Going after the job of your dreams can be a daunting task, particularly when you know you have competition. Outside from having a good resume, cover letter, and portfolio, here are some intangible qualities that are equally as important, if not more, to set you a part from others and to help land you your dream job:
Network: This is so cliché, but it’s cliché for a reason. The number one advantage you can have among your competitors are the connections you have (or make) and how you choose to utilize them. Join clubs, sororities, attend professional and social events—cultivate relationships and experiences for yourself while following the trail and possible leads to your dream job. Most individuals miss opportunities because they feel uncomfortable reaching out to their professional and personal networks. Don’t be. Simply put: network, and don’t look back. Which brings me to my next point.
Be Fearless: If there is anything I want the readers to take away from this discussion, it would be to be fearless. If you’re living in your comfort zone, you’re not learning, growing, or becoming. Being comfortable means you know your strengths and you’re living in it. Being uncomfortable means you are shining light on your weaknesses and letting it grow. Continue to build those strength while expanding and improving your areas of weaknesses. Challenge yourself. Have a public-speaking phobia? Enroll in a public speaking class. Take every opportunity to speak in front of crowds. Start with small crowds and eventually make your way to a larger audience. Great at followership but afraid of leadership? Volunteer to take the lead for small projects or team events. Even if it means you’re volunteering to plan your best friends birthday or bachelorette party.
Don’t Get Distracted: As you pave your way towards your dream job, you’ll often find yourself standing in front of obstacles and forked roads. It’s easy to get distracted, particularly when you see potential in other areas. But it’s important to never settle for anything less. Before I started my own PR business, I was tempted with a lucrative offer from Google but I understood my passion and commitment to kick-starting my own business and that’s exactly what I did.
Manifest Your Dreams: Once you’ve set your eyes on the prize, consume it. All of it. Eat it, drink it, dream it, dance with it, breathe it, live it, wear it. When you incorporate the dream into every aspect of your life, every decision and idea created will take you one step closer to your dream job.
Make it happen: Instant gratification is unlikely. But that’s okay, because success takes its time. The important piece is never giving up and continuing to go after your dream job. The little decisions you make day by day will create the life you want to have–from the way that you portray yourself physically and mentally, to the connections you make or build upon–soon enough you’ll find yourself in the shoes you always imagined yourself to be in.
