How To Get Your Dream Job NOW In 2020!
Stuck in a job that seems to be going nowhere?
Are you tired of daydreaming about what work-life can really be like?
Well, this is your year. Now is the time to get that dream job you have always imagined. I want to share with you how to get your dream job in 2020 and finally start your road to happiness!
Revamp Your Resume
A lot may have changed since you last visited your resume and some revamping will be needed before you begin applying for your dream job. Below are some pointers on how to revamp your resume to ensure a call-back.
Sections To Include In Your Resume:
- Name & Contact Information: This is a no brainer.
- Career Objective: Your career objective should be a statement pertaining to your career goals and aspirations.
- Education: Again, another no brainer.
- Employment History & Job Responsibilities: Experience has always been and will always be the number one thing employers look at when reviewing candidates.
- Skills, Skills, Skills: List all the skills that you have that pertain to your dream job.
- Certifications: Any certifications that you have earned should be listed. They are factors that can set you apart from other applicants. (i.e. CPA)
- Activities Outside of Work: Employer’s like to see that you’re active outside your job. Any work you do outside the office can be worth noting.
Resume Layout:
From what I have seen, it seems like everyone has been taught the exact same way on how to write and compose a resume. I hate to say it but, a single one-sided black and white sheet of paper is not going to cut it today.
When employers are shuffling through stacks of resumes, you want yours to stick out among the rest.
You can do this by adding some “flair” to make yours unique. Changing the font, adding color and rearranging the layout of each section are some little tweaks you can make that will go a long way.
Fine-Tuning Your Resume
Once you have your resume exactly how you want it, hand it to someone you trust to review it.
It is helpful to get a second set of eyes on your writing. They can help catch any mistakes you have made.
Even little mistakes can be a deciding factor for an employer when choosing between candidates. You don’t want to miss out on your dream job just because of a misspelled word.
Your resume needs to be pristine.
Sign-Up For Job Search Websites
The day of relying on Want Ads in the newspaper are over. Welcome to the digital age, whereas long as you have an internet connection, you can find endless job opportunities at your fingertips.
The majority of job search websites have filtering methods that allow you to set exactly what you are looking for in a job. They will then display all the possible opportunities closest to what you’re searching for.
Top Job Search Websites:
How to Kill It On Job Search Websites:
Each profile you create should be treated as a virtual resume. Meaning, you need to completely fill out each section of your profile.
An important aspect of your profile is your picture. Stay away from using casual photos and go with a professional headshot.
If the site permits, upload any important documentation that can add value to your profile. This includes a PDF of your resume, cover letters, certifications, recommendation letters, etc.
All these factors will help boost your chances of being noticed and can assist employers who are looking for potential candidates.
Not only do you want to stand out when applying, but you should want recruiters reaching out to you.
Review The Job Opportunities
Everything looks good on paper. Unfortunately, that means the potential dream job you find may actually differ from the job description.
Luckily, there are resources available to get an insight scoop on what it is really like working for the companies you apply to.
Websites like Glassdoor provides job seeks with testimonies from current and former employee’s on their experiences at specific companies and their roles.
You can view salary insights, benefits, interview questions and overall reviews for the positions you are applying to.
Your dream job should be everything you want and more so take the time to review each opportunity you receive before making a final decision.
Write Specific Cover Letters
Writing cover letters can be a drag. Many applicants will half-ass write them or even brush it off completely. What they don’t know is how critical they can be for landing their dream job.
A well-written cover letter will help differentiate you from the rest of the crowd. The challenge is, however, no one really knows how and, for the most part, doesn’t want to take the time to write them properly.
The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to the employer and persuade them into giving your resume a chance.
Each cover letter you write should be tailored to the position and company you are applying for. In the introduction state who you are and what position you are applying to.
The main portion of your letter will be a summary of why you would be a good fit for their role, backed by examples from previous experiences and professional skills.
One pro-tip I use when writing cover letters is to incorporate the mission statement of the company into the content I am writing.
By doing this, employers will recognize the effort you have made to familiarize yourself with the company. It simply shows you’re serious about the role and not just half-ass applying.
Important Aspects To Add To Your Cover Letter:
- Properly formatted contact information displayed at the top of the letter.
- An appropriate salutation to address the employer.
- Content regarding why you would be a good fit, backed by your experience.
- A proper closing statement. (Be confident with your closing statement)
- A handwritten or electronic signature.
Clean Up Your Social Media Presence
Typically, hiring companies will at minimum conduct a Google search on the candidates they are considering for their roles. This results in them having access to just about every social media account associated with your name.
