With the ever-evolving job market, the relevance of a career strategist is at an equivalent peak.
From assisting with job transitions to building laser-focused resumes or cover letters and aiding in the strenuous job search process, the importance of a career strategist is underrated.
Most times, young individuals delve into the job market without a proper understanding of how to build a career roadmap, switch jobs or upscale their skills for better employment opportunities.
The mad-dash to earn a decent income after college leaves a lot of youths in a static employment space without adequate information on upscaling, strategic plans culminating their strength or any concrete data-based career advice.
A career strategist is a bridge between “what is and what could be”, unlike career coaches their jobs exceed personal growth and development. They also conduct career research based on the volatile job markets, give accurate data-driven advice and draw up structural plans helps you achieve your career goals.
Beyond “you can do it”, career strategists are part of your journey, they provide the plans and to-dos that serves as the layout for your career footprints.
What are the jobs of a career strategist
The jobs of a career strategist involve coaching, strategy, brainstorming, relationship building as well as support. It is a broad role that requires different responsibilities at distinct levels of the interaction between the client and the strategist. Not limited to these, the job of a career strategist include;
- Career coaching
The first thing a career strategist do is similar to the services a career coach provides, they talk with you to understand your past experiences, present plans and future goals.
Career strategist are not magicians, they cannot ascertain your career goals and interest at first glance. They need to have conversations with you, talk about your experiences, ask questions, question your answers and provide data-proven tips that should help in a job search, interview or job transition.
- Identify strengths and flaws
Your career strategist is not your bestie, they were paid to do a job so every conversation will be scrutinized but the good thing is, it’s for your benefit.
To help you achieve your goals, strategists analyse conversations, past and present situations to identify your weakness and strength, this vital piece of information makes or breaks the entire career roadmap.
- Personalise strategy session
After analyzing your strengths and weakness, the strategy session is personalised for you. Every individual is unique so while the format may be similar, sessions are personalise to suit individual’s needs.
- Unravel career goals
The reason most people jump from one career to another every other year is because they have no clearly defined goals hence, they follow the money. A career strategist studies and understands the volatility of the job market, help you choose a path, set defined long and short-term goals with strategic steps of how to achieve them.
With a primary goal of helping every individual achieve career goals; every session, roadmap and strategies are garnered to discover your path and succeed in it.
-
Serve as a support system for long-term career goals
A strategist is the perfect combo of an accountability partner, a coach and a futuristic thinker. Most times people set scary long-term goals with little to no short-term plans or ROI this cripples their resolve and lead to unachieved goals.
A strategist understands the compounding effect of short-term goals therefore, they assist their clients with the longer goals by creating a series of shorter goals that compounds to the achievement of the long-term goal.
- Responsible for career advice
Sometimes all you need is someone who say NO! with backings from data and statistics to stop you from ruining your career.
A lot of failed careers would have been salvaged if there was a career strategist in the journey providing factual advice and assisting with decision making beyond temporary happenings.
Career strategists are trained to conduct research, make calculative deductions and present evidence-based advice to their clients. A strategist does not impose their findings on you, like any other coach they explain in details and give you the monopoly to choose your path.
- Aids in job search
Some career strategists have a network of professionals in their cycle hence, they provide job opportunities and recommendations to their clients.
It’s not uncommon to receive job openings that fits your long and short-term goals from career strategists.
- Provides resume and cover letter guidance
Imagine having a hiring manager as your friend? Your resume and cover letter will be top-notch at any interview.
When a strategist gets involve in your long-term career goals, they take up the responsibility of ensuring all your documents are up-to-date, in tune with the most recent job search standards and adaptable to ATS.
- Interview prepping
If a career strategist is on a job search with you, they may schedule an interview prep.
Career strategist have deeper understanding of how the job world works, their cycle is filled with top hiring managers and as their clients they will prepare you to take your first big step which is becoming an employee.
From mockup interviews to video resources, a career strategist prepare their client with world class training to ace interviews and secure the job.
- Assist with career transitioning
Switching career is a huge deal, from building the confidence to apply for jobs in a new field, to rebuilding your resume and portfolio or understanding the transferable skills you possess that is beneficial for the new role, career strategist are always available.
They work with different clients across distinct fields and have a stronger understanding of what each industry demands therefore they simplify your transition process.
Takeaway
If you feel stuck at your job or you have no clue what to in this AI emerging world, you should consider hiring a career strategist.
With a career strategist on your side, you uncover your strengths, focus on them, fix your resume and apply for jobs that you can deliver excellent work.