How do you conduct an engaging online career counseling session?

For online counseling sessions, firstly we have to confirm with the client whether they are comfortable online. If yes, we have to ask the clients on which online platform they're available. And what's the convenient time for them to connect? If not, we have to give them an appointment based on their convenience to meet directly.

The most important thing is that your platform is easily accessible to your clients as well. The platform should enable you to share documents and messages, share screens and use other interactive tools, but most of the platforms available today do that by default. So it mostly comes down to your personal preference and the accessibility for your clients.

More than platform, it is imperative to choose a platform which offers unhindered time without any disturbances. Secondly, one should keep every prerequsite ready and test it to avoid any last minute disturbances. In my personal experience, I prefers Zoom and keep a handful of gamified activity, polls and quizzes ready from before hand to arouse a 2 way connection stresst

A sessão envolvente é aquela que faz diferença na vida do mentorado. As vezes preparamos tudo, mas naquele dia vem uma outra demanda. Importante saber ouvir e estar atento as necessidades do mentorado, claro que se preparar e ter ferramentas adequadas ajuda demais, porém o que faz diferença é estar presente na sessão.

It is less the platform that you use but more that it is stable and allow you to focus on the person and give them your undivided attention. The session is about the client. Coaching is about a real connection. The platform and tools should not get in the way of that

I find it helpful to have a 15-minute intro call before the first session with a client. That way you can get to know the client and gather relevant information for you to prepare and give the client the most value from the counselling.

"Well begun is half done" has been saying for since ages and holds true even today. Plan your session well in advance and do share a broad outline of plan in advance to client as well. This helps to stay aligned with both. Most important, an uniterrupted time should be blocked with both

Take time before the session to think about the client. Put yourself in their position, try to think of questions and concerns they might have. Other than plan your session, which is expected, tailor your session to the specific needs of this specific client. No 2 people are the same, their sessions shouldn't be either

When building rapport with my clients online, I am fully aware of the limitations that online platforms bring when it comes to establishing a strong connection. So I seek as much as possible, to mimic real-life interaction while on video, through my body language, such as giving eye contact to the lens, allowing my tone and pace of voice to mimic that of my client, mirroring their body language, and leaning forward into the camera to demonstrate interest in what they're sharing, especially if it' a vulnerable moment for them. Some of my clients who I've coached for several months and even years say that they feel that we're best friends, and they can truly unwind and express themselves with me.

"Trust" is the first step to begin this journey. Online or offline in both cases sooner the trust is built, becomes easier for the same. To establish a trust, it is essential to establish open communication channel of empathy, and privacy and security of information shared. It is good to begin with self intro and how information is safe guarded

Be authentic, be personal. I find that sharing personal experiences and stories allow people to get to know you as a coach. Allowing time to get to know each other is important

It is easy to engage and motivate your client when your focus is on helping the client and getting the best outcome for them. The session should not be about the coach or the program but about the client and their needs and requirements

Every session should follow up with a short NPS assessment which will help you to gauage the overall impact. The important is to understand why behind what was right and what was not