Agri Careers – My Top 10 Career Coaching Question

At important crossroads in our careers, we may receive a wakeup call telling us that something has changed. The wakeup call could be as a result of losing your job, being passed over for promotion, or perhaps coming up to retirement. New graduates often get the wakeup call when they leave college life.Covid 19 has given us all a wakeup call. David Alred, Sports coach advocates a “better than before” mindset for sports people rehabilitating following serious injury. His advice is equally relevant after any setback - like Covid 19. The enforced time out offers an opportunity to improve – a no limits mindset.
In my work as a Career and Interview Coach, incisive questions are by far the best way to support my clients think through the career options.

1.  What kind of job or career do you want? 

Our Why or purpose. We are all different. Finding a suitable career is governed by our career drivers. I find most people are vague on what they are looking for in a career.
The following questions can give signals.

What do you love doing?
What do you excel at?
What gets you results?
What are your transferable skills?

A good CV projects your knowledge, experience, skills set and attributes. I find most people are not fully aware of what they have to offer. They get somebody to write up their CV. They don’t have the conviction in what they can offer. Your CV should be edited for every job you are applying for. The focus should be on your value proposition - how you can add value to the particular business or organisation.

2.  What organisations would value your particular attributes and skills and be great places to work?

In the age we live in, it is relatively easy to target organisations who recruit people like you. Do your research. Organisations that treat their staff with respect and fairness. Where there is career progression.

3. How can I build my CV?

A good job will allow you to gain experience, develop new skills, new attitudes and new capabilities. Learning and development is a lifelong process. Successful people are always building their CV. They have a growth mindset. They volunteer for special projects. They participate in training courses.

4. How can I put my career plan into action ?

Once you have a broad outline of your career plan, you will need to convert this into specific goals. Goal setting is powerful. Opening a file and writing things down is important. Building the discipline to follow through on your goals is critical.

5. How can I build my network?

Somebody once said your net worth is equal to your network. Develop meaningful relationships with people who are leaders in their field. People you would like to work with. A small group of trusted people to connect with.

6. Who will support me?
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We all need support. The importance of sharing your vision for maximum impact – when you have finished writing down your vision, share your vision with a good friend who you know will be positive and supportive.

​Each time you share your vision, it becomes more real and attainable. Find a good coach who will be your partner on the journey.