Is Hunting for a Dream Job Dead?

With the challenging job market comes the doomsayers who state that people should face reality, give up their goal of finding their dream job, and accept one that isn’t a good match but at least gets them employed.
While the job market is difficult these days, the fact is that a job seeker should not be discouraged from striving to find the job that matches their talents and interests. After all, that is what companies are looking for: the person whose skills, knowledge and experience fit the needs of their open positions. It may take longer, require a greater effort and a lot more creativity, but if one has passion for the type of work they are seeking, then they will have the energy and perseverance to strive for success in locating the jobs of their dreams.

Prepare for that successful transition with these 5 Strategic Steps:

1 Assess Your Career


Is your current job meeting your expectations? Is it time to look at new opportunities that are a better fit with your interests, values and priorities? Analyze your current situation and determine if the job/function/company are meeting your needs. If not, what needs to change?

2 Restate your Objectives and Goals


What are your short-term objectives and long-term career goals? These can change as we think about new directions and priorities, so always be thinking about revising your roadmap to success.

3 Explore the Market for Your Talents and Interests


With your goals in mind, put on your detective’s cap and investigate the potential opportunities out in the career marketplace. What trends are affecting your function and/or industry? What companies are on top of their competitive game and could use your talents? ID the organizations you want to target. If you are looking for part-time or temporary assignments, the Fall is a great time to be looking as companies, especially retailers and the firms that provide them with products are gearing up for the holiday season.

4 Conduct a Personal Marketing Makeover


You have one chance to make a good first impression. Revise your resume to be an effective sales tool to communicate your background and interests to prospective employers. Brush up on your interviewing techniques and negotiating strategies. Develop an extensive plan to ID jobs that interest you, and work hard to increase your visibility in the job marketplace through networking (social networking on the Internet as well as face to face) and following up with referrals.

5 Implement a Strategy to Success


Take that plan and make it work for you by setting weekly goals for yourself in utilizing all the avenues available for developing job leads including networking, searching job boards, contacting recruiters and introducing yourself directly to decision-makers in companies that interest you. Build and maintain the momentum necessary to successfully reach your career goals!