Hiring a Coach? Here Are 8 Must-Ask Questions to Find the Perfect Fit
Discover the Key Questions that Will Help You Make the Right Choice and Achieve Real Results
We’re living in a world flooded with advice, opinions, and self-proclaimed coaches. The coaching industry is powerful—done right, it can change your life. But with this billion-dollar industry booming, finding the right coach for you can feel like navigating a minefield. What if you invest in a coach, and they don’t deliver the results you expect? What if they’re not the right fit from the start? That’s a real challenge.
If you’re looking for a coach, don’t settle. Be picky. Ask the tough questions. Some people feel like they need options—and that’s okay—but remember: your intuition is your most powerful tool you own. Trust it. If something feels off, it’s either a story you’re holding onto or your gut telling you something you can’t ignore. Don’t run from that feeling.
You don’t always need to interview a dozen coaches. Trust your gut more than anything and ask the right questions. Don’t just hire someone because they were tagged in a Facebook post as someone you should work with. Remember: The person who tagged them knows maybe 2% of what you're really going through—or at least what you’ve shared.
Understand what coaching really is and, more importantly, what YOU need to kickstart your growth journey. If you haven’t already, check out my article on the difference between coaching and therapy—click here to read it. Knowing what you need first is the best way to set yourself up for success.
Let’s Break This Down
I’m giving you the key questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and much more. Let’s dive in:
Questions to Ask Your Potential Coach:
How long have they been coaching?
Experience matters. A coach with years of practice has likely refined their skills. But don’t just look at the number of years—they need to connect with you and meet your specific needs. Can they help you move forward? Can they truly guide you?Do they have clients willing to share real results?
Testimonials and success stories are critical. A coach should be able to show you real examples of clients who’ve achieved success. No fluff. No exaggeration.Have they been trained?
Life experience alone doesn’t make someone a coach. Training is essential. Without it, a coach can do more harm than good. I’ve trained dozens of coaches, and I make sure they do deep personal work before helping others. Ask them: Have you invested in the right personal growth or coaching skills to get me real results?Are they in their own "circle of crazy"?
If you’re seeking help with marriage issues, don’t pick a coach who’s struggling in their own marriage. Coaches should have navigated their own challenges and come out stronger. Ask them about their personal journey. If their life is in turmoil, it’s not the right time for them to coach you.Do they align with your values?
Alignment is everything. If your values don’t align—whether it’s faith, lifestyle, or core beliefs—it will create a disconnect. You need a coach whose values resonate with yours at least 80% of the time. And ask them what their values are. Red flag: If they spend the entire call talking about their views and themselves—move on. A coach should be focused on YOU.What is their approach to coaching?
A good coach listens and asks the right questions. They don’t just throw out suggestions without understanding your needs. They tailor their approach to YOU—not some generic cookie-cutter method. Ask how they personalize their coaching for each person.Do they have a coach or mentor?
The best coaches have their own coaches. If they don’t, how can they guide you effectively? Commitment to growth is essential. If they’re not willing to invest in themselves, how can they help you invest in your future?How do they communicate with you?
A coach should treat you with respect. If they talk down to you or create a toxic space, that’s a red flag. Good coaches challenge you when needed, but they also make sure you’re in a safe, supportive environment. They should never accuse or get mad at you for missing homework. And how quickly do they respond to you? Communication is a two-way street, and that means they need to value their time and yours. Ask about their availability and how they structure communication.Are They Salesy?
Sales is a vital part of the coaching industry, and let’s be real: we’re all selling something. But the truth is, your coach should never pressure you into making a decision right then and there—especially without giving you the time and information you need to make an informed choice.
I’m a big fan of consulting people who help you make decisions, like your spouse or trusted mentors. If you’re a business owner hiring a business coach, that might be a different scenario. But the coach you’re hiring should be okay with you taking the time to gather your information and make a decision. If they’re pushing you to commit immediately, that’s a red flag—it forces both of you into a partnership that might not work.
Do give them a timeline for your decision. Coaches need to fill their schedules, and they can’t wait forever. You have to strike a balance between being decisive and ensuring it’s the right fit.
Do They Offer a Free Session to Uncover Your Needs?
Ask! This is crucial to see if they’re the right fit for you. Some coaches—especially those who have been doing this for years—might not offer a free session because their schedules are already full. It’s not because we don’t want to, it’s because we’re busy helping our clients succeed.
However, highly successful coaches might charge for the first session, and that’s okay. Just know upfront what you’re walking into. Don’t be caught off guard. If they’re charging for the first session, make sure it’s clear from the start.
Follow-Up Questions to Ask Your Potential Coach:
Do they listen and ask questions, or just give you a systematic answer?
Have they been trained properly? Do they understand how your brain works? (Seriously, do they KNOW what they’re doing?)
Do they have testimonials from clients who actually got results?
Who do they follow? Who do they trust, and why?
Do your values align at least 80%?
Additional Points to Consider:
What’s their communication style?
Does their style resonate with you? Some people need direct, no-nonsense feedback, while others need empathy and support. Make sure it fits your learning and growth style.Are they transparent about their methods?
A coach who’s open about how they work shows that they have a clear strategy. If they’re evasive about their methods, be cautious.What are their boundaries and availability?
Set clear expectations. Ask how often you’ll meet, how they prefer to communicate, and how responsive they are between sessions. You need clarity to prevent frustration later.Do they focus on long-term transformation or short-term goals?
What are you looking for? Short-term wins or lasting change? Make sure you’re aligned on the type of transformation you need.Do they have experience working with people like you?
A coach who’s worked with people facing similar challenges understands you better and can provide more relevant guidance.Are their methods helping you become independent or dependent?
I’ve had clients for over 10 years—not because they’re dependent on me, but because they need a reminder or a reset now and then. They’re still independent, but they know they can trust me for guidance. Ask your coach if they create independence or a crutch. A good coach empowers you to solve problems, think critically, and grow on your own. They shouldn’t be creating dependency. If they are, run.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
Over-promising results: “I guarantee you’ll make six figures in six months!” 🚩
Focusing too much on their own brand or sales, instead of your needs. 🚩
Lack of professional boundaries: Mixing personal and coaching roles. 🚩
Avoiding difficult conversations or being unwilling to challenge you. 🚩
Unable to take feedback. 🚩
Continued Education Matters
Good coaches keep learning. They invest in their growth and stay updated on the latest coaching techniques, psychological insights, and industry trends. A coach who invests in themselves is committed to giving you the best support.
In Summary:
When you hire a coach, make sure they’re not just sharing life experiences—they should be trained to help you move forward. Without the right skills, a coach can cause harm instead of creating results.
I’ve been coaching for 15 years, and no one has ever left my program. Why? Because I don’t just talk—I get results. Experience is valuable, but skills and training are what truly move you forward.
Before you hire a coach, ask yourself:
Do they have the proper training?
Can they prove they get results?
Do they fit your needs?
Are you ready for coaching?
Coaching is an investment in yourself. It's one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It changed my life—make sure it changes yours.
Hiring the right coach is crucial. Whether it’s me or someone else, make sure they check all the boxes. And if you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you covered. I have a network of powerhouse coaches, and I’ll make sure you connect with the right one.
💡 Not sure if coaching is right for you? Take my Coaching Readiness Quiz to find out. Free Assessment
Stop thinking. Start doing. Take action.
Your Partner in Growth
Leisa Jenkins
You got this! Comment below and share any insights that might be helpful on this topic! Head over to my website to connect or grab some rockstar resources. www.leisajenkins.com
Great insights!