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Career Coach

What Does a Job Coach Do?

June 02, 20253 min read

What Does a Job Coach Do? 5 Key Responsibilities You Need to Know

Breaking down the essential role of career coaching in today's competitive job market

Let's be honest - the job market can feel overwhelming.

Are you newly capped and gowned, plotting a daring career pivot, or dusting off those skills after a well-deserved sabbatical? Landing that dream gig can seem akin to hunting a needle in a field of haystacks. Enter the game-changing job coach—your career's new best friend. As a seasoned navigator for over 2,500 clients through the choppy waters of career transition, I can attest to the mighty power of expert guidance. Make no mistake, it's a game-changer.

"A job coach isn't just someone who helps you write a resume - we're your strategic partner in building the career you actually want." - Rustad

So what does a job coach actually do? We're professional guides who provide personalized career coaching to help you achieve your employment goals. But our role goes far beyond the basics you might expect.

What does a Job Coach do?

The Real Impact of Professional Career Coaching

Career Coaching by the Numbers

86%

of professionals see ROI from coaching

2,500+

clients I've personally mentored

3x

faster job placement with coaching

Career coaching isn't just for people starting out - I work with seasoned executives, mid-career professionals making transitions, and individuals with unique circumstances who need specialized support. The personalized approach makes all the difference because, frankly, cookie-cutter career advice doesn't work in today's dynamic job market.

5 Core Responsibilities of a Job Coach

1. Comprehensive Assessment

We start by understanding your unique situation, strengths, challenges, and career aspirations through structured evaluations and deep conversations.

2. Strategic Career Counseling

Providing personalized guidance to explore career paths, set realistic goals, and develop actionable plans aligned with market trends.

3. Job Placement Services

Leveraging professional networks and industry connections to match clients with opportunities that fit their skills and aspirations.

4. Interview & Resume Mastery

Crafting compelling personal brands through resume optimization and conducting mock interviews to boost confidence and performance.

5. Personal Development

Building essential soft skills like communication, leadership, and adaptability that are crucial for long-term career success.

Beyond the Basics: What Makes Career Coaching Effective

Here's what most people don't realize about professional career coaching - we're not just helping you land any job. We're focused on helping you build a fulfilling career that aligns with your values, leverages your strengths, and sets you up for long-term success.

At CoreTactic, I've built our approach around what I call "holistic career development." This means we look at your entire professional ecosystem - not just your resume or interview skills, but your personal brand, networking strategy, and even how you show up in professional relationships.

The CoreTactic Difference

After my own unexpected career transition in 2023, I founded CoreTactic with a vision that goes beyond traditional career counseling. We've created a comprehensive ecosystem that includes life coaching, business strategy, personal branding, and executive development - because your career doesn't exist in a vacuum.

Working with individuals who have disabilities or unique circumstances has taught me that everyone deserves access to meaningful work. Our vocational rehabilitation approach ensures that barriers become stepping stones, not roadblocks.

When Should You Work with a Job Coach?

You might be wondering if career coaching is right for you. In my experience, there are several key moments when professional guidance can make a transformative difference:

Career Transitions: Whether you're changing industries, stepping into leadership, or re-entering the workforce, transitions are complex. Having a guide who understands the landscape can save you months of trial and error.

Skill Development: The job market evolves rapidly. A life coach near me or career professional can help you identify which skills to develop and how to position yourself competitively.

Personal Barriers: Sometimes what's holding us back isn't external - it's internal. Confidence, communication skills, or simply knowing how to articulate your value can be game-changers.

Ready to Transform Your Career Journey?

Don't navigate the job market alone. Whether you're looking for a career coach near me or need comprehensive career support, CoreTactic is here to help you achieve your professional goals.


Nick T. Rustad, MBA, CSM, CSPO is a seasoned executive, best-selling author, and professional coach with over 25 years of experience in corporate America. As the co-owner and chief coach of CoreTactic, a career and startup coaching company, Nick leverages his extensive background in leadership and consulting to guide clients through career transitions and how to start a new company.

