First it was the struggle of finding your first ‘real’ job, a position in your field of study, which was full-time, and paid the bills. Over time you got used to the place, and though you do like what you do, you just know this is not what you want for the rest of your life… Maybe it’s your actual role, maybe it’s your boss or a colleague, but something feels off and your current job is simply not the perfect fit for you.
Relax, you are not alone. But don’t quit just yet. Keep working, keep learning, and keep searching for something better.
To help you get closer to your dream job, we have gathered a few tips that won’t require a great deal of your time, but will get you prepared to take your next step when the opportunity presents itself.
-
Boost your transferrable skills. The internet is full of videos – TED, YouTube – about negotiation, persuasion, public speaking, and other skills that are relevant to any role, in any industry.
-
Create a list of dream companies: Browse job openings on LinkedIn, check out related companies, and put together a list of companies you’d love to work for. Follow them and keep an eye out for certain positions.
-
Set career resolutions: set yourself actionable, realistic, goals regarding your career. What about attending two networking events a month and meeting five new people at each?
-
Join a club. A professional association or society, your alumni association, or even a social club can do wonders for your network.
-
Prep your references. If you are starting to apply to different jobs, make sure you let you referees know in advance. Tell them about what kind of job it is, so they can prepare and know what to say when they get a call.
-
Regularly update your resume. You can even do it while you watch TV, just make sure you are regularly updating it. Even if you’ll still have to tweak it before submitting an application, it will save you a lot of time and you won’t have to test your memory.
-
Find a word cloud generator, upload your resume and cover letter, and see if you are happy with the keywords popping out. Edit your documents accordingly.
-
How old is your LinkedIn photo? Is it working for you? Maybe think about hiring a professional photographer or asking a friend or family member who is good with a camera.
-
Write a new LinkedIn headline. Your current position at your current company may not be the best if you’re trying to attract new employers.
-
Prepare your cover letter. Though it is a short and simple document, writing about yourself can be quite difficult. Prepare a couple of great introductions, and make a list of your standout projects and achievements to elaborate on later. When it’s time to write a ‘real’ one, your job will be much easier.