Life Coaching Jobs: Tips to Find & Secure Your Next Role

Hey there, coach! Ever feel like navigating the world of life coaching jobs is like trying to find your way through a maze without a map? Whether you’re stepping into this journey for the first time or looking to level up your coaching career, we’ve got your back.

In this blog post, we’re diving deep into the secrets of finding and securing your next role in the vibrant field of life coaching. From uncovering hidden opportunities to nailing your interviews, we’re laying it all out.

We’re Cass and Tee, the dynamic duo behind Lovely Impact, your go-to resource for all things coaching. With our fingers on the pulse of the coaching industry, we’re here to guide you through the twists and turns of securing life coaching jobs that not only fulfill your career aspirations but also resonate with your personal mission.

Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Let’s jump right in and turn those life coaching dreams into reality!

Why Life Coaching Jobs?

Success story after success story is piling up higher than a mountain!

People are catching on to the EXTRAORDINARY work life coaches do AND they are achieving their goals.  

Where’s the proof? We got it!

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) did a study to understand the growth and trajectory of the life coaching industry. 

The results blew us away! 

From 2019 to 2022, life coaching jobs grew a whopping 54% (read the article here). 

People are becoming more conscious of life coaching as a secret weapon to achieve greater possibilities. That means there’s a demand for people like YOU. 

We’re going to tap into a wellspring of tips to guide you find and secure a role as a life coach. 

If you’re ready to jump into the sea of life coaching opportunities, this ship is ready to set sail.

Understanding the Life Coaching Landscape

Life coaching is as diverse as the critters of the jungle!

The sky’s the limit when you’re looking to pick a niche and specialize. Let’s delve into the life coaching landscape and life coaching specialization. 

What is Life Coaching?

Life coaching is a one-of-a-kind approach to tackling personal and professional obstacles and achieving goals. 

It’s different from therapy, counseling, and mentorships. 

We can even take it one step further than that!: Life coaching is also different from business and career coaching. 

Life coaching focuses on personal growth and development through self-discovery.

Business and career coaching focuses on overcoming obstacles to achieve professional ambitions and turn business cubs into business lions! Individuals who are sharp with decision making, ambitious, and know how to flex those business muscles.

Life coaches are all about equal partnerships with their clients! 

There’s no preaching, talking down to, or lecturing here! Life coaches walk with clients on a transformative journey rather than telling clients what to do.

Skills and Qualifications Required

Let’s get turbocharged with essential skills and qualifications!

Starting with active listening and empathy. Listen to understand, not to respond or judge. 

Your clients want to know they’re in a safe place to share and be vulnerable. When the cards are all laid on the table, clients should feel welcome and comfortable. 

Next up, the ability to motivate others is top tier stuff. A successful coach-client relationship knows where to go to dig deep and find the motivation to press on!

Niches in Life Coaching

The life coaching industry is like a scrumptious buffet. There are so many possibilities that it can be hard to know what to put on your plate. Here are some niches to look into. 

Take note: These are like umbrella niches, they cover all the major categories of life coaching. 

• Relationship coaching. If only we could know what our partners are thinking! Never fear! Relationship coaching gets clients clarity on their relationships. Clients come to you because they want to build their interpersonal awareness, set boundaries, learn to relate, exercise conflict resolution, communicate better, and heal intimacy. You’ll help couples, marriages, and families find balance.
• Health and wellness coaching. If you enjoy learning about nutrition and keeping up with the latest health trends, health and wellness coaching might be for you! Clients come to you when they have health risk factors, and engage in poor lifestyle habits. You’ll guide them on a health journey to enjoyable clean eating, start exercise without being grumpy, manage stress, reduce health risk factors, and reach health and lifestyle-related goals.
• Financial life coaching. Bring on the moolah! If you love thinking, talking, and breathing money, this one’s for you! In this niche, you’ll help clients improve money management skills and money habits. You’ll guide clients to understand what drives their financial decision-making and relationship with money so they can reach their financial goals. Keep in mind this is not a role where investment advice is given!

Feeling like this is REALLY general? We feel the same. 

Let’s take a peek underneath the umbrella and GET SPECIFIC!

Like a tree in the desert, micro-niching is a solid way to stand out in the bustling market. 

