You finally did it.

After weeks of second-guessing, you booked your first career coaching session. Maybe a friend recommended it. Maybe you're stuck in a job that feels too small or a job search that feels too big. Or maybe you're just tired of feeling stuck.

Whatever brought you here, the good news is: you're not expected to have all the answers. That's your coach's job.

But that first session? It matters more than you think.

What Career Coaching Actually Is (and Isn’t)

First, let's clear the air. Career coaching isn't therapy, and it's not just someone telling you to "follow your passion."

A good coach brings structure to your uncertainty. They help you:

• Clarify goals (even the vague ones like "I want something better")
• Identify strengths and blind spots
• Navigate job changes, promotions, pivots, or burnout
• Build practical tools: resumes, LinkedIn profiles, negotiation scripts

And most importantly? They help you get unstuck with a plan.

What the First Session Looks Like

The first session is part introduction, part exploration, and part strategy. You won't walk out with a five-year roadmap—but you'll walk out with direction.

Here's how it typically unfolds:

1. A Deep-Dive Conversation:
Expect your coach to ask thoughtful, often open-ended questions. Things like:

• "What prompted you to reach out now?"
• "What does success look like to you—in 6 months? In 2 years?"
• "What’s working in your career today? What’s not?"

This isn’t small talk. They’re looking for patterns, pain points, and priorities.

2. Expect to Reflect:
You might revisit decisions, dissect job experiences, or even realize you’re chasing goals you don’t actually want. That’s part of the work.

3. Light Homework (Usually):
Many coaches will assign a small action between sessions. It could be updating a resume bullet, drafting a "brag bank," or simply observing how you show up at work this week.

What You Should Bring

You don’t need a perfect resume or a 10-year plan. But you should come prepared to talk, listen, and think.

Bring:

• A brief version of your work history
• Specific questions or goals (even if they’re messy)
• An open mind and a willingness to be challenged

Optional but helpful:

• A current job description (if applicable)
• Past performance reviews or self-assessments
• A list of roles or companies that interest you

This session is for you. The more honestly you show up, the more helpful it will be.

Common First-Time Worries (and Why You Can Ignore Them)

"I don’t know what I want yet."
Great. That’s exactly what coaching is for.

"What if I’m the only one who feels this way?"
You’re not. Nearly everyone feels behind, confused, or unsure at some point.

"I’m nervous I’ll be judged."
You won’t be. A good coach creates space, not pressure.

"What if it doesn’t work?"
Coaching is collaborative. If something’s not helping, say so. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all process.

What You Should Walk Away With

After your first session, you should feel at least one of the following:

• Clearer on your next step
• More confident about your value
• Less alone in your career questions
• Energized (even if still unsure)

You won’t have everything figured out. But you will have momentum.

One Final Thought

You don’t have to be lost to hire a coach. You just have to want something different.

Whether that’s a new job, a better one, or just more clarity—this is the first step. And you’ve already taken it.