We all want to land our dream job, but most of us miss the mark. According to recent studies, only 7% of Americans are working in their dream career. Fortunately, the Great Resignation has made it possible for millions of Americans to reach their dreams if they take the right steps.
How to Land Your Dream Job This Year
Landing your dream job takes a lot of creativity, self-awareness, and perseverance. But working in a happier, more fulfilling environment is worth it. Here’s what you should do to live the dream.
1. Stick to a Stable Routine
If you’re unemployed while searching for your next career, it’s essential to stick to a routine. Unemployed individuals may find it difficult to structure their day, but you’ll need to wake up at the same time each day and dedicate time to your job search if you want to find your dream career.
We recommend spending 2-3 hours a day looking through job postings. Make sure you see your friends at least once a week and exercise regularly to maintain your physical and mental health.
2. Write a Career-Specific Resume
Before you start applying to jobs, build a general resume that makes it easier for you to “fill in the blanks.” Whether you’re applying on Indeed, Monster, or Lensa, a career-specific resume is key. Employers will check if your resume is specific to the job position, so read the job posting!
Keep in mind that employers may run your resume through ATS (applicant tracking system) software, which rates candidate fit based on keywords, experience, and document formatting.
3. Always Write a Cover Letter
You should always write a relevant, career-specific cover letter, whether your future employer asks for one or not. A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates because it gives you the space to explain your relevant experience, skills, interests, and career goals.
If you have a gap in your resume, use the cover letter to explain why you took time off. If you want to impress the potential employer further, include known facts about their business.
4. Establish an Online Presence
Modern recruiters will research your social media pages, usually to see if you’re a controversial figure. If you’re someone who discusses politics, speaks poorly about their past employers, or posts inappropriate content, you’ll need to scrub it away. A lack of a presence is also a red flag.
Meet recruiters in the middle by creating a LinkedIn profile and a website that’s consistently updated. Include your portfolio, resume, and any other relevant materials on each platform.
5. Focus on Interesting Careers
Don’t start applying to whatever’s available, even when you get frustrated. You’re looking for your dream career, so pass up any job postings that look too good to be true or don’t seem like good fits. There’s no need to apply for jobs that don’t meet your requirements, so keep looking.
The more effort you put into the job search, the more you’ll get out of it. Above all, try to stay positive. It can take months to get an interview, so keep applying and try to enjoy your free time.
6. Build Your Career Network
If you don’t have a career network, start building one. You’re more likely to get hired as a referral, so speak to mentors and other business people in your desired industry. Join leadership groups, either online or in person, and put yourself out there. Make it your goal to meet new people.
You should only build mutually beneficial relationships, as they’re the most effective. It will be challenging to build a network if you can’t provide any insight or opportunities for other people.
7. Prepare for the Interview
Once you’ve made it to the interview stage, you’re already considered a key applicant. Make sure you do everything you can to impress the interviewer by researching the company, preparing common interview questions, and practicing. Be sure to arrive at the interview 10 minutes early.
When the interview is over, send a thank-you note via email. If the recruiter hasn’t gotten back to you in 5 business days, write a follow-up email. Express your interest in the opportunity.