For example, if health and wellness coaching is your vibe, you might specialize even further into plant-based nutrition, gut health, or working with high-level athletes. 

If relationship coaching is more of your drumbeat, you might specialize in newlyweds, sibling battles, or parenting. 

⚡ Craving a deeper dive? Grab our Niche Clarity Workbook – your personal GPS to navigate the coaching world, pinpoint your dream clients, and rev up your brand’s charm. 

Types of Life Coaching Jobs

Now that you’re jittery and excited because you found a niche that sings the perfect tune for you, there are a few more things to consider. 

Decide what you want to get out of your life coaching job.

Yes! We totally work for our clients. BUT! Knowing what you want out of your career will make looking for work MUCH simpler. 

Employee Coaching Positions

If you like rocking to the regularity of a 9 to 5 job, employee life coaching positions are for you! 

You can work for organizations like corporate wellness programs or employee development initiatives. 

You get the awesome benefit of having a supervisor to support you when things get tough. 

You also get a regular comfy schedule, AND the ability to focus on life coaching without all the other business backend stuff to distract you. 

It’s all cushy and fine until… you realize you want something a little more. 

That’s where private practice comes in. 

In private practice, you’re responsible for: 

• Getting clients
• Deciding your schedule
• Managing overhead costs
• Being your own boss

Why would anyone want to leave a cushy 9 to 5 to get things all hectic, you ask?

Fantastic question!  

First, you get freedom from a rigid 9 to 5.

Plus, you have the opportunity to SCALE your business and raise the cap on your income. 

Not to mention, you’re free to specialize however you want. 

No following a company agenda, sticking to their rules, and playing it safe. 

In private practice you get to sharpen your skills even further as a life coach in a way you want.

But it’s also super valuable if you have robust time management, bookkeeping experience, problem solving skills, customer service skills, marketing prowess, and a “go get ‘em” attitude.  

Freelance and Contract Coaching Roles

From employee positions to private practice, there’s already an enormous amount of possibilities with life coaching jobs — but we’re not done yet!

You might be wondering how freelance and contract life coaching jobs are different from other roles.

Let’s take a closer look.

Freelance vs. Employee Positions

Freelancers are self-employed and get paid on a per-project basis. They don’t receive benefits, tend to thrive in a solo work environment and work with a variety of clients that they choose.

An amazing benefit of working freelance positions is you get a bit of extra cash alongside your 9 to 5 making this a perfect side hustle. If you’re ambitious you can make this a full-time thing!

Freelance vs. Private Practice

Freelance and private practice owners have one MAJOR thing in common. Both are self-employed. The difference is that private practice owners have to take care of overhead costs, like renting a space, working with office staff, and making sure everyone dances to the same beat to create a smooth workflow.

In self-employed life coaching jobs, you do have a few more steps to master compared to employee positions. 

Is it worth it? 

Here’s the conclusion in a nutshell: Some business owners wouldn’t trade the freedom and BOSS status for any 9 to 5 in the WHOLE WORLD. 

If you want to answer the call of THIS wild, here are some things you’ll want to make sure you have. 

Once you’ve found yourself a few clients as a self-employed life coach, you gotta keep things in order! Prioritizing tasks and time management are 100% must-haves. 

Communication and efficient communication methods are the bread and butter of every. Single. Business. Period. 

You can use:

• Email
• Slack
• Text messaging
• Messaging on another platform
• Phone calls

Do what you’re most comfortable with to start. But be ready to communicate with a potential client in a way that makes it more convenient for them!

Last, a CRM (customer relationship management) system that fits your needs is ESSENTIAL. If you don’t know what CRMs are they keep the following things in ship shape!:

• Contracts: Never enter a business agreement without one. Everyone should know the terms of an agreement clearly and what is expected from each other. 
• Proposals: Let clients know EXACTLY what they’re paying for. No surprises! 
• Bookkeeping: Keep all your expenses, and purchases in order to write them off during tax season. Keep track of EVERYTHING!
• Accounting: Don’t be afraid of the IRS during tax season! Know exactly where money is flowing. 

Yep! CRMs are the backbone of your business. 

All the non-glamourous but critical things that need to be done can get done easily with a CRM. Taking out the stress of running the back end of your business! Check out the 15 Best CRM for Coaches (Ranked & Reviewed).

