Zuri MartinezSometimes, you’ll really need an extra push to get that first job or move onto your actual dream job. This is why many seek help from professional coaches.
What if you can’t really afford being coached like an executive? Fret not; it isn’t the end of the world because there are still lots of places to get your career coaching from in Charlotte.
See them all, below!
How much does getting a career coach cost in Charlotte?
Getting a career coach can cost you an average of $100 to $150 per session. However, it may cost more depending on the caliber of your career coach, the actual process of coaching, and the number of sessions you’ll get.
1. Charlotte Works
Location: 8601 McAlpine Park Drive, Suite 110
Contact: (704) 566-2870, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday, Sunday, and every 3rd Friday – CLOSED
Charlotte Works is the official workforce development board for Mecklenburg County, and it operates as a nonprofit to help local job seekers. If you’re totally lost on where to start your career, we really think they’re worth a call, since all their services are free.
It can help unemployed folks prep for interviews, streamline resumés, and build skills through different workshops.
We’re especially in awe of the Working Smart classes, which help sharpen communication, time management, and problem-solving. These are soft skills that today’s workplaces expect a lot from new joiners.
We also found that counselors here are approachable and open to questions. They walk you through options that actually line up with your goals instead of tossing you generic advice.
The downside is that Charlotte Works’s services are only available to bona fide residents of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. But if you’re 100% Charlottean, you shouldn’t have any trouble tapping into this fantastic resource.
Assisted in all areas that I needed help in
“The staff was more than willing to assist me in all areas that I needed help and until I was finished .. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.”
– Quimby Phillips, Google Review
Excellent and FREE help in transitioning back into the workforce
“If you’re unemployed and needing assistance transitioning back into the work force, Charlotte Works offers a variety of excellent and FREE services to help you do this!!!”
– Bob DeMers, Google Review
2. Al Hardy Coaching
Location: 1115 Parkside Greenway Drive
Contact: (704) 564-9961, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Wednesday and Friday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
If cubicle life isn’t ‘you’ and you’d rather build your own thing, Al Hardy Coaching is worth a look. He’s a Coach Training Alliance-certified coach who helps small business owners and startups refine their life goals and entrepreneurial acumen.
Since Mr. Hardy has founded three startups himself, we see he’s more than qualified to offer grounded business advice, not just theory. Before that, he also worked in marketing for Unilever, which adds some serious branding and strategy to the mix.
We enjoyed the quick 15-minute exploratory call that’s as thorough as it was even for that ‘initial’ level. You can also grab his free “Make It Easier” entrepreneur guide to get a feel of his approach before going all in.
One thing to note is that Mr. Hardy is also a Christian pastor, which some might see as a plus but others might not connect with as much. No hard feelings if you decide to move on elsewhere.
Helps navigate new and difficult business decision-making
“Al Hardy is a fabulous business coach! He gives specific goals and helps you move forward. He also listens well and helps you navigate the new, unknown, and difficult decisions as a business owner. There have been areas of the business running I’m not good at, but he has helped provide the needed tips, resources, and support needed to grow my business. I highly recommend!”
– Katherine Fain, Google Review
Coached me to grow as a leader in my vocation and personal life
“Al has been coaching me in the profession that I am in for over a year. His wisdom and experience have helped me navigate through some very challenging situations. Through his gifts, Al has helped me grow as a leader, not just in my vocation, but in my personal life as well.”
– Robert Cook, Google Review
3. Andy Thomas Careers Now
Location: 9101 Kings Parade Boulevard, Suite 104
Contact: (704) 225-1391, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
Andy Thomas Careers Now has been a go-to career coaching business for over 10 years, and the ‘wisdom’ really shows. It has a sizable team of career coaches and resume writers ready to help with counseling, interview prep, and leadership coaching.
Its approach stood out to us because of the emphasis on giving out a tailor-made roadmap that’s built around each client’s strengths, passions, and goals.
Seems like we’re not alone on this island as many clients told us they went home with renewed confidence and a clearer sense of direction from here.
Since we’re living in such a digital world, we also love that Careers Now can help with social media strategy to make the story you’re telling on paper and in person match.
You can work with them for just a few sessions or sign up for up to a year if you want long-term support. The only catch is cost.
Straightforward yet hands-on career advice
“My background was highly specialized and seemingly relegated to one particular retail sector; therefore, I had some apprehensions about the overall success of any attempt to pivot my career. Andy was instrumental in helping me realize my own ambitions and develop a plan. His process is straightforward yet very hands-on for the applicant. You lead the hunting party while Andy serves as the trusted guide. Overall, the process took about 8 weeks from the first session to the offer letter and acceptance. I couldn’t be happier in my new career and would recommend Andy and his team without hesitation.”
– DANIEL MARSH, Google Review
Made me more confident in negotiating my salary
“Andy was recommended to me by a good friend and I’m so glad I took a step of faith. Andy is very professional, kind and gets to know “you”. He asks the right questions that makes you think about what drives you and what you’re passionate about. By talking with Andy, not only he help me find my dream job, I got a $15k raise and equity that could have tremendously value in the long term. I also found out the true reason why I was so unhappy in my current position. That made me more confident to ask more questions during interviews and negotiating my salary. Coach Andy is legit!”
– Janet Bracey, Google Review
4. UNC Charlotte Career Center
Location: Atkins Annex, 9201 University City Boulevard
Contact: (704) 687-0795, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
Niners, rejoice! Your alma mater’s Career Center is here to help both current students and seasoned grads land that first job or pivot to a new path.
It offers online resources like resumé guides and career decision-making tools; just log in with your university account. You can also book one-on-one or virtual appointments for assistance in revamping your resume or LinkedIn profile.
We love the Career Center’s Hire-a-Niner program, where jobseekers can connect with partner employers. If grad school is your next step, using the Center is one of the best ways to get connected with other institutions since you’re already in the system.
That said, UNC’s employer network could use some work. Some folk noted that it’s mostly helpful for fresh grads, not much for those looking for higher-level or more lucrative roles.
Still, UNC Charlotte’s Career Center is a great free resource that alumni shouldn’t skip.
Team eager to help
“Everyone’s always helpful and really eager to help!”
– Gary, Google Review
Great place to start career planning
“You can start here, but hire a private job recruiter for better results.”
– Robert B, Google Review
