Visualize your dream job. Is it a role that lets you spread your creative wings with a big budget and small, yet strong team? Or do you see yourself being a key contributor without the leadership responsibilities?
However you define that perfect position, think about how your skills and experience can help pave the way. Before you can position yourself for that next big leap, you must first analyze where you’ve been and what you’ve enjoyed about past roles.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you try to make it happen on the job market.
Figure Out What You Love
How can you find your dream job if you don’t have a clear understanding of what that means? The first step in your journey should be working through this challenge.
Work with a job search coach to help put your vocational goals into focus. More of a DIY-er? Ask yourself the following questions:
- What about my past roles have I most enjoyed?
- What about my past roles have I least enjoyed?
- Is leading a team important to me?
- What have I achieved in the past?
- What have I learned from my professional failures (we all have them)?
- What are my target companies to work for?
- Who can I talk to about finding dream jobs at my target companies?
Keep Your Search Narrow
Casting your net out too far and wide can lead to burnout when it comes to finding a new role. Before you know it, you’ll have 30 job applications floating around in the market with no clear idea of which roles you’re really even interested in.
Remember that quality outweighs quantity when it comes to putting your name into the hat for various roles.
Do some background research on the companies you’re interested in to make sure they would be a fit for you. Sure, you’re trying to find your dream role but that doesn’t mean every company fits the bill.
Hot Job Profile
Wind Turbine Technicians
2018 median pay: $54,370 per year ($26.14 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 6,600
Job outlook, 2018-28: 57% (Much faster than average)
Employment change, 2018-28: 3,800
The role: Wind turbine service technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.
Education required: Most wind turbine service technicians learn their trade by attending a technical school. They also receive on-the-job training.
The need: Employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 57 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Because wind electricity generation is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade, additional technicians will be needed to install and maintain new turbines. Job prospects are expected to be excellent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
