A New Year, A New Career: How To Land Your Dream Job

The New Year is one of life’s most exciting times. It’s a time to plan your job search strategy: the type of position, salary, and cultural environment that’s the right fit for you. The best way to start is to address who, what, when, where and why in your Job Search Plan. Here are some career coaching tips to help you accomplish your goal of landing your dream job.

WHO

Identify companies which have positions requiring your skills. Explore traditional and non-traditional industries where your experience is transferable. Who will assist you in your job search through referrals and networking? Attend networking events and ask family, friends, colleagues, and business associates for referrals. Write down what you have to offer to a new employer. Research the companies, position and salary you desire based on the career market and your qualifications.

WHAT

What does a dream job mean to you? Is it salary, position, title, power, prestige, corner office, or something else? Make a list of those things that are most important to your career. What unique skills, knowledge, and abilities do you have that can open new doors for you?

WHEN

When will you make your career change? Plan a target date for accomplishing your goals and outline how you plan to manage your time, especially if you continue working at your current job. Identify what you will need to do each week in order to meet your target date. When will you start the interview process?

WHERE

Where do you want to work? Do you prefer to work at a government agency, corporation, non-profit organization, private industry or as an entrepreneur? Which choice will provide you with the career plan and salary package you want? Identifying what you want before your start will save you time over the long term.

WHY

Ask yourself why you made the decision to look for new employment. The key to finding your dream job is acknowledging why you want a new career. Some of these reasons may help you determine the whys of your situation: nn· Salary increasen· New managern· New industryn· Work location closer to homen· New division or departmentn· Acknowledgment for your accomplishmentsn· Leverage your experiencen· Overlooked for promotionsn· Lack of challenge and responsibilityn· Too long in the same positionn· Overworked and underpaidn· Dead-end job

SUMMARY

An effective job search requires commitment, determination, persistence and patience. Not every career opportunity will be right for you. Virtually every career expert will advise you not to accept a job offer on the spot. This is a life-changing decision. Take time to discuss the position with objective people you trust. A new career is an emotional experience, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment, and fail to make a sound decision. Consider all the pros and cons about your career opportunity. You may decide to continue your job search by exploring other positions.

What sounds good to you may not be good for you. Be a good listener and review all the details of the job description. Listen for “cues” which may be “red flags” about the job and/or your expectations. Ask questions which will give you insight about the position. Trust your instincts – a dream job should feel good!

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