Top Interview Coaching Certification Programs

Last updated on August 1, 2024

A job interview is a make-it-or-break-it moment for job seekers. The art of excelling in interviews can be learned, which is why many are looking to interview coaches to help them develop confidence and strategies to ace the interviews and land the job of their dreams.

If you’re an aspiring interview coach looking to establish your credibility and expertise with potential clients, obtaining an interview coaching certification is a crucial step. To ensure you choose the right training program, we’ve compiled a list of the top certification courses in this life coaching niche.

• PARWCC – Best for Learning the Organizational Message Chart (OMC) Model
• Career Directors – Best for Turnkey, Step-By-Step Lecture Style Program
• Transformation Academy – Best Budget Option

What Is an Interview Coach?

An interview coach is a life coach who focuses on helping clients prepare for job interviews. Their primary role is to provide guidance, training, and support to job seekers to improve their interview skills and increase their chances of landing their desired positions. There is some overlap with the role of resume coach, which falls under the umbrella of interview coaching.

Interview coaches provide a range of services, including the following:

• Provide constructive feedback on a client’s interview performance
• Interview preparation (covering common interview questions, developing compelling responses, and creating a strategy for answering behavioral questions)
• Mock interviews
• Resume and cover letter review
• Guidance on non-verbal communication
• Boosting a client’s self-confidence and interview presence 
• Guidance on salary negotiations and tips for negotiating job offers

How To Become a Certified Interview Coach

Certifications serve as badges of credibility as they affirm your competence and dedication to this craft. Getting certified as an interview coach isn’t a formal requirement for becoming an interview coach, but interview coach certification is essential for credibility and trust when clients seek your services. 

Investing in a certified program equips you with the skills to create tailored training programs. It also helps you understand how to approach and coach different clients effectively.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Interview Coaching Certification

Certification programs demand both your time and money, so taking these two relevant factors into consideration forms the cornerstone of your decision-making process. You should also consider whether accreditation holds significance for your goals and aspirations.

Program Cost

What is your certification budget? The cost of coach training varies widely, from under $100 to $10,000 or more. Interview coach certifications run a couple of thousand dollars on average.

Course Length

Make sure to assess the course length in conjunction with your personal circumstances and professional objectives. Certification programs can last for days, weeks, or months, so think about your desired timeline for obtaining certification and how the available courses align with your goals. Online courses often follow a self-paced format to enable even busy professionals with limited flexibility to attain certifications.

Accreditation

Accreditation of a certification program can serve as quality assurance, as training programs need to follow the guidelines set by the accrediting bodies. Not every curriculum can be adapted to these strict regulations, so there are some high-quality programs that aren’t accredited. 

For those seeking broader recognition and credibility through accreditation, it’s worth considering the International Coaching Federation (ICF), which is considered the gold standard in the coaching industry. If you decide to complement your interview coaching certification, which may not have ICF accreditation, with a life coaching program that upholds this prestigious credential, we recommend the training program offered by Coach Training Alliance. Learn more about this program in our review.

Best Interview Coaching Certifications

The Organizational Message Chart (OMC) Model Option: The Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches™ (PARWCC)

The Certified Interview Coach program is led by industry pioneer Jay Block, and it introduces you to the Organizational Message Chart (OMC). This is a proven 25+ year communications model that helps job seekers confidently pinpoint influential messages.

The program combines a process-driven approach with motivational coaching to ensure that clients are both well-prepared and motivated to secure job offers. Another standout feature of this course is the Interview Prep Guide which you can use with your clients. 

• Course Length: Self-paced (up to 1 year)
• Program Cost: $870 ($695 program fee + $175 membership fee)
• Accreditation: None
• Mode of Delivery: Online

Turnkey, Step-By-Step Lecture Style Program Option: Career Directors (CDI)

Certified Employment Interview Consultant (CEIC) Course is best suited for coaches who want a ready-made program complemented with done-for-you worksheets, quizzes, handouts, and checklists.

This comprehensive course provides step-by-step coaching instructions suitable for one-on-one sessions or workshops. It delves into interview processes, salary negotiations, pricing strategies, and selling interview coaching services.

While the course is self-paced, you’ll still have support from mentors who provide guidance and feedback. To register for this course, you need to become a CDI member. Another thing to keep in mind is that certification must be renewed every three years through updated modules.

• Course Length: Self-paced (up to 1 year)
• Program Cost: $1,997 – Members; $2,264 (includes the $347 annual CDI membership fee) – Non-members
• Accreditation: None
• Mode of Delivery: Online

Budget Option: Transformation Academy

For a more affordable solution and diversified training, check out Transformation Academy’s Career Coach Certification program. This robust course encompasses job searching, interview coaching, resume writing, and networking.

You’ll learn how to help clients identify their dream careers, find ideal positions that align with their talents and passions, network on LinkedIn, guide clients through career changes, and help them succeed in interviews. The program also provides you with ready-to-use templates, intake forms, worksheets, and questionnaires.

• Course Length: Self-paced
• Program Cost: $197
• Accreditation: CPD
• Mode of Delivery: Online

Special Offer: Get 50% off all certification programs at Transformation Academy by clicking our link or entering code LIFECOACHMAG at checkout.

FAQs

• How much does an interview coach make?

Reportedly, the average salary of an interview coach is $76,762 per year.

• Do you need a certification to be an interview coach?

Certification isn’t mandatory for interview coaches but enhances your credibility and reputation and helps assure clients of your interview coaching proficiency. 

• How much does an interview coach certification cost?

The cost of an interview coach certification ranges between $200 and $3,000.

• Does accreditation matter in an interview coach certification program?

Accreditation enhances the credibility and reputation of the coaching academy. For those who want this additional assurance, accreditation should be a priority. 

• What is the most recognized coaching certification? 

In the coaching field, there are numerous certification options, which can be confusing for both coaches and clients. That’s why accreditation often matters more than the specific certification. If you seek recognition, opt for accredited certification or supplement your interview coaching certification with ICF-accredited life coach certification. 

Conclusion

Job seekers need expert guidance and proven strategies to unleash their potential and improve their chances of getting that dream job. Interview coaching certification can serve as a testament to your ability to equip clients with the tools they need to conquer the challenge of being interviewed. With reputable certifications such as PARWCC, Career Directors, and Transformation Academy, you’ll have the right leverage for launching a successful interview coaching career.

If you decide to pursue ICF accreditation as a complement to your interview coach training, be sure to consider Coach Training Alliance, as this comprehensive program can prepare you well for the competitive coaching industry.

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