You may have figured out what the job of your dreams is and what it entails. You have thought about reaching your career goals, the money you can earn, and all potential benefits. You envision yourself in this dream job and can’t wait to get started.
The only problem, you don’t have the job yet.
Reaching your dream job involves much more than just envisioning it. And it is much more of a process than a single event. The journey to your dream job can have ups and downs, but ultimately, reaching your goal makes everything worthwhile.
Keep reading to learn specific actions you can take that will help you reach your dream job now that you have figured out what it is you want to do.
Acquire the Right Education
Your dream job may require more education than you currently possess. Whether you need to complete certification courses, a two-year degree or even a master’s degree, you will need to create a plan of action.
Finding the right education program means finding the right school, either on-line or on-campus, that fits your lifestyle. Find the program that meets your financial capabilities, as well as the flexibility you need if you are currently working or have a family to take care of daily.
Keep in mind, you don’t need to over-educate yourself. For instance, if your dream job requires computer certifications, there is no need for you to obtain a master’s degree. Research the right educational path based on the requirements of the job.
Acquire the Right Skills
Having the education required is great, but you also need to learn how to do the job you are seeking. You know what the job involves, so you also know the tasks you will be completing. The best thing you can do is acquire these skills before you reach your dream job.
You can gain the necessary skills by interning for someone already working in your dream field. You can also job shadow a career role model or find a mentor in the industry.
Meet the Right People
Even if you become self-employed, the journey to your dream job involves important people that can help you become successful. From leaders to customers, its important you recognize the benefits of each person you encounter on the way up.
Networking is consistently seen as a key component to reaching your dream job. Attend events within the industry. Set appointments with executives who can offer advice. Find ways to meet people with positive influence.
Know Your Worth
You are valuable and possess many qualities and characteristics that can help you reach your dream job. But if you don’t recognize them, no one else will either.
Make a list of your strengths. Review them daily and practice self-affirmations. The higher your confidence in yourself, the more others will see you as perfect for the job. Self-confidence is much different than arrogant, however.
A person with confidence also has humility and recognizes the value others have in helping you reach success.
Set Realistic Goals
Short-term and long-term goals can help you reach your dream job step by step. Setting goals prevents you from becoming distracted. They help keep you on track and offer you many rewards along the way. Short-term goals are those you want to accomplish within the next few months to a year.
Making them realistic is essential. Don’t set a short-term goal that is unattainable. You will feel defeated if you fail to reach that goal. Instead, create steps you know can be accomplished in your timeframe.
Long-term goals look past a year and further into your future. Create these by thinking what you want your life to look like in the next five to ten years or longer.
Get Recognized
With the growth of social media, it is easy to get recognized today. But be careful just how you get recognized.
Getting recognized in the wrong way can ruin your career dreams. That’s way it is so important to acquire positive recognition. You want to be able to package yourself and your skills in a way that attracts the right people in your desired industry.
Employers are reviewing social media outlets before hiring. When they look up your page, they do not want to see you partying or talking about having hangovers. They don’t want to see posts about skipping work to attend a concert or your latest dating adventures.
Employers do want to see posts about what you are doing to build yourself up, including your reputation, your skills and your knowledge. They even want to see how you are helping others and how you are making a positive difference.
Know How to Package Yourself
It is up to you to leave the best impression on potential employers. Best impressions are made in person, online and on paper.
Practice interviewing with a mentor. Research possible questions and figure out how you will answer. There are many common questions asked by all employers, like knowing your strengths and weaknesses.
Present yourself well online and through emails and other communications. Check your grammar and learn to write professionally. It is not good to communicate with a potential boss the same way you would your best friend.
Make sure your resume is updated to include all recent opportunities you have had. Write a cover letter that promotes you without repeating the information on your resume. Be creative, but also professional.
If you are excited about a job, it’s okay to let them know you are excited. But also know how to control your emotions to avoid insulting or annoying potential employers.
There is never a good time to use slang or text abbreviations in your communications. Your goal should be to promote your skills, to help others see you are the only one for the job. Know how to tell your story succinctly.
Finally, take care of yourself physically and mentally. If you are not at your best, you may not be able to succeed at landing your dream job.