Let’s be honest with ourselves.
Some of the things we may have posted or uploaded in the past may not be considered appropriate today for a working individual.
That is why in order to score your dream job you should clean up your social media presence prior to applying. Below are some precautionary steps you should take to ensure your social accounts are pristine.
- Set your social media accounts to private.
- Hide or delete any posts/photos that may be deemed inappropriate.
- Connect, follow or add leaders and professionals who are in the industry you are applying to.
- Post industry-related articles, news stories, etc.
- Add a professional statement to your online profiles.
- Change your profile pictures to a professional headshot.
- Delete any old social media accounts you no longer use.
You should be doing this in general if you want to maintain a good image of yourself.
Remember, if you have to second guess yourself before posting something, then it shouldn’t be posted in the first place.
Focus On Marketing Yourself
What does it mean to market yourself?
It means to direct the spotlight onto you. You want to put yourself out there and be seen as an expert in what you do.
I am sure at some point you have stumbled across the photo online of the man who bought actual billboard space to advertise that he searching for a job.
Although it may seem like overkill, that is considered marketing yourself. He put the spotlight on him and started a conversation.
So, without buying billboard space, how can you do this to help land your dream job?
In short, you need to find ways to promote yourself. Below are some tactics to consider:
- Network with other leaders within your industry.
- Create your own blog.
- Take part in a podcast.
- Join discussion forums and offer your expertise.
- Give back to the community.
- Attend public conferences.
- Become social media savvy.
Everything you do that gets your name out there is beneficial.
Again, the positive things you do outside of work are the differentiating factors that set you apart from other candidates.
Ask Around For Opportunities
Do you have a friend that seems like their work-life is just fantastic all the time?
I am sure you do and I know you’re probably asking yourself why you don’t have that.
Honestly, what is stopping you from asking them if there are any openings at where they work?
The answer is nothing.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking around about job opportunities. You just have to get over the fear of rejection.
Landing your dream job could be as simple as talking to the right people.
Think about it. At the minimum, you would be networking with other like-minded individuals and finding what it takes to do what they do.
You can even turn to social media to find the answers you’re looking for.
Every day I go on LinkedIn and see my connections asking about job opportunities. You will be surprised to see how many people are willing to help out.
Dress The Part
Everyone knows the classic saying, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” This is still applicable in 2020.
New job opportunities mean a new time to spruce up your image. What you wore five years ago to your first interview may not live up to today’s trends. You want to look the part for the position you are applying and show your employer that you are a fit for their organization.
Do some research on what office looks are currently trending.
You can even model your style on what today’s industry leaders are wearing when on the job.
However, please use common sense. Do not show up to your job interview wearing a gray t-shirt and jeans like you’re Mark Zuckerberg.
If you’re still not sold on what to wear, you can never go wrong with classic well-fitting professional work attire.
Now, dressing the part goes beyond the outfit. Your physical appearance itself can be a make or break factor for your dream job.
Yes, I know that sounds derogatory but for the most part, it is true. Personal hygiene is taken into consideration when you’re being interviewed.
Get a haircut, get some rest and take the time to groom yourself before heading into the interview.
Be Clear With Your Potential Employer
When you finally find yourself in the hot seat during an interview, don’t be afraid to express what you’re looking for from the job.
Honesty is the best policy. It is more beneficial on your end to be straight-up with the potential employer. Tell them what you want and ask them what they can offer.
You don’t want to say yes to a job just to find out in 3 months it is nothing you expected.
Before heading into your interview write down your priorities and come up with a set of questions to ask the individual that is conducting your interview. If their answers don’t align with what you are looking for then you dodged a bullet by not saying yes.
Stay Positive
During your job search, there will be without a doubt, challenges that will arise throughout the process.
Rejection, laziness, lack of motivation.
Having a positive mindset will help you overcome any obstacle thrown your way. As cliché as it sounds, staying positive will contribute to landing your dream job.
Trust me, I know it can be tough to wake up each day not knowing whether or not you have what it takes to accomplish your goals.
That is why staying positive is key. Staying in that mindset will drive you to do great things.
It will boost your mood, give you motivation and most importantly lets you continue on your hunt towards your overall goal.
Wake up each morning, look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself, “I got this”.
Conclusion
So, I want to leave you with some questions to ask yourself as we begin the new year.
- Are you happy with your current employment?
- Is now the time to finally land your dream job?
- Do you know how to get your dream job?
- What are the barriers stopping you?
It is your time to shine. Begin the search for your dream job today. If you would like to share your own tactics for landing your dream job, please leave a comment below! Good luck on your new journey!