You do not need to have your whole career figured out before asking for help. You do need a starting point. A little preparation can turn a broad conversation about feeling stuck into a focused discussion about what to do next.
Whether you are exploring a career change, returning to work, or trying to improve your job search, use this checklist to prepare for your first career coaching session.
1. Pick one question you want to answer
“I need a better job” is a real concern, but it leaves a lot to unpack. Try narrowing it to one question: Which roles fit my experience? Why am I struggling to explain my qualifications? What should I prioritize in my search this month?
Write that question at the top of a page. You can bring other concerns, too, but naming a priority helps you explain what would make the conversation useful. It is also fine to say you need help deciding which problem to address first.
2. Bring a realistic picture of where you are
Gather your current resume, even if it needs work. Add two or three job descriptions that interest you and a short list of recent responsibilities, projects, training, or achievements.
If you have been applying, summarize what has happened: the kinds of roles you pursued, whether you received interviews, and where the process stalled. Use information you actually tracked rather than guessing. This gives you something concrete to discuss without turning the session into a review of every application.
3. Separate your preferences from your requirements
Think about what you want from your next role and what you genuinely need. Consider work location, schedule, travel, responsibilities, learning opportunities, and the time you can devote to a transition.
For example, remote work might be a preference, while a predictable schedule is a requirement. Another person may prioritize learning a new specialty over changing employers quickly. There is no single right list. The goal is to make your decisions more deliberate and avoid pursuing opportunities that do not fit your circumstances.
4. Prepare three practical questions
Choose questions that invite a useful conversation rather than a promise of a quick result. You might ask:
- Which parts of my experience should I explain more clearly for the roles I want?
- What information should I gather before choosing a new career direction?
- What is a realistic next action I can complete before we speak again?
Also clarify what the service includes, how the session works, and whether any follow-up is part of the arrangement. Resume writing, interview preparation, and broader career exploration are different needs; make sure the support fits yours.
5. Leave with an action you can measure
Before the conversation ends, summarize what you understood. Agree on a manageable next step and a date to complete it. That might be comparing three target roles, drafting a clearer introduction, or identifying examples for an interview.
Keep the task small enough to carry out. “Improve my career” is difficult to act on. “Review three job descriptions and highlight the skills I can demonstrate by Friday” gives you a clear place to start.
Choose support that fits your situation
Private career services are one option. Public resources may also be available. For example, New Jersey’s Department of Labor describes no-cost career counseling and job-search support for its jobseekers. Check the services and availability in your own area rather than assuming every program offers the same help.
If you are still exploring a direction, our informational interview questions can help you prepare conversations with people doing the work that interests you.
Ready to discuss your next step? Explore Ready To Go Resumes LLC’s career services or contact us about your goals. Bring your questions and the experience you already have. You do not need a perfect resume to start the conversation.
