How to Snag that Perfect Job and Succeed
Landing a Dream Job May Not Be Easy, but it's Possible
Apr 22, 2009
Difficult times call for difficult measures. With the lack of available jobs and continuing layoffs, the prospect of finding suitable employment may seem far out of reach. However, landing that perfect job is possible with the right combination of effective job hunting skills and some good old-fashioned determination.
Tips for Landing a Dream Job
In an economy marred by layoffs and company losses, employers are still hiring for certain positions. Some positions may be full-time, others may be highly specialized, and still others may be contract or contract-to-hire. If typing a search term in a major job search engine such as Monster, Dice, Careerbuilder, or Indeed doesn’t yield results, try searching jobs directly via local companies’ websites. Other tips for landing that dream job include:
- A well-written resume. Not everyone is aware of the two main types of resumes: reverse chronological and functional. Reverse chronological is the most familiar and is effective for those with a consecutive work history containing few gaps. A functional resume highlights skills over work history and is good for those with longer gaps or workers who are changing careers.
- A well-written cover letter. Like the resume, not everyone is aware of the many types of cover letters. An effective cover letter introduces the job seeker to the employer and briefly highlights the job seeker’s skills and experience relevant to the position.
- Networking. An effective networking strategy is key to landing a new job. This strategy should include in-person networking groups as well as online via websites such as Linkedin. As they say, it’s who job seekers know that can garner them a new job.
- Interview preparation. Preparing for the interview is critical. Learning how to answer common interview questions, printing out the job description and the company’s About page from their website, knowing what the company is looking for in its top candidate, and writing a list of questions to ask the employer are key to landing that dream job.
- Job training. If the person does not have experience in a given area, or he or she may opt for online training via distance learning, continuing education at a community college, or a degree program from a specialized training school.
Why a Candidate May Not Receive a Job Offer
Even if the interview goes very well, the employer may change his mind and hire somebody else during any stage of the hiring process. Perhaps the job description has changed, the employer has decided he wants more managerial skills, or he decides to eliminate the position altogether. At this point, the candidate should politely thank the hiring manager for his time and request to be notified of any future positions for which he or she may be qualified.
Bottom Line on Landing a Dream Job
Bottom line, landing a dream job may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Understanding how to implement an effective job search strategy, taking classes to learn new job skills or brush up on old skills, and keeping a positive mental attitude will greatly increase the chances of job search success.
See related articles, “What Employers Look For in a Job Candidate,” “10 Steps to a Successful Job Interview,” and “Best Ways to Prepare for a Job Interview.”
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