If you know what your dream job is, you’re already closer to it than most people, who have no idea what their dream job would look like. Although getting your dream job can be a tough battle, the rewards are definitely worth the effort. Working at a job you love will give you an unmatched feeling of fulfilment and purpose that will push you to achieve greater and greater things. Conversely, an unsatisfactory job can sap you of your motivation and confidence.
Here are six practical steps that will take you closer to your dream job.
1. Revamp Your Resume
Your resume is the most valuable self-promotion tool and career document you have available. As a concise summary of your career trajectory, it must perfectly reflect your qualifications, skills, achievements, and objectives. To land your dream job, you will need an outstanding resume that puts the spotlight on the right things.
Before applying to your dream job, revamp your resume. Is the information up-to-date? Consider choosing a newer, more stylish, and eye-catching format. Most importantly, include relevant keywords, and be concise.
Do you dread the idea of re-writing your resume or feel like you do not have the time for it? Do you want an outstanding resume that will impress recruiters? Get in touch with experienced resume writers. They will make sure every word in your resume is selected with professional care.
2. Acquire New Skills or Qualifications
Even if you believe that you have all the proper credentials to obtain your dream job, you have to see things from the recruiter’s perspective. Recruiting managers see dozens of resumes. They receive resumes from many highly qualified individuals for each sought-after job position. In these situations, details can make a real difference. Maybe someone has taken an extra course or speaks a foreign language. These details can act as differentiating factors.
To increase your chances of landing your dream job, you may have to be proactive about acquiring new skills and qualifications. Think about what could set you apart from other applicants. Depending on your time availability, you could sign up for an evening class, and complement your knowledge and skills with quality study materials, attend conferences in your industry, or start an individual project.
Another helpful idea is to chase activities that nurture your soft skills. Volunteering and mentoring are great for demonstrating and refining your interpersonal skills, integrity, communication skills, leadership abilities, and not only.
Then there are the courses you could need to focus on, whether that’s a bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s in public health. Figure out exactly what you need for the career you want, and find a way to obtain it.
What skill or qualification would give you an edge over the competition in the recruitment process? Focus specifically on that.
3. Harness the Power of Networking
Your dream job is probably also someone else’s dream job. When you compete for the same position with other high-profile candidates, networking can be a big advantage. You can increase your chances of success by connecting with the right people.
Who are the influential people in your industry who could open doors for you? Connect with them at industry events, conferences, or trade shows. Try to meet professionals driven by common interests. You can also network effectively online via platforms like LinkedIn, social media, industry blogs, and not only.
Staying in touch with experts in your field will help you learn about new opportunities as soon as they arise. Let them know about your accomplishments, objectives, and aspirations, and they may recommend you for your dream position.
The power of networking is immense. By increasing the number of your professional connections, you widen your reach in your industry so you can always be there when an opportunity presents itself.
4. Set Actionable Career Goals
Another practical way to get closer to your dream job is to set actionable career goals that will help you advance faster. If your dream job is your final destination, split the journey into multiple milestones and track your progress accordingly.
What are some measurable, actionable, and realistic goals that will get you closer to your dream job? The answer may vary depending on your career level, industry, and other specific details. However, remember to set weekly and monthly goals and keep track of them consistently.
Start a blog about your industry and publish an article every week. Consider attending an industry event every month and talking to four, five new people. No matter what you choose to do, consistency is critical.
5. Follow Your Dream Companies
We often get caught up in our ideas about the perfect job. Thus, we forget about the many other excellent opportunities available to us. If you focus too much on a dream job, you may miss out on valuable growth opportunities. So, instead of thinking in terms of dream jobs, seek to identify your dream companies.
Create a list of companies you would love to work for and whose mission and values align with yours. Follow them on LinkedIn and social media, sign up for their newsletters, and join their events. By following their public activity, you will immediately know if they have certain positions open for hire.
6. Find Related Job Positions
An excellent way to get closer to your dream job is to seek a related job position that will train you for your dream job. Maybe you don’t have all the skills, qualifications, and studies required for your dream job yet. In this case, you need to give yourself the time and the opportunity to grow into the person who would get this ideal job.
Any job that allows you to refine the same skills required for your dream job is a valuable stepping stone.
Final Words
There are few things as demotivating and demoralizing as being stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you or let you shine. Unfortunately, job dissatisfaction is common. Many people feel that they could do better. Not sure how to access more attractive opportunities, they remain stuck in a routine.
If you have a dream job in mind, be proactive about advancing your career. Even if your dream job does not seem easily attainable, do your best to maximize your chances of success. Use the tips above to see fast progress.