Getting the job you want can be a tricky prospect. Discovering exactly what you want out of a career is daunting enough, but landing the job of your dreams can seem impossible.
With the help of the below tips, carving out your dream career is easier than you think. Start implementing these today and reap the rewards.
1. Have your goal crystal clear in your mind
Know exactly what you want and ask for it loudly and clearly. Say what you want, where you want it, how much you want, the type of company you want, how you want your journey to work to be. Writing it all down in advance could also help.
If you’re not sure, don’t ask until you are! It’s like going into a restaurant, being given the menu and then saying, “I’m not sure.” The waiting staff will just say, “OK, just give me a shout when you’re ready.” How can you get what you want until you know what you want?! Be absolutely sure about what you it!
Once clear in your mind, write it all down and then say it aloud. Say, “I’ll have a job which is…” Avoid asking, “Can I have…” as you’re reminding yourself you don’t have it. It’s about putting the energy out there! Say it three times – remember, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz clicked her heels three times and spoke aloud when she longed to go home and she got it! You’re setting the wheels in motion so expect to receive it.
Once you’ve asked for it, don’t ask again. Going back to the restaurant analogy, it’s like hassling the waiting staff about where your food is. If you keep asking, you’re delaying its arrival. Don’t worry, it’s out there now, be patient and it’ll come.
Sometimes you’ll get something that is almost what you wanted but not quite. Then you may have to re-visit your goal and make a new ‘order’. Again there’ll be a delay but it will come eventually.
Make sure you know what you want, if you think you ‘should’ want something but your heart’s not in it, you won’t get it. Be clear, be specific and be sure.
2. Visualise yourself in your goal for 20 minutes every day
It’s almost like meditation but not quite. Sit in a quiet spot, set a timer, close your eyes and visualise away.
When I wanted a new PA job, I was visualising everything. The new entrance, being shown how to use the phones and printers, the induction, the kitchen area, my new desk, the canteen, the people, the new journey to work, new reception area, new colleagues, new managers; you name it, I visualised it.
It helps to keep the goal alive, it helps you stay focused and it helps you keep working towards your goal. I discovered this tip from this self-help guru, Leo Gura.
3. Work towards your goal six days a week!
I had a full time job but I still looked for a new position every day apart from Fridays. I gave myself a ‘day off’ from job seeking on this day. I still did it throughout the remaining days for six months and I found exactly what I was looking for!
4. Vary what you do
This could include sending speculative letters, approaching companies directly, networking through social media, such as LinkedIn or attending networking events. Whatever it is, it is good to vary your job seeking approach.
5. Although many think success leads to happiness, in fact, happiness leads to success
Be happy with who you are and confident about what you can do. You are essentially selling yourself.
A successful salesperson is passionate about their product, so passionate that they convey that to the audience. Be your best salesperson!
If you are feeling down about yourself or any aspect of your life, it will come out in what you’re writing and how and what you’re saying. If you are therefore feeling unhappy about any areas of yourself or your life, use this time to tackle it. Meditate, access as much free information as you can on the web and YouTube. You can also be referred for six sessions of counselling by your GP if they feel it appropriate. Use the Internet to see how others overcame their personal obstacles and research how you can help yourself.
As soon as you start feeling happy, tap into it and get cracking with job hunting.
6. Don’t wait for the market to come to you, take yourself to where they are
Everyone is unique so what’s your unique selling point (USP)?
Is there anyone in a senior position at work, you admire? You could tell them what you’re looking for and ask for any mentoring or for a short amount of their time. It could be monthly or quarterly, but you have to be clear about what you want from them. Don’t get them to do the work – you have to do it, they’re just helping you get there.
7. Use your resources
There are a wide variety of resources on offer to you. Don’t underestimate the power of the Internet and your contacts.
There are also plenty of places that offer free or cheap courses and training, allowing you to advance yourself for less.
8. Get different people to look at your CV and give you feedback
If you go to job fairs, sometimes they offer to look at your CV for free. I was lucky enough to have my CV looked over for free at the PA fair. They also gave me some tips, which it definitely helped!
If you don’t go to job fairs or are short on time, then why not ask a colleague or someone close to you to go through it. A fresh pair of eyes can help spot simple mistakes and they can also offer independent feedback.
9. If what you’re doing isn’t working, then change it
If you’re sending your CV and not getting results through phone discussions, interviews or job offers, then it’s time to change your CV. This also goes for speculative letters and asking people for recommendations.
10. Finally, have the belief
If you believe, you will achieve!
About the author
Ana Marreiros started her career as a Registered General Nurse in 1993. She worked in oncology as a Marie Curie Cancer Nurse but wanted to do more for the patients so undertook a degree in Psychology and Spanish while working as a part time nurse. She graduated with a 2:1 in 1997 and became a self-employed interpreter for Lambeth Council Educational Services. Wanting more stability, she went into working full time in education and had an incredibly rewarding two years working as a bilingual assistant in a secondary school, increasing the number of GCSE’s taken by students speaking second languages. Deciding her work was done there, in 2004 she moved into the NHS as a medical secretary which eventually led her to a PA position at IBM followed by more FTSE companies. She has now been at Inmarsat for just over one year as a PA to two VPs which she is enjoying lots. She is very passionate about self development and attends seminars and workshops with a view to running her own one day.
You can contact the author, Ana Marreiros via email here (ana@marreiros.freeserve.co.uk)
Ana this was a much needed read! Thank you very much for writing and sharing this article.