Nicholas T. Rustad, CoreTactic Executive Career and Business Coach

Nick T. Rustad, MBA, CSM, CSPO is a seasoned executive, best-selling author, and professional coach with over 25 years of experience in corporate America. As the co-owner and chief coach of CoreTactic, a career and startup coaching company, Nick leverages his extensive background in leadership and consulting to guide clients through career transitions and how to start a new company.

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Career and Business Coaching Frequently Asked Questions

What services does CoreTactic provide it's clients?

CoreTactic offers advanced professional coaching in career development, business growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to help individuals and companies achieve clarity, strategy, and measurable results. With 25+ years of consulting and 2,500+ clients served, we specialize in actionable plans that create real success.

Why is coaching important for professionals and businesses?

Coaching provides structure, accountability, and outside perspective. Whether you’re looking to transition into a new career, expand your business, or strengthen your leadership skills, the right coaching program accelerates progress and helps you avoid costly mistakes. CoreTactic combines proven methods with personalized guidance.

How does CoreTactic’s approach stand out?

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Each client receives a customized plan built around their strengths, goals, and challenges. Our coaching blends strategic business insights with practical career development, helping professionals and companies scale with confidence.

How can I get started?

Getting started is simple. Schedule a free discovery call at call.coretactic.net. We’ll discuss your goals, outline a plan, and help you decide the best next step. Most clients see clarity and results within the first few sessions.

How can CoreTactic help me build a resume that passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?

We guide you to create resumes that are both human-friendly and ATS-compliant. That means optimizing with relevant keywords, using clean formatting, structuring sections for easy parsing, and tailoring each resume version for the job you’re applying to. Clients often see better recruiter response rates within weeks.

What is life coaching, and how is it different from career or business coaching?

Life coaching focuses on your overall well-being, values, and fulfillment—not just work or income. Career coaching zeroes in on your job path and professional identity, while business coaching concentrates on growth and strategy. Life coaching integrates mindset, relationships, and purpose with your career and business path for lasting success.

If I already have a business idea, how does CoreTactic help me validate it before launching?

We reduce risk by guiding you through market research, hypothesis testing, minimum viable product (MVP) design, financial modeling, and customer feedback loops. This process prevents wasted effort and ensures your business launches with data-driven confidence.

What kinds of results can I expect from career coaching with CoreTactic, and in what timeframe?

Results often include clearer direction, improved resumes and LinkedIn profiles, more interviews, stronger offers, and faster transitions. Many clients see tangible progress in 4–8 weeks, with momentum building significantly over 3–6 months.

How does business coaching with CoreTactic differ for a startup vs. an established company?

For startups, we focus on idea validation, lean marketing, and MVP development. For established companies, we emphasize scaling, leadership, team building, and process optimization. Every coaching plan is tailored to your stage and challenges.

What if I’m uncertain about what career or business I want to pursue? Can you help me find clarity?

Yes. We use assessments, reflection exercises, and structured exploration to uncover strengths, patterns, and passions. From there, we identify practical, viable directions that align with your goals and lifestyle. You don’t need to have the answers when you start—just openness to explore.

How much time should I expect to invest per week while working with a coach?

Typically 1 coaching session per week (60–90 minutes) and 2–4 hours of focused work or reflection. This structure ensures steady progress without overwhelming your schedule, and we adapt to your availability and goals.

How do you measure the success of a coaching engagement?

We establish key performance indicators (KPIs) such as job interviews, salary improvements, revenue growth, or milestone achievements. We also track qualitative shifts like confidence and clarity. Progress is reviewed regularly and plans adjusted to ensure measurable impact.

Can I combine business coaching and career coaching services?

Yes. Many clients pursue both career and business goals simultaneously. For example, an executive might launch a side business while advancing in their corporate role. We adapt coaching focus as your priorities evolve.

What type of clients do you typically work with, and who is best suited for CoreTactic coaching?

We partner with mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, and individuals seeking holistic success. If you’re ready to invest time, take consistent action, and want measurable results, you’ll find CoreTactic a strong fit. Transformation requires commitment, and we walk with you every step.