Question 1

What is career coaching?

Accepted Answer

Career coaching is a structured, evidence-based process delivered by a qualified professional. Through a series of collaborative one-to-one conversations, a career coach helps you understand your values, motivations and goals, and supports you to develop your own best plan of action. It is different from careers advice, job coaching or employment support.

Question 2

What is the difference between a career coach and a careers adviser?

Accepted Answer

A careers adviser is trained at postgraduate level to offer impartial guidance, primarily in schools and colleges, drawing on knowledge of the education system and qualifications. A career coach works with adults in a deeper, more reflective process, helping them explore their values, motivations and longer-term goals rather than providing information or guidance.

Question 3

How is career coaching different from a job coach?

Accepted Answer

A job coach works specifically with people with disabilities to help them learn job tasks and develop workplace interpersonal skills. Career coaching is a broader professional development process for adults at any stage of their working life who want clarity, direction or a change in their career.

Question 4

Who is career coaching suitable for?

Accepted Answer

Career coaching is suitable for anyone who feels stuck, unfulfilled or uncertain about their career direction. It is also valuable for people preparing for promotion, facing redundancy, considering a career change or wanting to align their work more closely with their personal values. You do not need to have a clear goal to start.

Question 5

How many career coaching sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions varies depending on your situation and goals. Some clients benefit from a single focused session while others work with Elizabeth over a longer period. The process is tailored to you. The best starting point is a free introductory session to discuss your situation and decide what would work best.

Question 6

Is there a free introductory session?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Straight Talk Coaching and Consultancy offers a free introductory session with no obligation. This is an opportunity to meet Elizabeth, explain your current situation and ask any questions about the coaching process before committing to anything.

Question 7

Where is Straight Talk Coaching and Consultancy based?

Accepted Answer

Straight Talk Coaching and Consultancy is based in Newcastle upon Tyne and serves clients across the North East of England, including Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham. Sessions are available in person and remotely.

Question 8

What qualifications does Elizabeth Harding-Massey hold?

Accepted Answer

Elizabeth Harding-Massey is a qualified careers adviser and teacher with a specialism in literacy, language and special educational needs. She is a member of the British School of Coaching, the Career Development Institute, the Institute of Leadership and Management and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), and abides by the EMCC Global Code of Ethics. She is also DBS checked.

Question 9

Does Straight Talk Coaching offer corporate or management coaching?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Straight Talk Coaching and Consultancy works with organisations as well as individuals. Corporate services include staff development coaching, productivity improvement, communication skills and diversity and inclusion support. Packages range from single workshop sessions to ongoing development programmes.

Question 10

How do I book career coaching in Newcastle?

Accepted Answer

You can book a free introductory session with Elizabeth Harding-Massey by calling 0191 466 1190 or by using the contact form at straighttalkcoaching.co.uk. There is no obligation attached to the introductory session.