Tips for landing your dream job
Date: 24-Dec-2009
Do you have a job that’s just like everyone else’s? Are you looking for a nine-to-five...but wish you weren’t?
As unattainable as a dream job might sound, with the right amount of
forethought and preparation, you can make the move as well. Here are
six tips to get you started:
Learn about yourself
Take time to do a self-assessment of your values, how you like to work,
and what you’d be compelled to do even if you never got paid.
Research careers and industries that map to your skills and
interests. Hit the Internet, set up informational interviews, take
relevant coursework.
Don’t be deterred by a lack of experience. In developing a resume
and other promotional materials for the field you want to pursue, think
about how your current skills and talents apply to the responsibilities
you’ll hold in the new job.
For
example, knowledge of project management, client relations, information
technology, and sales will take you far in most types of careers.
Ease into a new career one foot at a time. Perhaps this means
earning a paycheck at your current job while doing a part-time
internship in your new field or taking an adult education class or
workshop on the weekend.
The only way to find out if you’re passionate about something is to try it – ideally with as little risk as you can manage.
Remember that any progress is good progress.
Even confident people stay in unsatisfying jobs because they feel safe, and because they’re afraid of making a bad decision.
But
in the quest to uncover a source of meaningful work, though, your worst
enemy is inertia. Make an effort to do one thing, like e-mailing a
networking contact or attending an event – that moves you a bit closer
to your big picture goal.
Start early.
Twenty and thirty-something’s have more flexibility when it comes to test-driving different careers.
The
process of self-discovery is much easier when you’re unencumbered by
family responsibilities and substantial financial burdens, and when you
haven’t yet reached a level in a career where it’s tougher to turn
back.
That said, it’s never too late to pursue your passion.
More
and more baby boomers are leaving the world of traditional employment
for alternative career paths that will fulfill them well into
retirement age.
Have realistic expectations. Even if you’re lucky enough to hold
your dream job, there’s no such thing as the perfect work situation.
Every job has its ups and downs, and aspects we love and aspects we
don’t love.
And dream job doesn’t mean “cushy” job. As your mom always told you, anything worth having in this world requires some effort.
There
will be some days you feel like shutting the alarm off and going back
to sleep, but many more where you feel more energized by the prospect
of work than you ever thought possible!
Posted By : Smita Mishra
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