How to improve your coaching CV

Even as a self-employed coach, your CV matters

Your coaching CV is more than a summary of your career achievements. It’s what qualifies you to do your work with the people you serve. It’s your public track record. It’s your service brochure.

Even if you’re self-employed and in no danger of applying for a traditional job, as a coach, your CV is important. In this piece, we’re going to elaborate on that before unpacking the top tips to take your CV to the next level.

Why your coaching CV matters

There are four main reasons to make your CV the best it can be. It shouldn’t be a static document that merely lists your qualifications and previous roles. It should evolve as you evolve, telling a story to readers about who you really are and the value you deliver.

1. Establishes credibility and provides clarity

A good CV shows your qualifications, achievements, and experience clearly. It also explains your specific areas of expertise and how you coach. This helps potential clients quickly understand if you’re the right fit for them, which boosts your credibility as a professional.

2. Differentiates you in a competitive market

The coaching industry is crowded, and a strong CV can help you stand out. By showcasing your unique skills and the results you’ve achieved for clients, your CV gives people a reason to choose you over others. For many, this will be the deciding factor in whether they work with you.

3. Supports networking, business growth, and other opportunities

Your CV is a useful tool when looking to collaborate or grow your business. Many publications and institutions will ask to see it before working with you or recommending you. A polished CV also helps with networking, securing speaking engagements, and building referral partnerships.

4. Acts as a point of reflection for your own growth

Updating your CV regularly helps you see how far you’ve come as a coach. It allows you to track your progress and identify areas where you can improve. This reflection can guide your development, keep you focused on your goals and avoid feeling imposter syndrome.

But where do I put my CV?

Okay, so you’re sold on the idea of creating and optimising your coaching CV, but what do you do with it? Where does it go?

You can certainly put your CV on your website. You could create it as a webpage or embed the PDF for someone to view it. You could potentially use it as a lead magnet; capturing their email address before emailing it to them.

But a better place for your CV is LinkedIn. By optimising your coaching LinkedIn profile, you’re creating a publicly visible CV, one that you can update and download easily when needed. In turn, it makes your LinkedIn presence stronger and more appealing.

How to level up your coaching CV

You already have the basics covered; your education, qualifications and previous roles. Now let’s take your CV to the next level and attract more of your ideal clients with more advanced tactics.

1. Tailor your CV to your niche

Your CV should clearly show the type of coaching you specialise in. Whether it’s leadership, mindset, or business coaching, it needs to speak directly to your ideal clients. Craft a narrative about your career that shows the challenges you solve and the results you deliver.

This will resonate with your ideal customer and make it easy for them to see if you’re the right fit for them.

2. Include measurable achievements

Focus on real, tangible examples of your success. Include results like improved client performance, business growth, or personal development. Using numbers makes your impact clear; not just a jumble of words. It shows potential clients what they can expect from working with you and gives them a reason to trust your expertise.

3. Add client numbers and testimonials

Build on your specific achievements by sharing how many clients you’ve worked with. This is powerful social proof because there’s safety in numbers, reassuring prospects you’re a safe bet.

Genuine client testimonials back this up, especially if they specify exactly how you helped that individual. These details give potential clients a clearer picture of what you can do for them and it’s not just coming from you!

4. Get mentions in industry publications

Being featured in respected publications builds trust. When potential clients see your name in credible sources, it shows that others value your expertise. It helps you stand out and makes you more visible in the coaching world. Not only that, but you can add these publications to your CV either as links or use the company names or logos as trust indicators.

5. Become a contributor to trusted publications

Take it a step further by writing for industry publications, sharing your insights positions you as a thought leader. You can then list this role as a current position on your CV, something many of your peers won’t have. This differentiation as an expert boosts your credibility and expands your reach.

6. Publish resources to list on your CV

Publishing doesn’t have to mean writing a book. Creating resources like handbooks, white papers, or blueprints demonstrates your expertise. List them as published works on your CV to add credibility. All it takes is putting in that little bit more effort than others to stand out.

Besides, these works offer value to potential clients and give them a taste of what you can offer. They help position you as a knowledgeable and trusted coach.

7. Update your formatting and language

Make sure your CV looks clean and easy to read. This is a basic one, but particularly after adding new elements or rewriting sections, it’s worth revisiting.

Use simple language and avoid jargon. Keep the layout clear with bold headings and bullet points. This helps people quickly understand your value and makes your CV more effective.

8. Include links to your online presence

If your CV resonates, let someone go down the rabbit hole. Add links to your website, LinkedIn, or any other platforms where clients can learn more about you. This gives them an easy way to explore your work, read testimonials, or book a consultation. It keeps the conversation going beyond the CV.

9. Use photos to showcase your professional activity

Images make your CV more engaging and credible. Add photos of yourself speaking at events or running workshops. Add branded infographics relevant to your work. This can bring your CV to life and show that you’re active in your field and doing real work, not just talking about it.

10. Include next steps

It’s not enough to link your website or social media channels. You need to provide a clear call to action and signpost the next steps. Make it easy for a prospective client to take action having read your new and improved CV. It’s more effective to channel prospects into a tried and tested flow and they’ll feel more comfortable you’ve explained the process.

This final step takes your CV from being merely a shop window to being a working player in your sales funnel.

Upgrade your coaching CV today

There you have it. The top tactics you need to level up your CV.

A well-crafted coaching CV builds trust, sets you apart, and draws in the right clients. Focus on measurable results and clear expertise. Make it easy for potential clients to learn more about you. Your CV should show your impact and the value you offer. With this approach, your CV becomes a powerful tool for new opportunities, partnerships, and growth. Take action now: refine your CV and set your coaching business up for success.