Partner Article

Steps to getting your dream job this year

As we make tentatively make our way in the New Year, many people will, once again, start to think about whether 2015 is the year for a fresh, new start when it comes to their career. Although the resolutions may have fallen by the wayside, with the warmer days on spring on the horizon signalling new starts, it may be that this is the year you land your dream job.

With more avenues opening up on the web and through social media, finding your dream job through highly reputable websites such as Staff Bay could be become easier. But, you need ooze confidence, appeal and professional qualities and skill; easier said than done so, in 6 steps, how can you set yourself on the road to your dream job?

Step 1: Start researching… and make a list

You know your skills and qualities, now you need to find a role that you can apply these to, adding value to the role and the company in the process. A great place to start is to look for companies and business, either in your locality or anywhere if you happy to relocate, that you would like to work for. At this point, it has to be said, they may not be advertising vacancies but, having them on your lists and checking back frequently is a place to start. If they do have a vacancy, don’t apply just yet… keep reading!

Step 2: Create the right online, first impression

Many companies actively seek skilled and talented people; known as head hunting it is how many people are attracted to a company and, you need to be prepared with your online presence. If you are on LinkedIn for example, is your profile complete? Is there a photo with all relevant and up to date information? If not, brush it up so that it looks fabulous – and reads even better.

Step 3: Get networking!

Being bashful is going to get you nowhere. And, you have no excuse in the technological age of LinkedIn and other social media sites where you can make contact with people and start getting your name in the right places. Why not let people know what you can do and how you will add value to a company? If you don’t tell them, who will?

Networking is about having a conversation and finding out a little more about the company, its core values and ethos. If 2015 IS the year you will get your dream job, you have to go out and get it.

Step 4: Apply or get a foot in the door

This is where you really need to start using the contacts you have made in your networking. They may not be actively advertising vacancies, but some companies are always on the lookout to add to their growing pool of talent but, you have to find it. If they are advertising vacancies, go for it and make sure you show you have the knowledge of the company as well as showing how YOU will bring talent and skill to their business.

For many companies, especially large, multi nation ones, recruitment is a fluid thing that ebbs and flows and so what you need is an introduction. There is a saying that ‘good people know good people’ and this is especially true within industry and various sectors, so use the networks you have created for introductions.

Step 5: Accuracy

But, it has to be said that some people fire off emails and CVs all over the company and this is not an approach that works well. If you have specific skills in a specific area, then you really do need to do your research properly, and get the right information on the right people.

Unfortunately, getting it wrong can speak volumes, in all the wrong ways and so assuming that you are contacting the right person can really cause your applications some considerable damage.

Step 6: If you don’t succeed…

There are always other options; not giving up is important because no one said that landing your dream job would be easy. Instead, take stock and start this process again but, making sure you have an online presence that you keep updated and current is important.

Taking a look at a website such as Staff Bay is one way of creating this presence that potential employers will look at. Your CV lists your qualifications but you want to create a personal profile too that show you and your personality. Many employers are taking to searching these kinds of websites more, headhunting through the pool of talent that is out there.

This is the year you could land your dream job; why take the first step today?

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by James Trotter .