You CAN Get Your DREAM Job!

We make New Year's resolutions with good intentions of keeping them. Then, the hard work begins. You might think, "I need a plan! Where do I start? Can I really do this?" If your resolution is to get the job you've always wanted, I'm here to tell you that getting your DREAM job can happen by following these steps:

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Determine what your dream job really is.  Ideally, work with a career coach who uses career assessments to ensure you are focused on a job you would love doing.  Alternatively, read books and articles that can offer insight on what the best career is for you.

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Research - Check out job sites and job descriptions online. Is the job truly what you thought it would be?  Do you have the experience, education and certifications required?  Are you willing to obtain those qualifications?  Is the salary range acceptable to you?  What is the market for this role?

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Expertise - Build your expertise in your field of interest. Get on LinkedIn and follow experts in the industry. Subscribe to industry blogs, podcasts and journals.  Read books and articles on your topic.

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Associations - Join professional associations, if possible, in your area of interest. If you aren't yet qualified to join, attend events as a guest.  Network with other professionals in your field of interest.  Ask them how they got their jobs!

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Mark your target - Target the industry or company that fits with your goals. Set up informational interviews. Use LinkedIn and other social networking tools to put a "face" to your name among your future peers.  Do so with grace: presence is good; being a pest isn't.

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Now that you have a D.R.E.A.M., you can go after your job. You'll need to build a resume, cover letters, prepare for interviews, and conduct a job search (look for more guidance on that in an upcoming blog).  Good luck on getting your DREAM job!
 

This article is Part 1 in a series of three articles where I share tips on how to get your dream job. Be sure to read Part 2 - Make Sure Your Dream Job Isn't a Nightmare, and Part 3 - Five Steps to Make Your Dream Job a Reality, to get the full range of tips that can help you succeed in landing your dream job.

Image source: Pixabay