How To Land Your Dream Career

You’ve set your sights on a fabulous job, it gets your juices flowing and it’s all you can see yourself doing. But how do you get there? We spoke to Paula Coogan, careers consultant at My Quarter Life Coach, who gave us some pointers on how to score a position in your dream role. The good news is, with a little smart thinking, and savvy networking, that dream job is all yours.

Know Exactly What You Want And Why

“What’ll really stand to you in propelling your career forward is knowing what you want and why you want it,” explains Paula. “Once you decide on a particular path, you can focus all of your attention on pursuing it and building relationships along the way.”

Take some time out at the early stages of your job hunt and make sure you get that clarity on exactly what you want – and be clear on why you want it too. A passionate why will have you sailing above the shoulders of other candidates.”

Networking opens new doors all the time.

Find a connection

Paula recommends taking a targeted approach to your dream career. “Take aim at companies that fit your desires and find someone within that company you can arrange a meeting with,” she recommends. “Networking opens new doors all the time.”

But this approach comes with a warning: “Remember networking is a way to connect with people in the industry, explore your passion and to learn. If you’ve made a contact don’t ask for them to get you in front of the hiring manager. Connect on a human level; they’re doing something you’d love to do, so find out their story, instead of asking for a favour.”

Master your interview skills

Whether you’re interviewing for a sales job at Topshop, or taking aim at an exec position with a major company, the lesson is the same; the interview is mega important.

Paula recommends following Richard Bolles’ two minute max rule. It’s based on research at M.I.T. that shows people who get hired most frequently talk 50 percent of the time and listen for the other 50 percent.

“Talking too much gives the impression you are self-absorbed and oblivious to the needs of the company,” explains Paula, “while speaking too little conveys that you have something to hide or are a poor communicator. When asked a question, try not to speak more than two minutes when delivering the answer.”

Every time you send a thank you note it’s an opportunity to sell your qualifications and to leave a fresh impression.

Show your appreciation

The lesson? Be kind to the people who help you up. Been offered an interview? “Always write a thank you note immediately after,” says Paula. Was someone kind enough to meet you for coffee and a careers chat? “Send a thank you note and express interest in maintaining the relationship.”

Every time you send a thank you note it’s an opportunity to sell your qualifications and to leave a fresh impression,” Paula explains. “It gives you the opportunity to add a comment or insight that you may have missed during the interview,” and going that extra mile might just help you get your foot in the door of your dream career.

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• Dream Job
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