How to land your dream job
We all spend more time at work than we do at home so it is critical that the job you are in is right for you, more important is that you are happy in it and what you do makes you feel fulfilled and you go home every day feeling satisfied and content. Here are some tips landing your dream job…………………
Be clear about what you want
Before you start looking for a new job be sure about what it is you are looking for. This could be a simple promotion, a sideways move or even a complete career change. You don’t want to waste time searching for jobs that you are not interested in and if you know exactly what you are looking for at the start then you are sure to make the best us of your time.
Don’t be pushed into a job you don’t want
Yes I know this may seem like a very obvious point to make but believe me this happens a lot more than you may think. You only have to ask yourself “how many people do you know that work in a job they don’t really want” Do you want to be one of them? Stick to your guns about the career path you want or the Company you want to work for.
Always get a job description
It’s easy to be blind–sided by the fancy things put to you in an interview but this doesn’t necessarily reflect the truth about a job. Always ask for a job description in writing, having a clear job description at the start will alleviate any grey areas area’s for you and give you confidence that the role is right for you.
Know your strengths and passions
Most interviews these days will ask you about your strengths and your passions. This question is now becoming one of the most important factors for employers when choosing a candidate because they want someone who will fit into their team and more importantly have the drive to succeed. Be proud of your strengths and make a song and dance about them. Remember in an interview you are selling yourself and highlighting why you are the best choice for their Company.
Research, research, research
Researching any Company you apply to is a given but remember that looking for your dream job can sometimes mean you may have to travel out of your area, meet new people and make a fresh start. It’s hugely important that you research your potential new employer. Being unhappy where you work can be detrimental to your career success. Choose the right Company to work for and give yourself the best chance of longevity in your new dream role.
Choose the right Agencies to work with
Trust me on this one. You will cause yourself a real headache if you use the wrong Agencies. It’s very time consuming to stay on top of interviews so it’s important that you are in tune with any Agency you work with and they are suggesting the right jobs to you.
Keep your Agencies updated
Agencies are there to support you but the best way to keep a good relationship with the Agencies you are using is to keep them updated on what’s going on with your job search. This saves wasting both your time and theirs. If you take on any temp work, which is always a good idea, make sure that you clarify with the Agencies that you are still looking for your dream job.
Everything is an opportunity
A lot of employees use social media to advertise jobs. There are a number of online job portals and Linked In is also a good forum to use. Smaller Companies tend to employ via a recommendation from someone. You would be passing up a huge missed opportunity if you don’t look everywhere for that dream job. Remember you are your own product, so market yourself!
Don’t be unemployed for too long
It won’t look great on your CV to have long periods out of work. Take on some temporary work whilst you’re waiting to find the right permanent job. Believe me as healthy as it may seem to stay in bed till 10am and watch daytime TV all day it won’t seem so exciting after a few weeks. Employers are looking for ‘good workers’ not ‘good skiver’s’. Doing temporary work can open doors for you it will also definitely give you more skills and experience.
Get advice from others
If you don’t successfully nail it the first few job interviews you attend try not to take this as a knock-back. Instead view this as an opportunity to ask for advice from employers on how you can get your foot through the door. Ask the interviewer what areas you need to improve on. What you could do better or what extra qualifications you need to land in a job like theirs. Not all employers will spare you the time but many will and some will be so interested that you asked that next time they have a vacancy they may contact you!
So here you go, getting your dream job doesn’t have to be just a dream. You can do it – the most important thing though is to have faith in yourself.
Good luck
Angela Burton