1. Interview people who already have it.
The best way to find out if your dream job is really everything you think it’s cracked up to be is to interview people who already have it and find out the best parts of the job and the worst parts. This is one of the quickest ways to not only make a connection in the field you want to be in, but to gain some valuable information on what your dream job looks like. You’ll get an insider perspective that will really help you figure out if it’s the right job for you.
2. Evaluate your strengths and figure out how they would be an asset to the job you want.
Make sure you know inside and out what your strengths are and how they would serve you in this position. Are you a great communicator, writer, or speaker? How do those skills aid you in your dream job? Play those strengths up in your interviews, when you talk to people in the field and show how you can be an asset to them.
3. Build relationships, not connections.
The most important aspect of finding your dream career is building solid, genuine relationship with people. This means making time for them on a regular basis and showing that you care. This means sending a handwritten birthday card, sending articles that could be relevant and offering to help them as much as you want them to help you. People can spot sincerity, passion, and authenticity – so only focus on being the best version of yourself and not someone looking to hand out a business card and walk out.
4. Find the company you want to work at even if they aren’t hiring.
If you know 3-5 companies you would love to work for because of their values, mission, and culture, let them know you want to work for them because you share those same passions. Most employers want to hire people who believe in what they do because those are the people who stay and are worth investing in. So even if there are no openings at the moment, reach out. You never know what could come from it.
5. Study the masters.
Chances are that someone is already doing what you want to do—learn from them. Read books on how they got to where they are. Listen to podcasts from mentors in the field and subscribe to their blog. You will be surprised how much you can learn and implement from a little research on people who have done it before.
6. Offer to help for free.
There is no greater way to create a relationship or gain experience than offering your services for free to the company you want to work for. You’ll stand out from everyone else, demonstrating your true dedication to their company. Create a proposal of how you could assist them in marketing, writing, website development, and so on and see if they take you up on it. Most employers love to get an outsider’s perspective and they just might hire you for your great work. What are your best tips to land your dream job? Leave them here! Featured photo credit: Herbert Lack via media.photobucket.com
