Seven Tips to Help You Land The Job of Your Dreams
Unlock Your Career Potential and Live Happily Ever After
If you’re currently on the job hunt, you know it can be a bit of a roller coaster. One minute you feel like you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re questioning why you even bothered to update your resume. It’s tough out there, but there are things you can do to make the process a little less daunting — and a little more successful. Here are seven tips to help you land the job of your dreams.
Tailor your resume
Stay positive
Share your experience
Network with other job seekers
Order your day for balance
Refine your stories and practice
Accept that you might not get the first job you apply for — or even the tenth
1. Tailor your resume
It can be tempting to take the easy route and send out the same resume to every job opening, but if you want to make an impression, you must tailor your resume specifically for each position. Highlight the skills and experience relevant to the job you’re applying for, and make sure your formatting is clean and professional.
Your resume is your first chance to make a good impression on potential employers, so it's essential for you to take the time to get it right. I opted to have my resume and LinkedIn profile professionally crafted.
https://topresume.com/career-advice/category/resume-and-cover-letter
2. Stay positive
It can be tough to stay positive during a challenging job hunt, but it’s essential if you want to succeed. Staying positive doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect; it means keeping your chin up and focusing on the good things, even when things are tough. Focusing on the negative will make it harder to get through this process. Stay positive, and keep your eye on the prize.
One of the best ways to stay positive during a job hunt is to keep learning. Whether you’re taking online courses, reading books, or continuing your education, keep your mind sharp and focused on your goals. This will show potential employers that you’re serious about your career and willing to do what it takes to improve yourself.
“Positive thinking just means you approach unpleasantness more positively and productively.” Mayo Clinic
Try to surround yourself with positive people. During my job search, I reconnected with friends for walks or meals—they were uplifting meetings where we talked about everything except the job search! Count on the kind, encouraging individuals to offer joyful stories, interesting tidbits and encouragement.
“Practice positive self-talk. Start by following one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you. Think about things you’re thankful for in your life.” Mayo Clinic
3. Share Your Expertise
One of the best ways to make yourself more attractive to potential employers is to share your knowledge and expertise. Start a blog or write articles for industry publications—this will help improve your writing skills and show employers that you know what you’re talking about. If you can’t find the time or platform to write, consider giving talks or workshops on your expertise. Sharing your knowledge is a great way to build credibility and connect with potential employers.
I started submitting stories about change management via Medium and on my blog! In one of my interviews, the interviewer mentioned that he appreciated the insights I shared. Employers appreciate it when you give a more holistic view of yourself and what you bring.
4. Network With Other Job Seekers
When you’re job searching, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Millions of other people are in the same boat as you — so why not network with them? Attend job fairs and meet-ups, join relevant online forums and LinkedIn groups, and connect with other job seekers on social media. Not only will this help you feel less isolated during a very lonely process, but it might also help you land a lead or two. You never know who knows someone who knows someone who’s hiring!
I joined several groups during my job search. The generosity and delight I experienced in these weekly and bi-weekly forums were extraordinary. Moreover, I have many ideas for improving my interviewing skills and LinkedIn profile and resume. These groups made a positive difference in my journey.
5. Order Your Day for Balance
When you’re unemployed, spending every waking hour looking for a job can be tempting. But trust me, that will not do you any favors in the long run. It’s essential to take breaks, relax, and rejuvenate so that you're at the top of your game when it comes time for interviews or networking events. Dedicate certain days or hours to job-related activities and stick to them — and then use the rest of your time however you see fit. Go for walks, read books, listen to music, watch movies — do whatever helps you unwind and recharge so that when it’s time to throw yourself back into the job search fray, you’re ready to go.
“Mindfulness allows us to live life fully. Fully aware, fully awake, fully alive.” -@Headspace, #mindfulmoments
I took deliberate time every day to sing and dance like nobody was watching (my job-hunting playlist)! I also used my Headspace membership to calm my mind throughout the day. Find the tool(s) and avenues that work for you.
6. Refine Your Stories and Practice!
To convey your value to potential employers, you must inject energy and relevant information when you share your experience. This means you have to know your resume and be able to share “stories” that give examples of times you solved problems or went above and beyond in your previous roles. The subject of your stories is not you, by the way. It’s the person in the interview with you. Angle the information you share to demonstrate that you understand their business problem and can solve it like no other.
And don’t forget — practice makes perfect! Before an interview, ask a friend or family member to listen to your answers to common questions so you’re prepared to wow your potential employers. Assuming you have the knowledge and experience to do the work, how you tell the story is crucial to setting you apart from all the other candidates!
Take advantage of the executive boot camp that the Platinum Resource Group conducts, as I did. It is free and includes individual work on refining your work stories for the most significant impact and results!
7. Accept That You Might Not Get the First Job You Apply for — Or Even the Tenth
It’s okay if you don’t get the first job you apply for — the tenth or even the fortieth. The important thing is to keep plugging away, not give up, and tweaking your approach based on advice from others and the experience you gain. Finding the right fit might take a while, but eventually, you’ll find an employer who appreciates your skills and knowledge. And in the meantime, you’ll have gained valuable experience in job hunting that will serve you well now and in the future.
So there you have it—seven tips to help you land the job of your dreams. A successful job search requires focus, dedication, and perseverance. Remember to stay positive, keep networking, and practice, practice, practice! With a little work, a bit of fun and a lot of determination, you’re sure to find the perfect position at the right time.
© K. Joseph, all rights reserved.
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Significant parts of this article were published initially on Medium.com.