck in Your Job Search & Empowering Your Dream Career), then apply the strategies you learn with the same dedication you’d bring to any DIY project. If you have a mindful mindset, and you are diligent, determined and skilled at execution, you have a wonderful chance at success.
But remember, if you find yourself spinning your wheels, feeling stuck or just not landing the roles you’re aiming for, it might be time to bring in a pro. A career coach could be the key to unlocking the next level of your career — helping you not just find a job, but the right job, where you can thrive and grow.
So, before you decide to go it alone, consider this: What’s more important than your career and your future? Maybe it’s time to invest in the expertise that can help you truly launch.
P.S. If your dream job is eluding you, DOWNLOAD the free Job Search Success Audit now so you can see where you're stuck and fix it.
Maria Katrien Angeleva, MA, MA
Certified Coach, Author & Trainer
Dubbed “Professor Dream Job,” by her students, Trie is a former COO and founder of Reimagine Monday. She specializes in helping individuals transform their careers and lives through mindful, strategic approaches. Trie developed and taught career success courses at Indiana University, building on her proven methodology, The Love Monday Method. Her latest release, "Launch," designed to help new college grads get unstuck in their search and empower their new career, is now available for pre-order.
With two Master's degrees, a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University, six coaching certifications and a deep passion for guiding new graduates and professionals in their prime, Trie supports individuals in navigating their career paths with clarity and confidence, and is dedicated to helping YOU turn your dream job into a reality.
Connect with Trie at trie@reimaginemonday.com.
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