5 Tips for Landing Your Dream Job in the USA
Given that the average individual spends one-third of their life at work, it’s discouraging that, according to a 2017 Gallup poll, the majority are dissatisfied with their careers.
Whether you’re just starting in your profession and don’t want to become a statistic, or if you’re one of those people who just checks a box, it might be time to spice things up.
If you’re feeling unfulfilled and unmotivated at work, it may seem impossible to land your dream job, but with the right preparation, it may become a reality. If you’re ready to advance in your career, here are Tips for Landing Your Dream Job in the USA in 10 simple steps.
5 Tips for Landing Your Dream Job in the USA
1. Make a Plan
Setting objectives is the first step toward realizing them. To achieve your job goals, clarify your objectives and create a plan to get there.
Begin with your vision, or where you want to be in the next five to ten years. Finally, choose the businesses you admire and the exact roles that will assist you in reaching your goals.
Determine which responsibilities are doable and which are a stretch, and then get to work.
2. Sharpen Your Skills
An honest assessment of your skills in comparison to those required for the roles you’re pursuing should be part of your planning process.
What skills will be most useful if your career aim is to eventually move into a position of management or leadership within your organization?
What are your present strengths and weaknesses? Look for online courses and certificates that can assist balance out your experience where there is a gap.
For example, you may great at directly managing your team and keeping them on schedule with projects, but you may struggle to define your department’s contribution to an overhead or the return on investment (ROI) of a given effort.
In this situation, taking a course like Economics for Managers or Financial Accounting will help you deepen your understanding of those subjects and position you as a well-rounded candidate for managerial positions.
Or, if you’re applying for a position at a company that places a high value on data-driven decision-making processes, but you don’t come from a data-driven background.
In this situation, taking a course like Business Analytics or Data Science for Business can help you stand out as a candidate during the employment process.
3. Customize Your Resume
One common mistake that job seekers make is taking a one-size-fits-all strategy to job marketing. Don’t merely resurrect your previous résumé. Examine the job requirements carefully and make sure your CV highlights the necessary qualifications.
Make your resume stand out to recruiters as well as computers. According to CNBC, more than 95 per cent of Fortune 500 organizations scan resumes for relevant keywords and credentials using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Utilizing keywords from the job description can help your resume pass the screening process and land in the hands of a hiring manager.
4. Spread a Wide Net (work)
Developing and utilizing your network may be the most important step in securing the job of your dreams. According to many job gurus, less than 2% of online applicants are interviewed, so instead of relying on applications, make LinkedIn your friend. The more people you can contact to get your CV in front of the proper people, the better.
According to CNBC, up to 70% of all jobs are not advertised on job search websites, emphasizing the necessity of networking. You’ll likely learn about positions before they’re listed, providing you with a competitive advantage.
5. Seek Assistance
Once you’ve narrowed down your dream employers and built a strong personal network, reach out to your contacts and ask for introductions. Most people are willing to make time for a friend or a friend of a friend. Even if there are no immediate work opportunities, you may be able to obtain free advice and introductions to people you know.
6. Prepare and Practice for Interviews
Do your research about the organization once you’ve secured an interview, whether virtual or in person. Spend some time on the company’s website learning about it and its leaders. See what other employees are saying in news articles and Glassdoor reviews.
It’s also critical to research the people you’ll be meeting. Make a list of questions to ask the interviewers and learn everything you can about them. Interviews are more than just questions from the employer.
According to Harvard Business School Professor Alison Wood Brooks’ research, “asking a lot of questions unlocks learning and increases interpersonal bonding.”
In addition, prepare and practice responses to frequent interview questions. The more you practice, just as in sports or school plays, the better you will perform. To ensure you’re ready to think on your feet, role-play with a friend and pose difficult questions.
7. Put on a Successful Outfit
What to wear to an interview in this day and age of casual dress rules might be difficult. Inquire about the company’s dress code with the person who schedules the interview.
If the occasion is casual, a suit is probably excessive. Dressing for success is still important, and you want your appearance to indicate that you’re serious about the chance.
8. Prime Your References
The calibre of your recommendations is almost as crucial as your interview performance. Potential employers require third-party confirmation that you have the necessary talents and temperament to thrive in the post they are looking to fill.
Provide at least three references, including former employers, coworkers, professors, or mentors, who can attest to your abilities, character, and work ethic. Before providing contact information, obtain permission and inform your references of the key points you want them to make.
9. Follow-up (The Right Way)
You may have been instructed as a child to always say please and thank you. It is never more vital than immediately following an interview. You must follow up after your interview to demonstrate that you are appreciative of their time and excited about the prospect.
The question is whether an email will suffice. That is dependent on the time. A handwritten note is a terrific way to stand out, but if the prospective employer is looking to fill the position soon, you must respond promptly and send an email within 24 hours of your meeting.
It’s more than simply a courteous greeting; it’s a time to remind them of the main traits you’ll bring to the position and highlight areas they may have missed during your interview.
It is also essential to thank your references. It’s often your references who help you close the transaction. Make sure to thank them for their time and effort. Your gratitude will go a long way toward ensuring that they are available the next time you need a reference.
10. Discuss Your Job Offer
It can be tempting to accept the first job offer you receive from the organization of your dreams out of excitement. Therefore, remember to negotiate your work offer to optimize your earning potential.
Take your time responding to the offer so you can prepare talking points about why you deserve a better pay package and what it might include. Research to discover the typical wage range for someone with your level of expertise and education.
There’s a reason the employer chose you over another candidate, so remember your value and negotiate confidently.
Conclusion
You can advance your career through careful planning, skill development, and networking.
It may appear to be a distant goal, but with grit, perseverance, and consistent networking, you may find your dream job and truly achieve what you love.
