| 6 steps for landing your dream job |
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Rothberg advises doing this for about a week, scheduling
as many interviews as you can, staying at a hostel or YMCA if you're
low on cash.
Having these meetings lined up
will keep you busy, says Lester, and will show you what it's like
to get up early and travel in that city. Getting out during commute
time shows you how long it takes to get from point A to point B.
It also helps to talk to people you meet in grocery
stores and coffee shops about what it's like to live and work there.
"Be of the mind-set that 'I live here,'" Lester says.
6. Infuse passion
-- and truth -- into your interview answers.
So far, you've thought hard about your goals, dabbled in your dream
career, networked with contacts in the field, built a better resume
and scored that all-important job interview.
Now, you just have to handle yourself well. No pressure.
Prepare to handle background questions -- especially
if you lack the proper degree for the position -- by emphasizing
relevant projects and ways that you've helped a company achieve
success.
"Degrees are becoming more and more important,
but that doesn't mean you can't discuss your other accomplishments
with the employer," says Baker. Demonstrate how your contributions
produce ideal results.
Moreover, remember this is your dream job -- show
some enthusiasm! Some people who are obviously qualified for the
job come into the interview appearing glum, says Lawler Kang, consultant
and author of "Passion
at Work: How to Find Work You Love and Live the Time of Your Life."
"You can tell they're good at the job but they don't love it."
As someone who has hired many people, he cites "passion
for the position" as the most attractive quality in a candidate.
While your prospective employer might not rank enthusiasm so highly,
it couldn't hurt to be the lone sunbeam amid dark clouds.
Enthusiasm ties right in to the classic interview
question: Where do you see yourself in five years?
If you're interviewing for your dream job with your
dream employer, tell them that, says Baker. Mention that it's always
been your dream to work there. Of course, do your homework first
and see what the company's needs are in terms of growth, so your
enthusiasm makes sense to them.
If the job is more of a stepping stone in your career
path, answer differently, she says. Answer in a way that conveys
your desire to be a productive and engaged employee, one who will
help the company reach its goals while growing as a person.
Whistle while you network
In the end, landing a dream job requires guts. That means going
beyond the computer monitor and the newspaper classifieds and networking
in person whenever possible.
Networking doesn't have to be a formal interview.
Extend your personal web by telling people you meet about the industry
you hope to break into. Who knows? They just might know somebody
who knows somebody.
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