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.

Throughout his career, Nick has held leadership positions at prestigious organizations such as Perficient, The Pillsbury Company, Accenture and Faegre Baker Daniels. His consulting portfolio includes work with Fortune 500 companies and notable institutions such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, General Mills, and Boston Scientific.

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. Throughout his career, Nick has held leadership positions at prestigious organizations such as Perficient, The Pillsbury Company, Accenture and Faegre Baker Daniels. His consulting portfolio includes work with Fortune 500 companies and notable institutions such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, General Mills, and Boston Scientific.

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