A job you love is a must for living life all the way. After all, we spend more time working than we do just about anything else! But how do you get the job of your dreams?
Landing a great job includes several important elements, from knowing how to market yourself to facilitating a wonderful interview, and it can take a lot of planning and preparation. It’s important to know your strengths and weaknesses from the beginning, and also to learn how to approach a job search. There may be lots of competition out there, or you may have trouble putting together a resume that accurately describes your abilities. Once you have all the pieces together, however, you can land your dream job in no time.
The key is to get organized from the start. Be specific about what you’re looking for, and make lists of the places you think would be a good fit. Put together a great resume, then think about what your approach will be when it comes to an interview. You’ll want to do some research on the company and write down some meaningful questions for the interviewer; this will show that you’re invested in the job from the very beginning.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to land your dream job.
Curate Your Social Media Presence
Your social media presence can absolutely have an effect on your ability to get a job; whether that effect is positive or negative is up to you. Take a look at all your accounts and go through your posts for the last several months. What do they say about you? Is there anything included that portrays you in a negative light? Keep in mind that your potential employer will see those things, too. Try to look at your online presence through their eyes and make sure your posts will elevate you rather than bring you down.
Practice Your Interview
Before you go in for an interview, practice with a friend. Write down potential questions and think carefully about what your answers will be. Put together a five-year plan for yourself, as employers often ask where their interviewees will be in the near future. Consider what type of business it is and do some research on their history; memorize key points so you can ask pertinent questions about the company during the interview.
Customize Your Resume
A great resume will not only build you up to a potential employer, but it will also show what you’re looking for in a dream job. You should, of course, be practical. List all of your applicable credentials. For example, if you’re applying for a project manager position, you’ll want to list your educational background, on-the-job experience, and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification status. But don’t be afraid to get creative and specific about what you are looking for either. If you need some help getting started, you can find some great examples here.
Be on Time
It may seem like a given, but you might be surprised at how many people show up late to an interview or to their first day of work. There are many reasons — from underestimating traffic to not preparing the night before — but it’s imperative that you give yourself plenty of time to get ready, get through traffic, and arrive a few minutes early. It’s also a good idea to find the right outfit for an interview; don’t go overboard with jewelry or makeup, and make sure you choose something that is appropriate for the job you’re applying for.
Finding the best job for your needs can be time-consuming, so it’s important to remind yourself that the process is as easy or as difficult as you make it. Don’t take it personally if you can’t find the right job immediately. Talk to your loved ones and garner support during this time so you can reduce stress and anxiety associated with the job-hunting process. With a good plan and some research, you can nab the job you’ve always wanted in no time.
Photo via Pixabay by Firmbee