How to Land Your Dream Job
Preparing for a new job is tough but not impossible if you follow these steps - focus, visibility & research
We've put together a quick guide to help you land your dream job. Keep these simple steps in mind and you'll be on the right track for that new role.
Step 1: Focus On Skills & Achievements
Think of your CV, cover letter and job application as the key that opens the door to your dream job. It's your only chance to make a first impression. Most people make a few common mistakes on their CVs that can ultimately prevent them from being shortlisted to interview stage. Remember, first impressions count.
Common CV mistakes:
- Task orientated rather than achievement and skills orientated
- Document has spelling or grammar mistakes
- CV lacks display of skills and experience relevant to the role (e.g transferable skills)
- Job history unexplained employment gaps
These are only a few of the mistakes that job hunters make, but certainly detrimental.
Make your CV about what you achieved at your previous jobs, what skills you applied and learned (and only refer to relevant skills for the job you are applying for. The same concept applies for your cover letter and job application.
Instead of telling your future employer everything you did for the past few years, focus on what you achieved and how you can bring that knowledge and experience into your new role. Be relevant, write in plain English and always focus on skills & achievements.
Step 2: Become A Sales Person
Job hunting is like direct-selling. You have a service that you are looking to sell to a company. This service includes your knowledge and expertise. Your aim is to get the company to make you an offer on your services, sign a contract and start paying you.
Let's look at the following sales scenario:
Virgin Media offer home broadband, and when they sell their services they focus on 3 things:
- Why they are the best in their field.
- Why it will benefit you.
- Why they are the best choice.
They achieve this with statements like:
- We are the Best Broadband Provider Winner for 2015.
- You don't need to take a phone line with us or anyone else.
- We've got the fastest average widely available broadband download speeds.
This campaign is listed as example only, and you can check it at the Virgin Media website.
You can follow the same process when you sell your services.
Tell your new employer why you are the best (by listing achievements from your previous jobs). Clearly state what you can bring to their company and make it obvious why you stand out from the competition. The latter could be an extra course you took, a transferable skill you have or a passion that is driving you to achieve more.
Step 3: Do Your Research
Unless the company you are applying for is a mainstream brand or simply somewhere you always wanted to work, you probably know very little about them. You know this and more than likely the company knows it too. However, before you send a cover letter and attend an interview, ensure that you do your research.
This is your chance to prove that you are a quick learner, interested to make a difference at the company. Find common values and exciting facts about them and be prepared to discuss your research in an interview.
The Job market is very competitive
Even if you follow the 3 steps above, you might still face competition. In order to give yourself the best possible chance it is worth considering the services of a recruitment agency.
