Interview Coaching: A Home-Based Business On The Cutting Edge

You name it - Blackberry, Skype Connection, Cell Phone, iPhone – these are the tools of this trade.

Who would believe that someone with a home-based business could reach out to someone in a far away country and work with a client via a Blackberry and a cell phone?

Picture this scenario:

My phone rings and I answer to find that the call is from a man and he says, “Hello, I’m calling from Israel.” I’m sitting in California, USA and I am a bit shocked by this announcement. Why would someone from Israel be calling me?

He is calling to get interview coaching for an interview that will take place in Israel – in Hebrew. .

My immediate response is, “I can’t help you, I don’t know anything about Israel and interviewing there.” But this man is determined and he says that he will also be interviewing in the US. He wants feedback on his techniques and answers and has found my website on the internet.

If he is willing so am I. So, the coaching progresses over a few weeks and a few calls – over the BlackBerry and email and even my cell phone when I am out of town. Our last session is to coach him through his salary negotiations on an offer he has received.

The wonderful ending to this story is that the man “got the job” and was able to negotiate a higher salary offer from the company. He is thrilled and thinks that my interview coaching was the reason for his success. He thinks that I am great!

What a wonderful, crazy world we live in. The sky’s the limit! But, is it for you?

The business of coaching in general is quietly taking over the $427 Billion home-business sector by storm. The average income generated by home office households is $63,000 a year. The secret of success of a coaching business is finding the right niche for you. The niche that will satisfy your needs – a niche where you can possibly make a difference. Do you want to make a difference? Most people do.

My niche is Interview Coaching which is my way to connect with people all over the United States and beyond. To be able to reach out and help someone – and to be appreciated is what my business is about. Can you think of a better way to make a living? A career where you can make a difference – make a good income - on your time – in your own home – or while you are traveling! It’s so rewarding, it doesn’t even feel like “work.”

You might think that just anyone could hang out a “sign” and advertise themselves as an Interview Coach. In reality they can do that, but that doesn’t mean that they have what it takes to do a good job or will be able to reap the benefits for their clients or themselves. There are some factors that will determine what makes a really good interview coach.

Here’s a little quiz for you to take to determine if this might be a niche for you to explore further.

__ I am an excellent listener

You should be able to really “hear” people when they talk. Many times you’ll notice some hidden things they’re saying if you read between the lines. Sometimes it’s fear, and sometimes they’re holding back or just plain “beat up.”

__ I am good at “reading” people –

Some people say they are “people persons” but they don’t know how to look beyond what is on the surface. To look into the person’s “soul” and see what is going on – “Who is this person?” That’s a special gift that will make you very successful at this business.

__ I have great communication skills

Good communication skills begin with listening and then letting the person know that they have been heard. It is also adjusting your communication level to match the person you are talking to – an executive, a laboratory assistant, a lawyer, an administrative assistant – a few of your potential clients.

__ I am patient and will take time to explain what needs to change

Some people do not have the patience to take the time to listen to a long story or to have to explain something over or in a different way to get your point across. Patience is a gift.

__ I am capable of giving straight forward feedback

How do you tell someone that they aren’t doing something affectively? You give straight-forward facts that are sometimes difficult to say. If you do not have the strength to critique, then you will not be of value to the person as a teacher/coach. If someone keeps doing the same thing over – they will get the same results. You must be able to point the way to changes that will make a difference.

__ I would make a great teacher/coach

If you have previous experience as a manger/HR professional/supervisor/teacher/coach, you know your ability and your strengths and your weaker points. If you are starting out, you have to determine if you want to spend time with people teaching them new skills and techniques that will make a difference in their lives.

__ I have patience and good customer service skills

Sometimes people change their minds, cancel appointments, don’t show up for appointments. It’s all part of having a business. Your customer service policy will be of your own choosing and values. The best policy is to keep the customer satisfied – whatever that takes - within reason.

__ I’m good at figuring out problems

This is the most exciting part of interview coaching. To ask the questions and find out what is going on. Why isn’t this person - who has gone on 20 interviews - getting any offers? Asking many questions and listening and reading between the lines will give you clues to solving the problem – and offering solutions or changes.

__ I want to make a difference

You’ve come to the right place. You can help people change their lives. You can help them to be more competitive in the job market. You can help them see that some jobs are wrong for them. Sometimes they don’t understanding that they have power in the interview process. You can enlighten them. You change their way of thinking.

__ I’m good at giving motivational reinforcement

After you’ve given them the straight-forward feedback you will have to work to build that esteem back to a place where they will appreciate that they have something to offer. They haven’t been selling the interviewers by using certain techniques that will make a difference. You can encourage, praise, cheer, and believe in them. That is the greatest gift that you can give your clients. That’s what this business is about.

How many checks were you able to put on the list? If you have six out of the ten skills required – or higher – this may be a place for you to explore.

What is life after all if it isn’t about making a difference? You can make a difference in your own life as well as other peoples’ lives. The rewards are when a young college student sends you an email that says she just got the job. Or a man who has been on 20 interviews with no offers writes that he finally received a job offer – and he is calling to thank you for making a difference in his life. .

Being an interview coach offers new challenges, variety and the chance to play many different roles during a single day. The roles may vary with each client. The clients are all different –people in transition, or up for an internal promotion, or people changing fields, or young people entering the work force. And, don’t forget the “walking wounded” – who have been laid off, or fired, or just quit when they couldn’t take it any longer. These people need help – they need encouragement – they need caring for. And they just keep on coming – keeping your phone ringing.

You too can play a role in peoples’ lives, in their successes, and in their job satisfaction. It can be a very rewarding experience for you – that happens over, and over, and over – extending all over the world. You can make a difference as an Interview Coach.

Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Coach and author is telling her interview business coaching success secrets. Learn how to become an Interview coach at www.interviewcoachingbusiness.com