Transition from HR to guiding careers should be a smooth one

Q: I work in a human resources department and would like to gradually move into becoming a career coach. How would you suggest I begin• I've done research, and there are a lot of certification programs out there.

A: You've chosen a good niche. There always frustrated executives who want to chuck it all and join nonprofits, professionals who realize at age 40 they never really wanted to be accountants, and kids coming out of college with bachelor's degrees in art history who are stunned to realize that they can't find jobs.

Your human resources background ties in nicely with career coaching. You can easily build your business on the side, because many of your clients would not be able to meet during the workday. Find a centrally located and inexpensive office to rent. Even better, share space with someone who works a Monday-through-Friday schedule, perhaps a psychologist or a similar professional, making it easy to schedule your clients during off-hours in an appropriate setting.

As for coaching certification programs, I am not a big believer in any kind of certification. Clients are far more interested in the results they get from working with a coach, rather than knowing that a coach has obtained some kind of certification.

That said, I know a number of good coaches who are certified, and most of them have gone through International Coaches Federation. You should join the local chapter, Pittsburgh Coaches Association , where you will learn a lot about how to start and grow your coaching business. On the Internet, you can find career coaches located in other cities. If you ask them for advice, most will be happy to comply, especially because there is no concern about competition.

To jump-start your business, work with some clients for free. In return for your coaching, ask them to write a testimonial that you can include in your marketing materials. Proof of client satisfaction will build your credibility and client base far more than any kind of credentialing.

Q: I have been working for 17 years at a small business. I don't even have a job title, but I do just about everything -- inside sales, payroll, answer phones, purchase office supplies and equipment, and fix any problem that arises, whether it's the copier out of toner or the customer who just stormed into the office screaming about his invoice. I feel trapped in this little company, in this little job, and would love to experience something new. I have posted my resume on all the major Internet job boards, and I scour the help-wanted ads of my Sunday newspaper each week, but no bites. How can I get hired?

A: You did not mention what kind of job you are looking for. Perhaps you are applying for jobs that are not a good match for your background and education. Even though you do not have a job title, it sounds like your job is that of an office manager, so look for jobs that ask for that kind of experience. Perhaps if you had a similar job but worked for a larger firm or were in a different industry, you would be more content.

Job boards and employment ads are terrific job-search tools, but you seem to have overlooked networking, which is one of the best ways to get hired. Even if you locate a job opening in the newspaper or Internet, you should try to find someone who can help usher your resume through the review process.

It sounds as if your strengths are versatility, dependability and broad office capabilities. Once you decide the specific kind of job you are targeting and inform people in your network of your career intentions, I think you'll make much better progress in your search.