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Putting AI into career coaching: The effectiveness of a career coaching intervention conducted by a chatbot

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Advancements in technology have introduced chatbots as a promising tool in the coaching context. While predominantly studied in clinical settings, they also show promise in supporting career concerns. However, whether chatbot career coaching can enhance clients' career adaptation process as conceptualized in Career Construction Theory (CCT), remains a fundamental and unanswered question. Grounded in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy principles, a career coaching script was developed and implemented as a chatbot using respective technology. Within a randomized waitlist control group design ( N = 82), residualized change-regression analyses demonstrated the effectiveness of the chatbot career coaching in reducing negative affect over a three-week period compared to a control group. Moreover, lower negative affect after the chatbot career coaching intervention was significantly associated with greater career goal clarity. The results provide initial, theory-informed evidence of the effectiveness of career coaching chatbots and address the urgent need to evaluate the benefits of this technology for career-related interventions.

Source: Journal of Vocational Behavior

DOI: 10.1016/j.jvb.2026.104264

Authors: Katharina Ebner, Annabelle Hofer, Roman Soucek, Daniel Spurk

Institutions: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, University of Cologne, MSH Medical School Hamburg – University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, University of Bern

Language: English

Topic: Career Development and Diversity

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,690