Life Coach Resume examples & templates

Written by: 

Adam

Build Your Resume Now
Copyable resume examples

Copyable Life Coach Resume examples

Ever wondered why the life coaching industry grew by 33% between 2019-2022, even during a global pandemic? It's simple—when people face uncertainty, they seek guidance. As a life coach, you're not just another helping professional; you're a catalyst for transformation in a world increasingly hungry for purpose and fulfillment. The field has evolved dramatically from its origins in the 1980s, moving beyond simplistic motivational techniques to incorporate evidence-based approaches from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics.

The shift toward remote work has created unexpected opportunities for coaches—many practitioners now maintain entirely virtual practices, working with clients across time zones and cultures. Industry veterans report this shift has actually deepened client relationships rather than diminishing them (contrary to what many predicted). While certification isn't legally required, the marketplace increasingly favors coaches with credentials from organizations like the International Coaching Federation. As personal and professional lives continue blurring together, life coaches who can help clients navigate this complex integration will find themselves uniquely positioned for the next decade of industry growth.

Junior Life Coach Resume Example

MAYA JOHNSON

San Diego, CA • (619) 555-8721 • maya.johnson@email.com • linkedin.com/in/mayajohnson

Compassionate Life Coach with background in psychology and 1+ year of coaching experience. Strong listener who builds trust quickly with clients. Completed ICF-accredited coaching program and currently working with 7 active clients while developing specialized focus on career transitions. Former teacher who translates classroom management skills into structured coaching relationships.

EXPERIENCE

Associate Life Coach – Elevate Coaching Collective, San Diego, CA
January 2023 – Present

  • Provide 1:1 coaching to 7 clients (ranging from young professionals to mid-career changers) through weekly 60-minute video sessions
  • Developed personalized action plans for 12 clients that led to 83% reporting significant progress toward goals within 3 months
  • Collaborate with 3 senior coaches to refine coaching techniques and client management strategies
  • Created and facilitated 2 group workshops on “Finding Your Purpose” with 17 total participants

Coaching Intern – Mindful Growth Coaching, San Diego, CA
August 2022 – December 2022

  • Shadowed 3 experienced coaches during 45+ client sessions to learn diverse coaching approaches
  • Conducted 8 practice coaching sessions with volunteer clients under supervision
  • Assisted with client intake process and documentation for 22 new clients
  • Helped organize monthly group coaching sessions with average attendance of 14 participants

5th Grade Teacher – Hillcrest Elementary School, San Diego, CA
August 2020 – June 2022

  • Managed classroom of 27 students while developing individualized learning plans
  • Used active listening and questioning techniques to help students identify and overcome learning obstacles
  • Led parent-teacher conferences that improved student engagement by focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses
  • Started after-school mentorship program for struggling students that improved academic performance for 9 of 11 participants

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

Associate Certified Coach (ACC) – In Progress
International Coaching Federation – Expected completion December 2023

Professional Coach Certification
Coach Training Alliance – Completed November 2022

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
San Diego State University – May 2020
Minor in Communications • GPA: 3.76

SKILLS

  • Active listening & powerful questioning
  • Goal setting & accountability structures
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Strengths-based coaching
  • Emotional intelligence assessment
  • Client relationship management
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Zoom & virtual coaching platforms
  • Basic CBT techniques
  • Client progress tracking & documentation

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Positive Psychology in Coaching – 16-hour workshop (March 2023)
  • Mindfulness-Based Coaching Techniques – Online course (January 2023)
  • Coaching Through Major Life Transitions – 2-day intensive (October 2022)

Mid-level Life Coach Resume Example

Maria Sanchez

San Diego, CA • (619) 555-8724 • msanchez.coach@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mariasanchezcoach • Instagram: @coachwithmaria

Certified Life Coach with 5+ years of experience helping clients overcome obstacles and achieve their personal and professional goals. Former HR professional who blends psychological principles with practical strategies to create meaningful transformation. Known for my empathetic approach and ability to build trust quickly—my clients typically stay with me for 8+ months (versus the industry average of 4 months).

EXPERIENCE

Founder & Lead Coach, Elevate Life Coaching
San Diego, CA | January 2020 – Present

  • Built private coaching practice from 3 initial clients to a consistent roster of 18-22 active clients through referrals and social media content
  • Designed and facilitated 12-week “Career Transition Blueprint” program, guiding 47 professionals through career changes with 92% satisfaction rating
  • Developed and launched “Mindful Momentum” podcast reaching 3,400+ monthly listeners, featuring interviews with thought leaders and practical coaching segments
  • Created “Balance by Design” group coaching program for working parents, which generated $43,500 in additional revenue in 2022
  • Maintain 76% client renewal rate through personalized accountability systems and progress tracking tools I created

