Deciding to become a Health Coach is an exciting step! Most people know where to look when searching for traditional jobs, but where can you find them for online health coaching jobs?
What is Health Coaching?
Coaches are supportive mentors and wellness authorities who help people to feel their best. They can do this in several ways, including encouraging and guiding clients to explore food and lifestyle changes that help them meet their personal health and wellness goals. Coaches often meet one-on-one with clients but may also work with clients in a group setting.
Health Coaches mentor clients on how to integrate changes into their lives the best way possible, including how to take recommendations from these health professionals and make them a reality. In addition, there are many benefits to becoming a Health Coach, including:
- Creating a flexible career on your terms
- Earning an education and understanding the many aspects of health and wellness and how to coach clients to gain this understanding
- Learning how to equip your clients (and yourself!) with all the tools needed to sustain long-term lifestyle changes
- Supporting the larger healthcare system and filling the voids of traditional healthcare
Healthy living encompasses what we at IIN call bio-individuality, or the idea that everyone is unique, needs different things to thrive, and responds differently to various wellness and lifestyle approaches.
Why do people choose to become Health Coaches?
Choosing to begin your health coaching career will look different for everyone and will be unique to their circumstances and experiences. Health coaching offers freedom and flexibility in a time when that’s needed more than ever. Many people choose to become Health Coaches so they can find personal and professional fulfillment, work on their own schedules, and build the career of their dreams.
Types of Online Health Coaching Jobs
Health Coaches have more fully-remote opportunities than ever, so don’t feel that you are limited to offering in-person services and going into an office building every day. Here are just some examples of how you can coach online:
Corporate wellness
Now more than ever, employers are taking employee wellness seriously. While many companies have had employee health initiatives like smoking cessation programs, mental health counseling, and subsidized or in-house workout programs, some have recently begun investing in health coaching programs for their employees.
Medical partnerships
Medical partnerships can include working with and for hospitals and doctors' offices, as well as with insurance companies. In healthcare settings, coaches can work as part of a team to provide wellness education and coaching to clients or directly with individuals through an existing practice as a one-on-one mentor.
Insurance companies are beginning to understand the importance of preventative care as a way to reduce benefit payouts and, in turn, reduce healthcare premiums. Healthcare insurers have even started offering both Health Coach insurance (which insures coaching businesses) and covering coaching services for their clients.
Writing/Blogging
Health-focused websites are always on the lookout for talented writers with a passion for health and wellness. Publishing your work as an author or blogger is another great way to share your knowledge with the world. If you love cooking and creating recipes, you could launch a health-centric blog or cookbook that focuses on your love for food and nutrition, like IIN grad Kiran Dodeja Smith.
Ways to Find the Perfect Online Health Coaching Job
Believe it or not, you can find online coaching jobs in many of the same places as more traditional career opportunities.
Job websites
Most people start their job searches on job sites like LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, SimplyHired, Glassdoor, and FlexJobs. These platforms allow job seekers to follow their applications through the hiring process and aggregate jobs based on keyword searches, location, experience level, salary expectations, and more.
Company job boards
Most organizations have a section on their websites for open career or job opportunities. Like job sites, these offer the ability to narrow down your search by departments, locations, and experience level. These sites offer listings straight from the source and are typically updated most accurately, so if there’s a specific organization you’re interested, be sure to check here first.
Local publications
Local newspapers often have a designated section for local job postings. These can include part- and full-time opportunities, fully remote jobs, jobs with large, local corporations, and opportunities to work individually with members of your community. If you don’t have a newspaper in your local area, check your town or city’s website for similar listings.
Staffing firms
Staffing firms or independent recruiters act as a broker between applicants and potential employers. They are either hired by companies to find job seekers or by job seekers to find companies looking to hire. These organizations and individuals can often provide tips for specific opportunities and offer support during the job search.
Networking events
The saying “It’s about who you know, not what you know,” does ring a bit true. Networking, rubbing elbows, schmoozing, and getting to know others in your industry can open up opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise discovered. Industry events (even virtual ones) provide the chance to meet key players and create professional connections. Networking events include things like conferences, job fairs, webinars, and lectures.
Social media
Like networking events, social media offers the opportunity to create connections within the health and wellness community. It has the added advantage of access to job companies sharing updates about open job postings. Turning on post notifications about specific companies can help get your resume submitted as early as possible!
Organic search
When it doubt, Google it! Organic search aggregates job postings from all of the sources listed above for an easier view of available positions.
Three Tips to Land an Online Health Coaching Job
1. Build your resume and credentials
Health coaching programs help to build your resume and solidify your credentials as someone who walks the walk when it comes to health coaching. With online courses becoming increasingly abundant and platforms for creating these courses making it easy for anyone to offer informational material, it’s more important than ever to do your research and find the program that’s right for you.
2. Utilize technology
Spending time learning the ins and outs of the tools you have at your disposal can be extremely valuable. In an increasingly online world, having a professional digital footprint can help you gain clients and solidify your voice as an expert in the health and wellness community.
Taking learning one step at a time will help you develop technology skills if you don’t already have them. You can start with something as simple as a basic wellness blog, or even just a simple web page that says who you are and what you offer.
3. Invest in your workspace
No matter if you’re working from your home office, the dining room table, or a co-working space, investing in a clean, calm place to work can make a world of difference. Be sure to set boundaries when it comes to job hunting and beginning your coaching career (even as a side hustle) in order to avoid job search fatigue and burnout.
Take the First Step
If you’re looking to become a Health Coach, there has never been a better time to invest in yourself, become an entrepreneur, and change lives. Experience a taste of IIN for yourself by taking a free Sample Class today!
