How to find a good career coach or head hunter?

[Anonymous]

DH is being transferred and I will need to job search in our new city. I think my skills are pretty broad-based but I've been in the same industry for so long I'm not sure that I can adequately articulate how my skills would transfer into a new job or line of work.

If you've worked with a career coach, was it worth it and how much was it? Would I be better served with a local head hunter in my new city?

[Anonymous]

I feel like career coaches are a waste of time. Find a great recruiter with good clients and you will be better served IMO

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Any advice on how to find a reputable recruiter? I've never really had to job hunt since my jobs have fallen in my lap.

[Anonymous]

Depends on your industry. Googling would help.. not intending to be snarky

[Anonymous]

In my experience (as a lawyer), career coaches and recruiters are distinct. A coach works for you in helping identify your career goals, and strategize to reach those goals, which may include resume rewriting, "mock" interviewing, and recommendations on networking. A great coach will be familiar with the market where you are located. In contrast, a recruiter is paid by a company if it hires you. If you're not sure what work you want to do, then working with a recruiter isn't necessarily going to help you. I used a recruiter when I moved to CA from MA and knew that I wanted to work in a specific practice area in a law firm. I worked with a coach in 2011 when I wanted to transition from big law to a something else, and then again when I moved from CA to DC when I was tailoring my resume and job search.