Given that coaching and mentoring share distal goals, the two terms should be used interchangeably by human resources professionals.

Coaching and mentoring may have similar end goals, but they are distinct practices that involve different approaches and techniques. Coaching is usually focused on improving specific skills or performance in the present, while mentoring is a longer-term relationship that involves guidance and support for personal and professional growth. Using the terms interchangeably could lead to confusion and miscommunication in HR contexts.