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First and Foremost

Not having yet landed your “dream job” does not indicate you are lacking in any way.  Many haven’t even identified their dream job.  Most likely, you have a clear bearing of what your talents are, and a strong suspicion about what you would be good at, which is a great start.  Early on in our careers we tend to be highly curious, yet single-minded about a goal; however, even if you are not that tightly focused, that doesn’t mean you are necessarily on the wrong track.

blurry office - jobs not yet in existenceOne aspect many of us should consider is that the rapid pace of development is causing the work landscape to evolve quickly.  Your dream job may not even exist yet.  Do you think Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set out to walk on the Moon?  Of course not; there was a process of events which led them toward their success.

Experience Brings Clarity

The older you are, and the longer you have been working, the more likely it is that you have narrowed your focus to the point where you can say “That is what I want to do!”  Until you reach that point, it is perfectly acceptable to continue to research and keep your ears, eyes, and options open.

Persistence

Of course, it doesn’t matter what your dream job is.  If you’re prepared to invest time and effort, you have a good chance of succeeding at your goal; whether that’s being a paid traveler writing about exotic foreign destinations, scooping ice cream on a tropical island, or something more conventional like landing a high ranking position with your favorite company or even starting your own business, for that matter.

Epiphany

Once the perfect job presents itself (whether through luck or, most likely, your own unyielding perseverance), you’ve got to move fast, because chances are, the competition is moving just as fast as you are.  Your preparation will serve you well.

Research

If you aren’t looking, you’ll never see what is out there.  Perhaps, you’re visiting the web dream-job-means-signboard-daydreamer-and-plansite of a company that you’d love to work for when suddenly you spot a brand new (and all too rare) “We’re Hiring” notice along the bottom edge of the web page.  Read and review the opportunity and familiarize yourself with it.  Is it your perfect job?  If not, will it lead to your perfect job?  If so, do not waste any time!

Get your résumé on-screen and tailor it with all the perfect keywords from their notice.  Now craft a perfect cover letter; tell them exactly how your skills align with their needs; make them understand what an incredible asset you would be to their organization.

Network/Solicit

Check your contacts.  Does anyone you know work for the company?  Do any of your contacts know someone who works for that company?

If not, you can always submit your résumé and cover letter through the traditional route and hope for the best.  On the other hand, if you can find an “in” with a friend or an associate, then that résumé could be hand-delivered directly to the decision maker, and with a personal recommendation to boot.

Practice

Take a magnifying glass to their website and learn to recite their company mission on demand.  If they manufacture something, become an expert on the most popular products, and then don’t be afraid to know something about an obscure line of merchandise.  Know all your interviewers by sight, and most especially by name.

The Takeaway

Stop dreaming and start doing.  Even if you lack the perfect qualifications for the job, you might impress them with your enthusiasm.  Nothing can be lost in trying.  With the right attitude and ethic, your “dream job” may not be as distant as you once thought.

By Fred Coon, CEO

Stewart, Cooper & Coon, has helped thousands of decision makers and senior executives move up in their careers and achieve significantly improved financial packages within short time frames. Contact Fred Coon – 866-883-4200, Ext. 200