Finally, let’s unearth the golden question when it comes to freelancing and contract life coaching jobs: 

How do you maintain a steady income?

Sorry, coach! There is no secret! But here are some tips that can get you there:

• Define and research your target clients relentlessly. Have you not downloaded our FREE Ideal Client Avatar Worksheet yet? 
• Invest in your skills and yourself periodically. Check out our blog on ‘The Best Affordable Life Coach Certifications’ to find the perfect program to level up your skills without breaking the bank.
• Always use a contract. Arm yourself with knowledge from our blog ‘Life Coaching Contract: Your Guide to Protecting Your Practice.’ It’s your first step in safeguarding your services and ensuring peace of mind.
• Use online tools and software platforms to be organized and create a streamlined workflow. We’ve got you covered with a blog post that highlights the best platforms to streamline your workflow and keep everything in tip-top shape!

• Keep an updated record or portfolio of your successes. Use them to show others what you can do!
• Find high-paying clients — Don’t underestimate your rockstar coaching talent!

Finding Life Coaching Jobs

Now that we’ve cleared up the fog about niches and types of coaching roles, let’s demystify where to find life coaching jobs. 

Networking

Ok, here’s a big one that stumps so many rookies! 

Be comfortable talking about what you do!

Don’t be shy, coach!  We mean it!

To find life coaching jobs that are a perfect fit, networking IS the secret sauce. 

If you decide to attend industry events, be prepared with professional business cards — collect business cards from others, too. 

Research the attendees if possible. Make social media useful for your business, coach! 

Yep! You know what we mean! Fire up the Gram, Facebook, or TikTok, and put those detective skills you learned on your high school crush and get to know people!

Check out websites, profiles, and sales pages, too. 

Put your best smile on and introduce yourself to others, and more importantly, break into circles and follow up super fast! Out of the dozens of people you meet, the one who will stick out the most is the one who follows up the VERY SAME DAY!

The same applies to joining professional organizations. 

Be selective about which professional organization you choose and know the ins and outs of its structure. 

Get to know people with similar interests and be the spark that ignites collaboration. Plus, you can look for a mentor, and add value to the group through the things you learn. 

Next up, use social media to curate YOUR identity. 

Social media is a hive buzzing with possibilities and clients. 

First, you’ll want to clean up your posts if you need to. Start posting content relevant to life coaching jobs in your niche to position yourself as an expert. 

Then, confidently jump into the DMs, introduce yourself, and start conversations with others in your niche. 

The end goal is to transform a connection into a referral — and your very first client!

Online Boards for Life Coaching Jobs

When you’re first dipping your toes into your job hunt, you can start with traditional job boards:

• LinkedIn
• Flexjobs
• Coach.me
• ZipRecruiter
• Indeed
• SimplyHired

You can also go directly to company websites to see if they are hiring for contract life coaching jobs. 

When you create a profile for your socials or job application, make sure you use a professiona-looking headshot. 

No need to drop hundreds on a photographer! A photo that showcases you as approachable, friendly, and professional — with good lighting — is enough.

By the way, you look great, coach!

Overcome your camera shyness for the sake of living out your life coaching dream! 

In your profile description, write a short and quick summary about who you are, and what problems you solve. 

Take note! You can touch on what makes you different. But the truth is EVERYONE does that!

Spice it up and REALLY stand out by emphasizing what your client gets out of working with you.

People want to know what you can do for them more than anything else!

Starting Your Own Practice

If you’re a coach who’s curious about starting your own private practice, you’ve scrolled to the right place!

It’s an exciting goal to create a warm and welcoming place for clients to experience personal growth. 

We’re bouncing with anticipation because we know this is a 1000% rewarding decision!

We’re going to put the spotlight on 3 steps to get you started.

1. Define your target audience. Figure out who you want to work with so you can create your brand message and signature identity around them. It’s easier to market yourself to a specific type of client rather than screaming in a megaphone at anyone who will listen!

➡️ Let our FREE Ideal Client Avatar Worksheet be your guide. It’s like a crystal ball, helping you see into the hearts and dreams of your audience, so you can speak their language and connect on a whole new level. 

2. Build a website. A website is like a late-night fireworks show. It makes some noise, flashes bright colors, and gets heads turning. Use a website to attract your ideal client. Avoid throwing something into the internet hoping it sticks. Take the time to craft a message that speaks to the heart and soul of your ideal client. 

