How do you assess and evaluate clients' needs and goals online?

This information is basic and, as most career counsellors have been using video conferencing tools extensively for the past three years, most readers would not gain anything new by reading it. It would be more helpful if it included details about what is needed to ensure security and confidentiality for the client.

I have found it helpful to meet the person where they are at, it provides value and creates trust. For example I ask what their availability it and which modality they are most comfortable.

As an ice breaker I ask what the person what they would like to accomplish and where they are at in their process. This sets the tone of care and interest. I then ask what the big picture looks like. This helps me understand how they see their own growth. I them provide tools to help their search. I engage the person in utilizing the suggested tools. This gives the person a sense of moving forward on their goal. They then can see what is required and expected. For example if a professional degree or certificate is needed or any type of licensure. This demonstrates care and learning new or doing deeper in the process build confidence.

I use the CliftonStrengths assessment as the starting point of my work with any client. It helps them evaluate when in the past they haven’t had good fit jobs and helps them understand why. That leads to a discussion about what will be a good fit and how to get hired FOR their strengths instead of in spite of them. We later use the strengths statements we create for cover letters and interviews and to evaluate whether any potential position meets their needs. I love helping people create strengths-based careers and find the CliftonStrengths assessment very useful for that.

I developed a set of 15 thought-provoking questions I ask my clients while recording them on zoom, a first step in working together. In their answers I listen for themes and parallels to help them to a self-definition of their "why" and explore how their past experiences contribute to their present situation, and how their present indicates where they see their future. Often there are "a-ha" moments and realizations that they have so much to tell in their LinkedIn profiles that they've neglected to explain well. Then I ask them to write drafts of their profile sections, incorporating the oral answers that were recorded, to capture in written words the richness of their responses, and to elaborate further and tell their career narrative.

It is helpful to a person who might not have their next steps in view to use a career assessment which can contribute to a more robust conversation.

Each person has unique needs. I have a selection of tools that I can access and suggest. One person may need career options, another assessment of skills to ensure they are equipped for the job or career they want, some are in need of strengths self-assessment to help build confidence and/or resume, etc

I use motivational interviewing to assess the client’s readiness to move forward and help them to set SMART goals to make reasonable steps toward their goals. The client always owns their process.

Based on available information recapping next step and asking the perdón to write details down is helpful. Setting goals for the next meeting supports the person in being active in the process.

Setting up a follow up appointment maintains a connection and create a climate of care. For example, asking the person to provide completed tasks for the follow up appointment. Again, the person feels you are interested in their success.

The challenge here is the long feedback cycle. Career progress doesn't happen overnight and often develops over the course of several quarters to several years. If your offer as a career coach is not a transactional one, then you will view your clients as relationships and they will email you or text you anytime they have a win that makes them think of you. I've found that I've rarely had to prod people to tell me what's going on. They've been coming to me, all proud and excited to share their career progress and celebrate together. It fills my heart with so much joy and happiness when that happens - I know I'm doing my life's work :)

I believe it is important to seek information or updates. Connecting with other practitioners to learn new information helps also, seeking mentorship to develop oneself is important.