Whether you are a fresh graduate or a professional looking to change careers, landing the kind of job you want can be a challenge. The market for your dream job could be a tight one, and you may have to spend weeks or even years until you get settled. Still, nothing is impossible, and you can improve your chances of getting hired simply by applying these five tips:
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Research the market
Before reaching out to potential employers, you will need to learn more about the market for your dream job. You may already have a good idea of the skills and education the job requires, but you still need to dig a little deeper and equip yourself with practical knowledge to navigate the market. Look into tech trends in the industry and find out more about the new skills you need to acquire. Other than that, you need to research leading companies in the industry and determine their standards for recruiting the right people. By getting enough insight into the market, you will know how to build a competitive edge.
- Build rapport with references
Most employers will require a list of professional references to contact. They will need input from co-workers, supervisors, college professors (if you are a fresh graduate), and anyone else you have worked closely with to gauge your capacity as a competent team player and potential leader. You will need to be on good terms with them prior to listing them down as your references. You also need to develop excellent rapport and demonstrate high levels of professionalism. They will definitely notice these traits and remember them as they talk to your potential employer.
- Gather your credentials
Regardless of the amount of experience you have attained, it’s important that you document relevant accomplishments, training programs you attended, and awards. Your credentials may not describe who you are as an employee, but they add authority and credibility to your professional track record.
- Invest in your personal brand
Considering how competitive the market for your dream job is, you will need to take up every opportunity to stand out. Apart from acquiring an MBA or getting invited to conferences abroad, you should also build a portfolio consisting of photos, sample works (if you will be working as freelance creative), and videos you are featured in. In addition, you need to come up with a well-written resume that makes your personal brand stand out. You can look for resume examples by industry online if you want to stand out in a specific market.
- Be realistic
At the end of the day, you need to realize that landing your dream job requires extra time and effort. There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, but it becomes a problem if you feel as though you deserve everything. The best you can do is be patient and spend every minute building your skills and network.
We all have a dream job in mind, but getting to it doesn’t happen overnight. Keep these tips in mind as you hunt for your preferred career.