Life Coach, Thrive Wellness Center
Los Angeles, CA | March 2018 – December 2019

  • Conducted 400+ one-on-one coaching sessions focused on personal development, relationship challenges, and work-life balance
  • Co-facilitated weekly group coaching workshops for 8-12 participants, covering topics like boundary setting, goal achievement, and stress management
  • Collaborated with center therapists to provide complementary support for clients transitioning from therapy to coaching
  • Implemented pre/post session questionnaires that improved client goal clarity by 37%

HR Specialist & Wellness Coordinator, TechNova Inc.
San Francisco, CA | August 2015 – February 2018

  • Created company’s first employee wellness program, including lunch & learns, fitness challenges, and stress management resources
  • Provided informal coaching to employees navigating workplace challenges and career development
  • Reduced employee turnover by 14% through implementation of better onboarding and mentorship initiatives

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Professional Coach (CPC)
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) | 2018

Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP)
iPEC | 2019

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of California, San Diego | 2014

Additional Certifications:

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Facilitator, 2021
  • Positive Psychology Practitioner, Whole Person Academy, 2020
  • Motivational Interviewing Techniques, 2019

SKILLS

  • Active Listening & Powerful Questioning
  • Goal Setting & Action Planning
  • Strength-Based Coaching Approach
  • Emotional Intelligence Assessment
  • Group Facilitation & Workshop Design
  • Behavior Change Models & Techniques
  • Client Relationship Management (Honeybook)
  • Trauma-Informed Coaching Practices
  • Social Media Content Creation
  • Zoom & Virtual Coaching Platforms

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • International Coach Federation (ICF) – Associate Certified Coach
  • Association for Coaching
  • San Diego Coaching Alliance, Events Coordinator (2021-present)

Senior / Experienced Life Coach Resume Example

Elaine M. Thornton

Phoenix, AZ 85004 • (602) 555-8217 • ethornton@emailpro.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elainethornton-lifecoach • www.elainethorntoncoaching.com

Certified Professional Life Coach with 10+ years guiding individuals through career transitions, personal growth, and life challenges. Known for creating judgment-free spaces where clients feel empowered to pursue meaningful change. Combine evidence-based coaching techniques with intuitive listening to help clients overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. Former corporate HR professional who understands workplace dynamics and career development challenges.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Founder & Principal Coach, Thornton Transformative Coaching
Phoenix, AZ | March 2017 – Present

  • Built a thriving private coaching practice serving 25+ regular clients, maintaining 87% client retention rate over 12-month engagements
  • Designed and led “Pivot with Purpose” workshops for professionals in career transition, helping 175+ individuals identify core values and create actionable career plans
  • Developed proprietary “Life Blueprint” methodology that combines cognitive behavioral techniques with positive psychology frameworks
  • Created and launched online course “Clarity through Crisis” during pandemic that generated $42,500 in additional revenue while serving 380 clients
  • Featured speaker at Southwest Coaching Conference (2019, 2021) on topics of authentic leadership and work-life integration

Senior Life Coach, New Horizons Wellness Center
Scottsdale, AZ | January 2014 – February 2017

  • Provided one-on-one coaching to 18-22 clients weekly, specializing in career transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth
  • Co-created 6-week “Reclaiming Balance” program that became the center’s most requested offering with 94% satisfaction rating
  • Mentored 3 junior coaches, developing standardized client intake procedures that improved initial session effectiveness by 31%
  • Facilitated bi-weekly group coaching sessions for executives experiencing burnout, with 78% reporting significant improvement in work satisfaction

Life Coach & HR Specialist, Empowered Living Associates
Phoenix, AZ | August 2011 – December 2013

  • Transitioned from corporate HR role to coaching position while completing certification
  • Conducted individual coaching sessions for employees navigating work-life challenges and career decisions
  • Collaborated with HR team to establish coaching as an employee benefit, increasing staff retention by 19%
  • Led monthly workshop series on resilience and stress management, consistently rated 4.7/5 by participants

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

International Coach Federation (ICF) – Professional Certified Coach (PCC), 2016

Coach Training Alliance – Certified Coach Program, 2012 Arizona State University – B.S. Psychology, Minor in Business Administration, 2009

Additional Certifications:

  • Positive Psychology Practitioner Certification (2018)
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Facilitator (2015)
  • Emotional Intelligence Coaching Certification (2013, renewed 2019)

SKILLS & EXPERTISE

  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Goal-setting Frameworks
  • Active Listening & Empathetic Communication
  • Workshop Facilitation & Public Speaking
  • GROW Coaching Model
  • Values Assessment & Alignment
  • Mindfulness & Stress Reduction Techniques
  • Group Coaching Dynamics
  • Online Coaching Platforms (Zoom, Coaching Loft, Practice Better)
  • Client Relationship Management

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • International Coach Federation (ICF) – Member since 2012
  • Association for Coaching – Professional Member
  • Arizona Coaching Coalition – Board Member (2019-2021)

How to Write a Life Coach Resume

Introduction

Creating a standout life coach resume isn't just about listing your work history—it's about showcasing your ability to transform lives. As someone who's reviewed thousands of coaching resumes, I can tell you that hiring managers typically spend just 6-8 seconds scanning your document before deciding whether to read further. Your resume needs to quickly communicate your coaching philosophy, relevant certifications, and the tangible results you've helped clients achieve.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and scannable. Life coaching is about clarity and direction, and your resume should reflect these qualities.

