How to Hire a Personal Coach

Ask friends or colleagues for referrals to coaches with whom they're working. Try to get a recommendation from someone with circumstances similar to yours. Calling the human resource department of corporations is another way to gather some names of reputable coaches to consider.

Turn to online sources to create a list of local coaches. Coach University (CoachInc.com) and the International Coach Federation (coachfederation.org) both have search functions that allow you to search for a coach by geographic area or specialty.

Request a list of referrals from coaches you've identified, so that you can speak with individuals they've counseled to get a sense of who is in the best position to help you.

Interview at least three coaches before making your selection. Ask contenders if they are accredited by any sort of professional association. Inquire about specific training and credentials, such as through Coach University, which provides coach training, and the International Coach Federation, which provides certification.

Ask the candidates to talk about their background and about what makes them a successful coach. Decide whether your personality meshes with theirs. Be sure you'll feel comfortable asking for help and taking direction from them. Is their approach hands-on and proactive, or is it so laid-back that you'll get feedback only when you seek it?

Schedule how long and how often you'll meet. Will face-to-face meetings will be augmented by phone calls, e-mails and other communication? Will there be any limits on this? How long should you commit to working together?

Develop realistic time frames to accomplish the goals you've set.

Find out what kind and how much homework will be expected. Will that fit your style and time frame?

Get a quote on how much the coach charges. Costs can reach $1,000 a month or more. Some provide face-to-face counseling while others are more phone- and e-mail-based.

Listen to your gut. No matter how great the recommendations, how many years they've been coaching or what famous clients they have, if you're not comfortable working with them, it won't be worth it.