Four Steps to Getting Your Dream Job in 2017
Changing careers always ranks high on the NY resolutions list… only most people approach it with the “same-old-same-old” approach are then are surprised when it’s not getting them any closer to their goals.
So today I’m sharing some exclusive behind-the-doors secrets on how to actually set yourself up for success and get that dream job in 2017.
Do the Research –
There are some hidden nuggets with every career that are a mystery until you’re in the heart of it. But you have the internet on your side, and that gives you the opportunity to research. You can start by searching out interviews with people from your dream field, watching webinars giving advice to newbies, reading up on what employers are looking for and what pain points the industry has, and even getting in contact with people who already do the job.
This gives you a sensible look at your end goal and guidance on how to build your action plan. Utilize Technology – from Linkedin as the obvious choice for you research – maybe you have an old college friend who happens to work in the industry of your dreams, reach out to him and get some vital info.
But there are also options, Understand the existing occupations in any given industry (just wanting to break into advertising or interior design is not enough you have to be specific!)
Be creative –
When you’re evaluating your career dream and how to reach it, ask what shortcuts no one has thought of yet. Use your creativity. If you want to be a designer, create a fan site that people will visit and spread the word on in their free time. If you just can’t get your resume through the channels, come in at the side and offer the company something unique, such as a free consultation on their newsletter or a motivational webinar for their employees, which will encourage them to pay attention to you.
Another way forward could be examining remote-employment opportunities. Haven’t found the perfect work environment for you? Well your office can actually be anywhere… including your own home. This might come in especially handy for the hustling expat woman. A lot of the work that can be done remotely nowadays can also be done on a flexible schedule. For example, if you’re a web developer or a content creator, you can most likely do your coding or writing whenever it suits you as long as you meet your deadlines. So, night owls, rejoice!
Use the “Pain Letters” Approach –
This one is a game changer. Stop blindly applying or random jobs with a standard cover letter saying “Dear Mr. X, I’m happy to present my candidature to job Y. See my CV/resume attached”. Everybody does that; and I they do – that means you have to stand out by doing something different.
Pain letters save everyone a lot of time by getting right to the point. An employer is hiring you as someone who can solve problems for them, and a pain letter, rather than a cover letter, details exactly what pain points your new employer and company are experiencing that you can solve. You can sometimes address it to the hiring managers themselves rather than just an HR person. In comparison to another applicants who still need testing, someone who offers exactly what they can fix is an easy first choice.
Take risks –
Sometimes to truly achieve your potential and break free from the stuck and drained career girl, you need to try a different path. Not every entrepreneurial attempt will result in the Next Google or Facebook, but by being active and creative you can start experiencing different trades right away.
A first step to your new and exciting career abroad could a simple side-gig to play around with different concepts and skills and show case what you’re good at. A nice way to earn some extra money, but mostly an opportunity to widen your horizons, meet new people and try new things on your path to the career o your dreams. Maybe you can offer basic design gigs on Fiverr? Or take on a translation project on PeoplePerHour? How about driving as an Uber driver for an hour each morning? Or sell some home made crafts on Etsy? There are many more other options out there that are not considered a regular path. Taking a small risk at first, might pay off with great results latter.
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