  • Stick to 1-2 pages (one page for less than 5 years experience)
  • Use clear section headings with plenty of white space
  • Choose readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia (10-12pt)
  • Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specifically asked for .doc)
  • Skip the fancy graphics and charts—they often confuse ATS systems
Pro tip: Name your file strategically! Use "FirstName_LastName_LifeCoach.pdf" instead of "resume.pdf" to help busy hiring managers find your document later.

Profile/Summary Section

Your summary should capture your coaching style and specialization in 3-4 compelling sentences. This isn't the place for generic statements about being "passionate" or "dedicated"—every coach claims that!

  • Mention your coaching niche (career transitions, relationship coaching, wellness)
  • Include years of experience and notable certifications
  • Highlight a significant achievement or client transformation
  • Add a hint of your coaching philosophy or approach

For example: "ICF-certified life coach with 6+ years guiding professionals through career transitions. Developed proprietary 8-week 'Purpose Finder' methodology that helped 87% of clients identify and pursue meaningful work. Combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with strengths-based coaching to create sustainable change."

Professional Experience

When listing your coaching experience, focus on client outcomes rather than day-to-day tasks. Remember—nobody hires a coach based on your ability to schedule appointments!

  • Lead with strong action verbs (guided, facilitated, empowered, transformed)
  • Include specific numbers when possible (coached 30+ executives, maintained 92% client retention)
  • Highlight different coaching modalities you've implemented
  • Show progression in your coaching career if applicable

If you're new to coaching, include relevant experience from other roles where you mentored, trained, or supported others' development.

Education and Certifications

In life coaching, your certifications often matter more than formal education. List these prominently, with the most relevant and impressive credentials first.

  • Include certification provider, credential name, and year obtained
  • List coaching-specific training hours (ICF requires documentation)
  • Mention specialized training programs you've completed
  • Include relevant degrees (psychology, counseling, human development)
  • Add ongoing education or advanced coaching techniques you've mastered

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many coaching positions, especially with larger wellness companies or corporate coaching firms, use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. Include relevant keywords from the job posting without keyword stuffing.

  • Common coaching keywords: facilitation, mindfulness, accountability, motivational interviewing, goal-setting, SMART objectives
  • Include specific methodologies you're trained in (Solution-Focused, NLP, Co-Active)
  • Mention relevant tools you use (Wheel of Life, Values Assessment, 360 Feedback)

Common Resume Mistakes

I've seen hundreds of coaching resumes that miss the mark. Avoid these pitfalls:

  • Being vague about results ("helped clients improve their lives")
  • Oversharing personal transformation stories (save for the interview)
  • Listing every weekend workshop you've ever attended
  • Using too many coaching buzzwords without substantiating them
  • Forgetting to include contact info for references (many coaching positions require them)

Before/After Example

Before: "Helped clients reach their goals and find happiness through weekly coaching sessions."

After: "Guided 24 professionals through career transitions using strength-based coaching, resulting in 18 clients securing new positions with an average salary increase of 31% within 4 months."

See the difference? The second example shows specific impact and uses concrete numbers that prove effectiveness—exactly what coaching clients (and employers) are looking for!

Soft skills for your Life Coach resume

  • Active listening with the ability to read between the lines (picked up through 5+ years of client work)
  • Emotional intelligence – particularly sensing when clients are holding back or feeling stuck
  • Flexible communication style that adapts to different client personalities and learning preferences
  • Conflict resolution and tough conversation facilitation (honed through relationship coaching work)
  • Accountability partnership without judgment – finding that sweet spot between pushing and supporting
  • Perceptive questioning that breaks through mental blocks clients didn’t know they had

Hard skills for your Life Coach resume

  • International Coaching Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential
  • Motivational Interviewing techniques for behavior change
  • Proficiency in Coaching Management Software (Coach Accountable, My Coach Office)
  • SMART goal-setting methodology and accountability tracking systems
  • Cognitive Behavioral Coaching frameworks for client intervention
  • Zoom/virtual session management with recording/feedback capabilities
  • Client progress assessment using Wheel of Life evaluation tools
  • Positive Psychology intervention techniques (Values in Action inventory)
  • Basic bookkeeping and client billing software (QuickBooks, FreshBooks)