How to land your dream job
Do you have a job that’s just like everyone else’s? Are you looking for a 9 to 5 job but wish you weren’t? Do you wish there was another option, one that would lead to an exciting, unique and fulfilling career? As unattainable as a dream job might sound, with the right amount of forethought and preparation, you can make it happen. Here are some tips to help you.
Learn about yourself
Assess your values, what you enjoy doing and what job you would be prepared to do even if you were not getting paid. Research employers who would fulfil your dream job and approach them. For instance if you would like to be a radio presenter what’s stopping you? Every area has whats called a Community Radio Station which is run by volunteers, get some experience volunteering and the next thing you know you could be working for the BBC. Never be afraid to contact an employee who you would like to work for. The worse thing that could happen is they could say no.
Don’t be deterred by a lack of experience
When preparing a CV for the field you want to work in think about how your current skills and talents could be applied to the responsibilities you would hold in your dream job. An example of this is if you would like to be a Travel Tour Guide then think what sort of skills you have to offer to a future employer. One of the key attributes of a Travel Tour Guide is customer service. Look at where you have liaised with people in the past, either in person or over the telephone, the experience needs to be applied on your CV so any potential employers can see your love of dealing with people which is fundamentally what a Travel Tour Guide does.
Be prepared to return to education
Some jobs need certain qualifications, for instance if your dream job is to be a Teacher you need a teaching qualification. This may mean returning to education on a full time basis, so there are sacrifices to be made but if they lead you to your dream job then anything you give up will be worth it.
Ease yourself into a new career
If you want to work in a particular sector, approach companies in that field and volunteer your services for them in order to get some experience. You can volunteer for most jobs, certainly Schools and Colleges employee volunteers, as do local Radio Stations, Hospitals, Veterinary Surgeries and Design Studios. The list is endless. Alright you aren’t going to be paid but just think how attractive this experience will look on your CV.
Be prepared to hold down a full time job and study
If like most people you cannot afford to give up work in order to follow your dream it could be you’ll have to stay in your current job and study during the evenings or at the week-end in order to obtain the qualifications you need to go after your dream job. This is hard, but if you want something badly enough you will be prepared to put in the effort.
Remember that any progress is good progress
Even confident people stay in jobs because they feel safe, but if you want to obtain your dream job you have to make a effort even if is only attending a Trade Show or an event connected to your desired field of employment. By attending these type of events you will have the opportunity to network and meet people who are actually doing your dream job. You may get more of an idea of what your job involves and if you are really lucky you may get some clues on how to break into the industry you are interested in. You really don’t have anything to lose.
Try, try, try and try again
Constantly look and jobs online in the area you want to work and apply for them, what do you have to lose. You could be rejected for the position you applied for but there may be an opening in the organization that the employer thinks could suit you. Also make sure you are on LinkedIn and have connected with people in the industry you want to work in. Very often it’s not what you know it’s the people you know so give it a try.
It’s never too late
It is never too late to pursue your passion. More and more people are changing their careers and leaving the world of traditional employment for alternative career paths later in life. Don’t ever think you are too old to change career direction. Some of the most successful people did not start off doing what they are doing now. Look at Ian Wright, he worked in a Factory before he changed his life and became a professional footballer. Its never to late to follow your dreams but in order to achieve them you need determination, tenacity and focus. Don’t just sit there and think about it, get yourself out there and do it.
Have realistic expectations
A “dream job” doesn’t mean a “cushy job”. As your parents always told you “anything worth having in this world requires some effort”. Every job has its ups and downs and elements we love and aspects we don’t enjoy. This will also be the case in your dream job. Don’t go into something unless you understand exactly what will be expected of you. An example of this is working in the travel sector, yes you may get to see the world but often the part of the world you are seeing in an Airport in an overseas country. So seriously study the job you dream of and be aware of the good, the bad and the ugly.
All that glitters is not gold
When you watch TV and you see people living the life you can only dream of it’s easy to think that this is what you would like for yourself, but as my old dad used to say “if its coloured gold it doesn’t mean its valuable”. So be careful what you dream about. Somedays I wish I had Kim Kardashian’s job, whatever that is! But when I put my sensible head on and look at her I realise that it is a full time job being her and a hard one at that! You don’t get to look like her without 24 hour effort and working seven days a week. So make sure you are going after your dream job not just an illusion of what could be wonderful because sometimes that dream is not real life.
So there you are, don’t be afraid to follow your dream, but keep your dream real and be prepared to work extremely hard to achieve it.
Good Luck
Angela Burton