Many job seekers have suppressed the goal of finding their dream job because they just think it’s not possible, too much work, or just not in the cards.
According to the Department of Labor (DOL), there are over 400 broad and 800 detailed professional job classifications. And, with millions of employers across the U.S., including over 18,000 employers with more than 500 employees, all with a different culture – it can be a bit daunting finding the right fit for you.
But, don’t let the facts discourage you. Every job search effort can lead to a dream job if done effectively, and if you allow yourself to get specific.
- Figure Out What You Truly Want –Ask yourself these questions: What are job tasks will you be doing in your dream job? Is it in a certain industry? Do you need to be in a certain geographical area? Is there any additional training to help make you more marketable? Who do I know that is currently doing my dream job or has done it in the past? Giving some serious thought to these questions can help you get specific about what your dream job is, and where you can hone your job search.
- Get Your Resume and Cover Letter Right – Any time you apply for a job, make sure to tailor your resume to highlight your background and speak to skills that fit with your dream job. Remember, you are developing an argument for why you are the best candidate. Highlight key sentences or words in the job description to include in your resume that relate to job skills you already have and then rearrange your resume to place the most relevant skills right at the top. Pick the top three things in the job description that you know you can do and use these three items as paragraphs in your cover letter. Express your passion for this dream job or industry and give detail on why you’re the best candidate for the job using those three points and your past experience in those areas to stand out. By using your resume to sell yourself, you can land an interview where you can really shine!
- Think Companies Not Jobs –Make a list of all the companies that make you say, “Wow, I would love to work for that company!” Then, research all the roles within those companies until you land on one or two that resonate with you and your skill set. A big reason to think companies and not jobs is the hidden job market. Research shows that 80 to 85 percent of available jobs are not advertised. Some companies do not post jobs, but instead ask their employees to send them the contact info for anyone they know who could be qualified for their open position. Use your list of dream companies and find ways to introduce yourself. Sites like LinkedIn and a simple Google search can help with this. You would be surprised who knows who in your circle of friends, neighbors, and other acquaintances.
So, now it’s time to go back to your job search, inspired to find your dream job by figuring out what you want and using your resume and cover letter to market your skills effectively.