The workforce is evolving rapidly, and the stakes of unemployment, layoffs, or career stagnation have never been higher for professionals.

With increasing financial responsibilities, ageism, salary expectations, intense competition, and mounting social pressures, navigating your career alone can be overwhelming.

In the post-COVID era, more professionals are turning to career coaches to thrive in a tough job market. These coaches help individuals stand out by leveraging their expertise, crafting compelling resumes, and building connections with recruiters and referral networks.

For Fidelia Mboya, a project manager, hiring a career coach was transformative. "Getting a career coach was money well spent and earned back many times over," she says.

Beyond boosting her income, she gained peace of mind knowing her career was in capable hands.

Before working with a coach, Fidelia describes the job application process as exhausting and unproductive. She sent out countless applications without success.

But with a coach, everything changed. Her documents became Applicant Tracking System (ATS)-friendly, and her coach marketed her as a top candidate, allowing her to secure better opportunities.

“The tedious task of crafting CVs and cover letters is no longer on my plate. My coach ensures they speak for me before I even meet the interview panel,” she explains.

Regular check-ins, interview prep, and career planning sessions have also helped her move forward, network effectively, and articulate her strengths.

Fidelia credits her career coach for helping her rise from a junior project officer position—where she was stuck for five years—to more senior roles.

“For anyone unsure about hiring a career coach, I can confidently say it’s worth the investment,” she says.

Career coach Roy Ndombi highlights the challenges of today’s competitive job market, defined by VUCA—volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

Roy Ndombi is a career coach based in Nakuru.

Photo credit: COURTESY

He emphasizes the need for professionals to adapt, whether through career shifts, business upgrades, or transitions into entrepreneurship.

“Many professionals struggle to tell their career stories effectively,” Ndombi says.

“We help them articulate their skills, align with market needs, and monetize non-job-specific abilities to ensure they’re compensated fairly.”

With a career coach, professionals can navigate the complexities of the modern job market with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Whether it’s revamping a CV, optimizing a LinkedIn profile, or strategizing for career growth, investing in career coaching could be the game-changer you need.

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