➡️ Don’t stress over your website design. We have stunning templates ready for you. Want more in-depth guidance? Chat with us here! We’d love to help your private practice blossom.

3. Market your coaching biz. A website is one part of your marketing strategy. Once you have it sparkling and ready to go there are other strategies you can use to attract clients to it. You can start an email list, blog, implement social media, or paid ads. 

➡️ For the ultimate boost in your journey, dive into our Coaching Business Sales & Marketing Bundle – it’s packed with everything you need to elevate your strategy and magnetically pull clients to your sparkling new website!

It’s tempting to jump into finding a physical location right away with paint swatches and decorative pieces in hand. We totally understand you want an inspiring space where transformation takes place. 

BUT if you follow the steps we’ve outlined, you’ll be set up for success in your private practice. Put the effort in here. A fancy space is better if you have clients to fill it!

Securing Your Next Role

Finding your next life coaching role is all about making a big splash and getting noticed. Like a blazing orange sunset, your application should capture the eyes and admiration of hiring managers. 

Here’s how to do it. 

Crafting a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

Blinking cursors can be dreadful! But a cover letter is where you get to put the spotlight on your BEST qualities. 

We know it’s time-consuming when you’re already putting in so much work looking for life coaching jobs. 

However, each cover letter should be tailored to highlight your superb and relevant coaching talent for each position. When you land a job that sparks your spirit, you’ll be SO happy you took the time. 

Cover letters shouldn’t repeat what’s in a resume. Don’t fall into that trap! 

Instead, connect with hiring managers with eye-grabbing client success stories and ways you brought value to your last position. 

Your resume should follow that same idea. 

Avoid talking about boring job duties. Fill your resume with vibrant color by including accomplishments and achievements with past clients or roles.

Instead of listing skills, bulk it up!  Talk about how those skills were applied. 

For example, instead of saying “Adept at problem-solving” try, “Teaching clients mindfulness, meditation, and stress management.”

Instead of saying “empathetic listener” try, “Provided one-on-one coaching with an overall 94% satisfaction rate.”

See the difference? 

One is just stuff we’ve all heard before. Boring and basic! 

The other paints a STRONG picture of your skills. Results and outcomes should be the main focus of your cover letters and resume when applying to life coaching jobs. 

These are like signal flares that catch the attention of employers and leave them wanting to know more.

Interview Tips for Life Coaching Jobs

When you get a phone call, or email for an interview — celebrate! That’s a win… and a wonderful tip-off that your resume and cover letters are impactful.

Let’s unravel the ins and outs of a successful interview. 

1. Start with research. Make sure the employer’s field aligns with your expertise. Understand what life coach role the employer is looking to fill and what challenges they are facing as a company. You want to be the perfect match! 
2. Be prepared with examples of your previous client success stories. Get your ducks lined in a row! Know how to describe what problems you solved, how you solved them, and the outcome. 
3. Tie in a few of your strongest skills.  Like critical thinking, adaptability, or empathetic listening. Have these etched on your heart. You’ll likely go back to these a lot during your quest for life coaching jobs. 
4. Practice answering common life coaching questions. Say your most cringey answer in the privacy of your home. Make your mistakes without anyone hearing. Better to do it at home than on interview day!
5. Dress professionally. Finally, the big day is here. Interview day! Tap into your inner fashionista and dress (professionally) to impress! Give off those cool, composed, perfect candidate vibes. 
6. Be yourself. Know what you bring to the table. In the end, the more aligned you are with your signature identity, the happier and more successful you’ll be in your life coaching role. 

Here are 7 thought-provoking questions to the cogs turning:

• Why do you want to be a life coach?
• How do you handle difficult clients?
• Which goal was the most meaningful goal accomplished by a client? Why?
• What are your core values?
• How do you handle criticism?
• What does your coaching process look like?
• How do you deter clients from setting ill-advised goals?

Negotiating Salary and Benefits

Does the thought of talking about money get your heart racing with nervousness? And your inner critic suddenly shows up uninvited?

We’re here to tell you that your services are priceless, coach! 

There’s really no reason to cut yourself short when you think about the awesome client transformations you’ll be facilitating.

