Divorce Guide: 10 Essential Questions to Ask a Career Coach While Navigating a Divorce
Divorce is a life-altering event that often affects every aspect of your life, including your career. For many, it can be a time to reassess professional goals, re-enter the workforce, or pivot into a more financially independent role. A career coach can provide the clarity, strategy, and confidence needed to make empowered decisions during this transition. But how do you find the right coach? Here are 10 essential questions to ask a potential career coach to ensure they’re the right fit for your divorce journey.
10 questions to ask a career coach during divorce
1. What is your experience working with clients going through divorce?
Divorce comes with unique challenges like financial shifts, emotional stress, and potential gaps in employment. A coach experienced in divorce-related career transitions understands the complexities of re-entering the workforce, changing careers, or negotiating salaries during a life shift.
Follow-up questions:
How many clients have you coached who were navigating divorce?
Are you familiar with the financial pressures divorce can bring?
Have you helped clients re-establish careers after long gaps?
2. How do you help clients identify career goals post-divorce?
Your goals may look different after a divorce. A good coach can help you redefine what success looks like, align your career path with your new life, and set achievable milestones.
Follow-up questions:
Do you use career assessments or goal-setting frameworks?
How do you help clients discover strengths and skills they may have overlooked?
Can you help with goal-setting for both short-term and long-term career plans?
3. What strategies do you use to help clients re-enter the workforce?
If you’ve been out of the workforce for years, re-entry can feel daunting. A career coach should have proven strategies for updating your resume, building confidence, and networking effectively.
Follow-up questions:
How do you help clients address employment gaps?
Do you provide guidance on resume building and LinkedIn optimization?
What networking strategies do you recommend?
4. How do you help clients build financial independence through career choices?
Divorce often shifts financial responsibilities. A career coach should understand how to help you move toward financial independence through smart career choices and salary negotiations.
Follow-up questions:
Can you help with salary negotiation strategies?
Do you offer guidance on high-demand career paths?
How do you support clients in building long-term financial stability?
5. Do you offer support for career pivots and changing industries?
For some, divorce is a catalyst for change—not just personally, but professionally. If you’re considering a career pivot, a coach experienced in industry changes can guide you smoothly through the transition.
Follow-up questions:
Have you helped clients successfully change industries?
Do you provide guidance for skill development or certification programs?
How do you assess transferable skills?
6. Are your coaching sessions in-person, virtual, or both?
Divorce often brings logistical challenges—like new living arrangements or custody schedules—that can impact your availability. A coach offering virtual sessions provides greater flexibility.
Follow-up questions:
Do you offer evening or weekend sessions?
Are virtual sessions available if I’m unable to meet in person?
Is there support for quick questions or check-ins between sessions?
7. How do you help clients overcome self-doubt and build confidence?
Divorce can shake your confidence, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce or financially dependent. A career coach should be skilled at helping you rebuild self-assurance and overcome imposter syndrome.
Follow-up questions:
Do you offer mindset and confidence-building exercises?
How do you handle clients who struggle with self-doubt?
What tools do you use to boost career confidence?
8. What are your fees, and how are they structured?
Understanding the cost structure is crucial for planning, especially if you’re adjusting to a new financial situation post-divorce. Some coaches charge hourly rates, while others offer packages.
Follow-up questions:
Do you charge per session, or do you offer bundled packages?
Are there additional costs for resume reviews or networking events?
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
9. Do you help with interview preparation and job search strategies?
Landing a new role or transitioning to a better one requires polished interview skills and strategic job searching. A coach should provide mock interviews, networking strategies, and application guidance.
Follow-up questions:
Do you offer mock interviews and feedback?
How do you help with tailoring resumes for specific roles?
What job search strategies do you recommend for hidden job markets?
10. Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
References and testimonials give you insight into the coach’s effectiveness and communication style. Speaking to past clients can confirm if their coaching truly delivers results.
Follow-up questions:
Can you share success stories of clients who re-entered the workforce after divorce?
Do you have testimonials that reflect your support during life transitions?
Are there clients I can reach out to for direct feedback?
It’s important to remember that…
Navigating your career during a divorce is an opportunity for reinvention and financial empowerment. The right career coach can provide clarity, strategy, and support, helping you build confidence and achieve your professional goals. By asking these ten essential questions, you ensure that your coach is not only experienced but also aligned with your unique journey and aspirations.