Do you roll your eyes when you talk to people who seem to have the dream job or while away hours at your desk thinking about what you’d rather be doing instead? Most of us have aspirations when it comes to our careers. It’s good to have goals, but sometimes, you have to stop dreaming and start doing. It’s very unlikely that the job offer you’ve always wanted is going to land in your lap, so you need to go out there and make it happen. If you have an ideal job in mind, here are some helpful hacks to find the right job for you.
1. Research
Research is essential when it comes to putting yourself in the best position to get a job you love. In some cases, you may already have the qualifications or experience you need to apply for jobs, but often, a dream job comes with essential requirements that may not feature on your resume. The best thing to do is look at some online adverts and read up on the kinds of qualifications you need. If every job you come across specifies a degree-level qualification, and you don’t have one, you’re not going to get past the first stage of the application process. If you don’t match the specification, don’t automatically give up. It’s never too late to study or enroll in a training program. It may take you a little longer to get to where you want to be, but it’ll be worth your while when you’re doing something you enjoy on a daily basis.
2. Find courses and training programs
If you haven’t been to college before or you’ve decided you’d like a career change and you want to embark on further study, it’s important to find the right courses and programs. Use the Internet to find organizations that offer the kind of courses you’re interested in, and consider your options. Online learning has become increasingly popular, but some students prefer to attend classes. Tailor your search to match your preferences and requirements. If you’re looking for colleges that offer online nursing programs, read up on the curriculum, have a look at the format of the courses and compare prices. If you do choose to study online, you can enjoy greater flexibility, and this may enable you to continue working, so you don’t need to worry about your income. If there are multiple courses available, it’s a good idea to read some testimonials so that you can get an idea of what the program is like from people who have been there and got the t-shirt.
3. Revamp your resume
The application process is incredibly competitive in many industries. Sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where you’re competing against hundreds of other people for one job. Throw in the fact that an employer will spend an average of less than 50 seconds on each resume, and the task of finding the perfect job may seem impossible. You may feel like you’re facing an uphill struggle, but what’s to stop you being the successful candidate? If you haven’t updated or refreshed your resume in a while, this could be a major stumbling block. A panel will spend very little time looking through what you’ve written, so you have to make sure you get it right. Be concise and punchy, and make sure your resume sells you and highlights your talents and attributes. If you’ve applied for a lot of jobs and you never get interviews, it may be worth asking for expert advice from a careers adviser or registering with a recruitment agency.
4. Tailor your application
It’s rare to apply for a job by simply sending in a resume and in many cases, you’ll be required to submit an application form. If you fill in an application and you have to answer questions, make sure you tailor each individual answer to the job. You can’t adopt a one size fits all approach to applying for jobs. Always use the specification and job description to help you make your responses relevant.
5. Be proactive
It’s unlikely that somebody will come to you and offer you a job, so you have to be proactive. If you’ve got the right qualifications, but you lack experience, try and improve your resume in this area. Apply for internships, contact companies and ask about work experience placements and consider taking entry-level jobs. You may be dropping down a rung or two and earning less, but this is a short term situation, and once you get a foot in the door, this can improve your chances of reaching the top. If you want to be a teacher, for example, spend some time in the classroom on a voluntary basis or see if you can help out at a children’s holiday scheme or play center. If you can add experience to your resume, this shows that you’re passionate about the job and you’re willing to dedicate time and energy to improving your prospects. Keep an ear to the ground and attend networking events if you’re keen to work in marketing, media or sales.
Do you watch the clock tick by when you’re at work and wish you were somewhere else doing a job you loved? Many of us have jobs that don’t exactly set our worlds alight, but they’re often a stepping stone to better things. If you have a dream job in mind, don’t let it remain a fantasy. There’s nothing stopping you from making every effort to get that job. Be proactive, make sure your resume is up to scratch and do some research to ensure that you match the person specification. Be prepared to study, learn and gain experience. When you do come across opportunities, tailor your application and try and make your resume and cover letter stand out from the crowd. Learn how to sell yourself to employers, and have confidence in your own ability. Sign up to recruitment websites, and keep your eyes peeled for job adverts and your ear to the ground for news of potential openings.
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