Coaching questions to empower your career journey

Career coaching questions to ask yourself - from a career coach

Career coach, Karmjit, poses some questions for you for some self-reflection and to set you in the right career direction.

If this prompts you to explore career coaching sessions with a qualified professional, you can learn more about Karmjit’s coaching here on the Lowdown.

Asking yourself the right questions is the most powerful tool when it comes to learning more about yourself and the career you want. It’s at the heart of good career coaching. As a career coach, the questions I ask to bring out the most from my client sessions is probably the thing I prepare for, and reflect on the most. Why are they so important? Asking yourself the right questions can help you reflect on your strengths, values, and goals, enabling you to make informed decisions and create a more fulfilling work life. They can also provide clarity, direction, and motivation, helping you navigate your career with confidence and purpose.

There are an endless number of powerful questions that can help you uncover what you need - here is just a selection that you can ask yourself to give you the reflection you might be looking for when it comes to your career. 

What does career success look like to me?

Defining what career success means to you helps you set personalised goals and measure your progress. Success is subjective, and understanding your own vision of it ensures that you pursue a path that aligns with your values and aspirations. This clarity can keep you motivated and focused on achieving what truly matters to you. It can also force you to get out of the comparison trap - remember that this question is about what success looks like for YOU, not anyone else. 

Who or what do I want to have a positive impact on with my work?

Understanding who or what you want to positively impact can give your career a sense of purpose. It aligns your work with your values and helps you find meaning in what you do. This clarity can guide you towards roles that allow you to make a difference.

What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail?

A fear of failure can stop us from even imagining what our dream career could look like at times. This question encourages you to think beyond limitations and fears. It can reveal your true passions and aspirations, guiding you towards a career path that aligns with your dreams. By understanding what drives you, you can set more ambitious goals and take calculated risks to achieve a realistic version of your dream.

What does a good day at work look like?

Reflecting on what makes a good day at work can help you identify what brings you joy and satisfaction in your role. It's not just about the tasks but also about the environment, interactions, and sense of achievement. It also helps you think about how your work should be fitting into how the rest of your life should look like. If a good day at work looks like working at home, independently, then meeting with someone in person, before finishing early to go to the gym or spend time with family, this could be telling you that working flexibly, perhaps without a traditional ‘line manager’ is at the heart of career satisfaction for you. Understanding this can guide you towards roles and workplaces that align with your values and preferences, ultimately leading to greater job satisfaction.

What am I good at?

Identifying your strengths is crucial for career growth. It enables you to leverage your skills in a way that benefits both you and those you want a positive impact on. This self-awareness can also boost your confidence and help you seek out opportunities where you can excel. Remember, this is about what you are good at - not what you want to do. Seek feedback from people you trust and map out what your strengths could mean for your future career direction. 

What's out of my control?

Often in my coaching sessions where there is a challenging situation at work or on a personal level, I ask clients to explore what is it about their situation that they can control, and what they can’t - and how do they navigate that. Recognising what is beyond your control allows you to focus your energy on areas where you can make a difference. It helps reduce stress and frustration by setting realistic expectations. By acknowledging these factors, you can develop strategies to manage them more effectively and retain a sense of control.

How do I rest and recover?

Understanding your methods of rest and recovery is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It ensures that you can recharge effectively, preventing burnout and enhancing productivity. When you sense burnout, fatigue and poor mental health creeping in, incorporating what works for you into your routine can lead to a more sustainable and happier work life. 

What do I love? What do I hate?

Knowing what you love and what you dislike about your work can provide valuable insights into your career preferences. It helps you seek roles that align with your passions and avoid those that drain your energy.

What are my long-term goals?

Thinking about your long-term goals helps you create a roadmap for your career. It provides direction and helps you make decisions that align with your future aspirations. Having clear goals can keep you focused and motivated as you navigate your career journey. It can also help weed out what you shouldn’t be wasting your energy on. If you’re overthinking something or going beyond with a project or favour, ask yourself, is this getting me closer to that bigger picture goal? If the answer is “no”, you know you need to re-prioritise. 

How do I handle setbacks?

Reflecting on how you handle setbacks can reveal your resilience and problem-solving abilities. It helps you develop strategies for overcoming challenges and bouncing back stronger. Understanding this can make you more adaptable and prepared for future obstacles.

What am I ignoring? 

Sometimes, we avoid facing difficult truths because they push us out of our comfort zones. Identifying what you might be ignoring can help you confront these challenges head-on. For example, you might be ignoring the need to develop a new skill that could advance your career. By acknowledging this, you can take proactive steps to address it, such as enrolling in a course. Stretching yourself in this way can lead to personal and professional growth, making you more resilient and adaptable.

By regularly asking yourself these questions, you can gain so much insight into your career aspirations and challenges. This increased self-awareness will help you make informed decisions, set meaningful goals, and create a work life that aligns with your values and passions. And if asking yourself these questions is something you feel you want to do regularly with a qualified coach, explore our coaching services and book an intro session.