Don’t Choose an AVGS Coach Before Reading This!
Everything You Need to Know to Find the Best AVGS Voucher Coach
When you’re considering working with an AVGS voucher coach, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure you’re getting the best possible guidance and support. I wrote this article because a lot of clients who come to me are either unaware of AVGS coaching and what they should ask about, or they are unfamiliar with coaching altogether. Many of them end up choosing a random coach and later discover it’s simply not working, or they wish they had asked certain questions beforehand.
With so many companies and coaches offering coaching services, I decided to create a short checklist below on what to look for specifically in an AVGS coach. Additionally, don’t miss reading What to Consider When Hiring a Career Coach: A Step-by-Step Guide. I consider it a must-read before deciding on a coach. After studying both posts, you will know exactly what to ask during your first call with a potential coach.
When to Find a Coach: Before Requesting a Voucher or After?
There are two ways to approach the AVGS voucher process, and the one I recommend is to always go prepared to the Jobcentre or Arbeitsamt with a coach already in mind. This ensures a smoother and faster experience. However, both options have their own process. Here they are:
Option 1: Come Prepared with a Coach and an Offer
Find and choose a coach before your appointment.
Request the coach to prepare a specific coaching offer tailored to your situation.
Bring the offer to the Jobcentre or Arbeitsamt appointment or email it beforehand.
Get the voucher approved more quickly since the process is streamlined.
This approach ensures you have control over your coach selection and significantly reduces the risk of delays.
Option 2: Request a Voucher First, Then Find a Coach
Request the voucher without a specific coach in mind.
Search for a coach after the voucher has been approved.
Request the chosen coach to prepare an offer and submit it to the Jobcentre or Arbeitsamt.
Wait for the Jobcentre to review and approve the offer.
This option takes longer because there are multiple steps and more back-and-forth communication. Additionally, you risk the Jobcentre assigning you a company or coach directly. While you can dispute or reject this assignment, it prolongs the process even further. Coming prepared with a coach and offer saves time and ensures you get the coach you want.
Always Have a Call Before Committing to a Coach
I stress this in my other article on finding the right coach: What to Consider When Choosing a Coach: A Step-by-Step Guide chemistry will be the most decisive factor in the success of your coaching. Follow your intuition and feelings during the first call. While talking, evaluate the coach’s communication style. Are they prepared for the call? How do you feel when speaking with them? These impressions are invaluable in determining if they’re the right fit for you.
Checklist - 13 must cover topics when choosing an AVGS Voucher Coach
Here is a list of 13 must-cover topics to discuss during your first call with a potential coach. These will help you evaluate whether they are the right fit for you and ensure you make the most of your AVGS voucher benefits.
1. Are the sessions one-on-one or include self-learning?
Some coaches provide all AVGS sessions as one-on-one meetings, giving you personalized attention for every step of the process. However, due to cost-cutting measures, many companies now offer programs where only 50% of the sessions are one-on-one, and the rest involve self-learning or group coaching. To maximize the outcome of your voucher, search for a coach who offers most or all sessions face-to-face and individually tailored to you.
2. How many times per week will you meet?
With an AVGS voucher, you will typically need to meet your coach at least twice a week. Confirm with your coach if this will be the case or if they propose even more frequent sessions. Regular meetings can make a big difference in maintaining momentum and achieving your goals.
3. How long is each session?
With an AVGS voucher, coaching sessions are generally 45 minutes long, whereas standard, non-AVGS coaching hours are 60 minutes. Check with your coach to understand how they will work with you and how they plan to structure your sessions.
Insider tip: My sessions are always 1.5 hours for both private and AVGS clients. Based on my experience, this is the sweet spot. The first 30 minutes are used to recap and discuss homework (there is always homework), and the remaining hour is dedicated to exploring the next topic in depth, without feeling rushed.
4. Flexibility of the Coach’s Schedule
Ensure the coach can accommodate your schedule, especially if you have a busy or irregular work-life balance. Check if they offer evening or weekend sessions if needed.
5. Success Stories or Results from Past Clients
A coach’s testimonials or case studies can give you insight into their track record and what you might achieve. If possible, ask for specific examples of how they’ve helped other AVGS voucher clients. You can also check out my clients' stories here to see what they say about working with me.
6. What Additional Resources Does the Coach Provide?
Some coaches offer supplementary materials, tools, or platforms to support your learning between sessions, such as worksheets, exercises, or personalized action plans. This can enhance your coaching experience.
7. Support Between Sessions
Ask if the coach is available for quick questions or check-ins between sessions. This can help maintain momentum and address challenges as they arise.
8. When can you start?
If you’re eager to get started, find out the coach’s earliest availability. Some may have a waiting list, while others can begin with you almost immediately after your voucher is approved.
9. How long does it take for the voucher to be approved?
Typically, it takes a few weeks for the Jobcentre or Arbeitsamt to approve an AVGS voucher, but this can vary. Your coach should be able to provide guidance on how to submit your request and what to expect in terms of timing. Would you like to discuss your individual situation? Book a free and no strings attached session.
10. How many hours of coaching does the voucher cover?
The number of hours granted by the Jobcentre or Arbeitsamt depends on your individual situation. It’s usually between twenty and forty hours, but ask your coach about their experience with other clients to get a realistic estimate.
11. What is the coach’s experience with AVGS vouchers?
Experience matters. Look for a coach who has a proven track record with AVGS and understands the process inside and out. Testimonials or case studies can give you confidence in their expertise.
12. What is their communication style?
Your coach’s ability to communicate clearly and effectively is crucial. Are they approachable, patient, and supportive? The right coach should make you feel comfortable asking questions and confident in their guidance.
13. Do they tailor their approach to your goals?
Everyone’s journey is different. Check if the coach is flexible in adapting their methods to your specific career or personal development goals, or if they stick to a rigid structure.
For a comprehensive overview of AVGS vouchers, including how they work and how to unlock free coaching and training, refer to AVGS Voucher Explained: Unlock Free Coaching and Training.
To learn more about the potential downsides of AVGS vouchers, check out The Downside of AVGS Vouchers: When Free Career Coaching Isn't Freeing. This article provides a deep dive into some challenges you might face and how to overcome them.
By asking these questions and doing your research, you’ll have a clear idea of whether a coach is the right fit for you. Remember, the AVGS voucher is an opportunity to invest in your future, so choosing the right guide for this journey is essential. The right coach can make all the difference in achieving your goals.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free call with me today, and let’s discuss how we can make coaching accessible for you. Together, we’ll create a roadmap that sets you up for success.
Not yet ready to book a call, but would like to ask a question? Email or WhatsApp me.
Until our next breakthrough!
Let me know in the comments below if this article was helpful for you and what other topics you'd like me to cover next. Your feedback helps me create more content to support you on your journey.
