How to Secure Your Dream Job
Your dream job does not just fall into your lap. You either need to work hard to secure that position, or you need to make it come true for yourself. There are many avenues that you can take. So long as you are flexible with the exact position and who you work for you can make your dream come true by following this guide:
Know What Qualities You Value Most
Understanding what you value can help you understand what you want out of a job. Going with the childhood assumption of your dream job is putting yourself at a disservice. There are so many roles that would fit you and your ambitions perfectly that are just not widely known. That is why you need to focus on what qualities in a dream job you would like, and then research the available positions first.
Salary
You need to be very upfront about what your salary expectations are because not every industry will be able to provide this. If you want to be paid in the six figures, then you need to work in an industry that has money and has consistently paid these salaries to their top-level executives in the past.
Quality of Life
You also need to know what type of work/life balance you will be happy with. Many people today are wakening up to the realization that they want a healthy work/life balance that allows them to have an equally fulfilling home life as well as a career.
More employers are working to provide this balance, but if that is something you need, then you need to pick your companies and even industry carefully.
Job Description
The job you will be doing on a day-to-day basis also matters. Social people often make great executive-level managers, as their job roles are dominated by communication. If you want a quieter day, or perhaps a job where you bunker down and research, this will lead you to different roles and different salary expectations.
Industry
The industry you work in will also matter. You can often transfer between specific businesses so long as you work in the same overarching industry. It is important to note that some industries are almost universal, like marketing or finance, which have roles available in every big business in the world.
Find the Job Roles That Fit the Bill
With a clear awareness of what you need out of a job to be truly satisfied on all fronts, it is time to job hunt. You won’t be able to apply for any of these roles just yet but understanding what roles available and what employers are looking for from candidates can help you work and build your skillset and expertise accordingly.
For example, most top tier positions are management positions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that these management professionals earn an average salary of $100,240 annually, though this will vary dramatically from position to position. Reading this guide by Aston University, and knowing what the top business and management jobs are available, their pay, and what the requirements can help you decide on your future efforts.
Predicting Future Positions
If you are just at the start of your career, then it will be useful to read up job predictions to help inform you of what to expect in your chosen career path. If you can tick all the boxes for a new role, then you will have a heads up over all your competitors who will be trying to tailor their experience to the job, rather than simply being right for the job.
This is not a perfect method, but so long as you stay up to date with industry trends and predictions, you can better position yourself into a top-tier position that pays very well due to its novelty.
Build Your Individual Brand
Dream jobs are often at the top tier. They are the end goal that takes a lifetime to work up to. This can make it very daunting, especially when you are job hunting and trying to find a role that will help you direct your efforts in the right direction.
Though job experience is essential and cannot be replaced, it is not your only avenue. By building your individual brand and bringing your own projects to life, you can make opportunities for yourself that others are not often willing to give at the start of your career.
It takes time and effort to build up your own brand and complete your own projects, but the effort is well worth it. You will open up doors you never even thought was possible, including the option to start your own business.
It will take time, and some trial and error, but you can start today:
1.With a Website
Everything starts with a website. By creating a website, you can host a blog that you can curate with industry tips, tricks, news, and insights. Become a leader in your industry through your words and your ideas.
The benefits of starting a website also go beyond just what the content says about you and your expertise. It also shows that you have web development skills, SEO skills, design skills, and marketing skills. You can showcase your ability to learn on the go and direct an entire project towards success.
2. With a Social Following
The reason why you should have a reliable website up and running first is that all your social profiles will be directed towards it. This is where your marketing skills will truly shine and can develop, as well as your options for the future.
If you can use a social following and grow your audience to a point where you can monetize your site or start offering your services and be hired, then you are already an entrepreneur. You have already succeeded. You can either branch off and start a business on your own or use this as evidence of your skills and experience.
3. By Contributing
Contribute your knowledge in as many avenues as you can. Write pieces for websites, industry news, and magazines alike. You will likely have to start small but building your contributor profile will enable you to be visible on top sites and brands, further solidifying your brand.
4. At Events and Workshops
Start by attending events and different workshops, but do not hesitate to start hosting your own if you feel the time is right. Many professionals offer online webinars, or a series of instructional videos, to showcase their skills and make some money on the side.
By being a leader in these ways, you will open up your options significantly, both on the career track and the option to start your own business.
Learn and Grow Your Skillset
A wise man is one who knows he knows nothing. What this means is those who learn more about at topic must become aware of where their knowledge is lacking. Though you will never be able to know everything that there is to know, that should not stop you from trying.
Books, Podcasts, and Blogs
Make it a habit to read books, articles, listen to podcasts, and generally just stay active and up to date with the theories and news of the day. This applies both to information in your industry and to the world at large. Global events affect businesses even at a local level, so understanding how the world works and what is going on in it at any given time can make you a better leader and businessperson.
Online Courses
Short online courses can be excellent at giving you an overview of a topic you are not familiar with but want to be. It does not even matter if the short course is related to your dream job, either. Context and broadening your understanding can give you great, innovative ideas in your own career.
These courses can even be free, allowing you to explore your interests even on a tight budget.
Online Degrees
When you are ready, you will want to specialize with a master’s degree. These degrees are best done mid-way through your career, when you are either a manager and looking to expand into executive or global managerial roles, or when you are ready to take that plunge.
MSc in business provides you with all the skills and theories necessary to start a business or lead a business. Do be aware that there are many ways that you can specialize your degree to better suit your career ambitions.
Workshops and Events
It has already been said that you should attend workshops and events, and the benefits of doing so expand to your learning efforts as well. Even if you think you know everything, just one new idea makes going to an event or knowledge panel worth it. Combine that with the networking opportunities and the ability to really delve deep into concepts with other attendees, and these workshops or events start to show their value.
