Online career coach for job changers

Help people choose a career, update their résumé and prepare for interviews over video calls.

A career adviser discussing job options with a young person across a desk.
Startup costC$300 to C$2k
Monthly revenueC$400 to C$3.5k
Time needed6+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • C$300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

One-to-one video sessions that help clients work out what job or training suits them, then build a plan, a résumé, a LinkedIn profile and interview skills.

Your first three steps

  1. Pick a client group you know well, such as new graduates or newcomers, and write a simple three-session package
  2. Set up a booking page and video call tool, and a LinkedIn profile that shows your background
  3. Offer a few discounted first sessions to people you know and ask for written feedback to use on your site
Who pays

Career changers, recent graduates, newcomers to Canada and people returning to work after a break, plus some paid for by employers.

How it makes money

Per-session fees or packages of several sessions, with extra charges for résumé writing or interview practice.

Skills that help
  • Good listening and questioning
  • Knowledge of the Canadian job market and hiring practices
  • Clear writing for résumés and cover letters
  • Patience and encouragement
Watch out for
  • Coaching is generally not a regulated title in most provinces, but check whether your province regulates counselling or similar titles, and avoid presenting yourself as a therapist or registered counsellor
  • Never promise a job or salary outcome
  • Consider professional liability insurance and check whether you need a business registration or GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
  • Protect client information such as résumés and personal details, and check privacy rules that apply in your province

Deep research report · Canada

Everything you need to start: online career coach for job changers

Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start an online career coaching business?

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your website, software and any insurance or training you choose. Treat this as an estimate and price out your own setup.

How much can an online career coach earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $3,500, depending on how many clients you take and your rates. Many people start at about 6 hours a week. Never promise a job or salary outcome to clients.

Do I need a licence to be a career coach in Canada?

Coaching is generally not a regulated title in most provinces, but check whether your province regulates counselling or similar titles, and avoid presenting yourself as a therapist. Also check business and GST/HST registration, insurance and privacy rules for client information.

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