Finding that dream job, or just climbing the career ladder, can be a daunting and sometimes brutal task. If you've got your sights set on that certain position that sets your heart and passions on fire, it's worth the effort. But it usually takes something extraordinary to make it appear.
If your dream job hasn't found you yet, here's our four tips to help you prepare for it, find it, and land it.
Prepare With Skills and Education
Every job has a required skill set. And in almost all cases, it's a matter of perfect job meeting perfect candidate. So no matter what your dream job may be, get prepared for it.
Long gone are the days of Jill (or Jack) of all trades. Whatever specializations your dream job requires, be sure you have them as part of your resume. If that's something very specialized, rather than going the formal education route, consider a mentor. Not only do you get the skill, you gain a valuable coach and cheerleader.
On the other hand, if it's clear you need additional formal education, apply to the best college you can find for that particular knowledge. If the college has a highly competitive set of entrance requirements, make sure every piece is top notch. Get coaching. For example, you can have a professional evaluation of your existing credentials. They can even help you draft the admissions essay based on your credentials to help you get accepted.
Don't think of it as a time delay. Rather, it's a short investment of time that adds value to the rest of your life.
Excel Where You Are Now
Want to get noticed? Shine.
As you look up in the night sky, in all the vastness it's the stars that garner attention. So whatever it is you're doing for a job now, be the best at it. Doing so will place you in the field of vision of the higher-ups. You'll be on the short list for opportunities you may never be aware of.
Plus one: Don't just shine in your job. Go beyond. Get involved in organizations and groups that offer both the opportunity to serve and to get noticed.
Seek The Unlisted Jobs
If you've followed the above advice, there's a decent chance that dream job will find you. If it hasn't (yet), go find it. Hint: It probably isn't listed anywhere. It will likely be filled without ever being advertised.
Unlisted or hidden jobs make up as much as 70% of the job market. It's highly likely that your dream job is not even present in the places you're looking.
How do you find unlisted jobs? According to the experts at FlexJobs -
- Get to know recruiters: They can't call you if they don't know who you are.
- Get active on social media: Follow up on comments that suggest a possible lead.
- Network creatively: Cast the net far and wide online, in person, on social media, and through LinkedIn
- Subscribe to news alerts: If you don't have a news feed, get one and set alerts for relevant keywords
- Check your alumni association: Some other alumni might have the key you've been searching for
- Go to conferences: Don't shy from small talk. You never know which seed you plant will bear fruit
Create It!
More people than ever are venturing out on their own. While being an entrepreneur isn't for everyone, even the experience gained by launching your own side hustle is valuable and can move you towards your ultimate goal.
If you think your dream job involves much more than you can take on as a sole proprietor, consider joining with others to launch a startup, or taking on a smaller piece what you see as a big venture.
Your Dream Job is Waiting For You. Go Get It!
I have a favorite saying, purportedly from the wisdom of Confucius:
"Woman (or man) who sits with arms folded, legs crossed, mouth open, has long wait for roast duck to fly in."Now, go get it!
Beach lover. SoCal dweller. Life is never over unless you surrender. Keep going, the prize IS out there.