Here are some ways to negotiate with red-hot confidence.

1. Research. Familiarize yourself with market averages, life coaching trends, and how your experience aligns with the coaching role. 
2. Consider your education and career level. Education can catapult your career along with licenses and certifications.
3. Don’t focus on your weaknesses. Instead, build a case with previous successes to support your negotiation.
4. Rehearse. Call up a family member or trusted friend to practice and smooth out any bumps you might run into. 
5. Be grateful. You’re a one-of-a-kind coach, and you’ve poured out your heart and soul to get an interview. Allow yourself to be gracious for your interviewer’s time. 
6. Walk away when it’s not working. It can be hard when you feel so close to nabbing a sweet role. But if the role isn’t jiving well, it’s time to let go. 
7. Know the details that influence compensation for life coaching jobs. For example geography, specialization or niche, years of experience, and years in an industry.  
8. Know your worth! Life coaching is an extraordinary profession and you should be compensated fairly for it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions section of our deep dive into life coaching jobs! We know you’ve got questions buzzing around in your head, and guess what? We’re here to answer them. Think of this part of our journey together as that cozy coffee shop chat where we spill the beans on everything you’ve been curious about. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty, shall we?

How much money can you make as a life coach?

Ah, the million-dollar question—literally! The income of a life coach can vary as widely as the coaching niches themselves. On average, life coaches charge anywhere from $50 to over $500 per hour, depending on their experience, specialty, and the value they provide. Full-time life coaches can make between $30,000 to over $100,000 annually. The key? It’s all about building a strong brand, delivering undeniable value, and connecting deeply with your clients. Remember, as your reputation grows, so does your potential to earn.

How do you get hired as a life coach?

Landing that dream life coaching job is a mix of preparation, persistence, and a pinch of networking magic. Start by honing your coaching skills and getting certified; clients and employers love knowing you’ve got the credentials to back up your passion. Next, craft a standout resume that showcases your coaching philosophy, successes, and unique approach. Then, hit the ground running by applying to coaching positions, attending networking events, and making your presence known on social media and coaching platforms. And remember, every conversation could be the doorway to your next big opportunity.

What exactly does a life coach do?

Imagine being the guiding light that helps people navigate through their foggiest moments to reach their brightest destinations. That’s what life coaches do. They work with clients to clarify goals, identify obstacles holding them back, and create actionable plans for personal and professional success. Whether it’s a career change, improving relationships, or finding balance, life coaches are there to support, encourage, and empower. It’s not just a job; it’s an art and a science of unlocking potential.

What qualifies you as a life coach?

Qualifying as a life coach isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions. While there’s no one-size-fits-all path, most successful life coaches have a mix of formal training, certification from reputable coaching organizations, and a genuine desire to help others. It’s also about personal qualities: empathy, patience, and the ability to listen and provide constructive feedback. Combine these with a solid understanding of coaching techniques, and you’re well on your way to making a meaningful impact in the life coaching world.

Conclusion

And just like that, we’ve journeyed together through the ins and outs of securing life coaching jobs, all while keeping the vibe light and the information flowing. From the very first step of understanding what life coaching involves, to the nitty-gritty of getting hired, we’ve covered the ground to help set your coaching career on a vibrant path.

We kicked things off by shining a light on what life coaching jobs entail and the potential they hold for both personal fulfillment and professional growth. We delved into the essentials of what makes a great life coach, from the skills you need to the heart it takes to truly make a difference. Together, we explored where to find these coveted roles and how to stand out in a sea of applicants. And, of course, we wrapped up with some pro tips on thriving once you’ve landed your dream job.

Now, we’re turning the spotlight over to you:

What’s the one action you’re pumped to take after reading this post?

Is it updating your resume with a fresh sprinkle of your unique coaching philosophy? Maybe you’re ready to dive into a new certification to polish your skills? Or are you itching to network like a pro at the next coaching meetup?

Or perhaps there’s a lingering question on your mind about life coaching jobs.

Whatever it is, we’re all ears and can’t wait to hear from you. Drop us a comment below and let’s keep this conversation buzzing. Don’t forget to share this blog with fellow coaching enthusiasts who might be on the lookout for their next big opportunity.

Together, let’s create ripples in the world of life coaching jobs, transforming lives one coaching session at a time.