New Years Resolution: Get My Dream Job

Have you ever heard of The Secret? The basic premise is that you can bring whatever you hope for into your life through the power of positive thinking.

I love the idea of that, but I think there has to be some productivity behind our positive thoughts as well. And when it comes to something like landing your dream job, you have to do more than just dream – you have to proactively work towards that goal.

That said, why can’t 2015 be the year you make your dreams come true? Why not resolve right now to take those steps towards something great?

If you are setting your sights on that dream job, it’s time to get proactive today!

* Improve Yourself: We all like to pretend that we are the experts in our fields, but the truth is – there is always room for improvement. And hiring managers love to see applicants who are invested in continued growth. So maybe this is the year you take the leap towards pursuing an advanced degree. Or perhaps there is a single class geared towards changes within your industry that you could benefit from. There might be a new certification you could use, or someone in your company you could approach to be your mentor. The point is, find a way to make yourself an even better candidate. There are always ways to grow.

* Update Your Resume: I want to let you in on a little secret: I review resumes every single day, and more often than not, they are chaotic messes that fail to convey the true potential a candidate has to offer. If you have been using the same resume for the last 10 years, or your resume reads more like a novel than a concise and bulleted list, it is probably time for an update. If you can’t be objective about what to include on your resume or if writing just isn’t your thing, get help! Hiring an expert to create the most professional and pristine resume in the bunch is a great investment– because again, it is all about improving your odds!

* Look Beyond the Job Postings: Job postings are great, but they don’t always tell the full story. Networking and making friends within a variety of companies is the best way to give yourself that insiders boost when it comes to the opportunities that may arise in the year ahead. Don’t be afraid to make your name known and to rely on your network when you are hoping to get your resume seen. Ask questions of hiring managers and pay attention to a company’s hiring habits. There are so many factors that go into a hiring decision; the more you know, the better able you are to present yourself as the ideal candidate.

Have a GREAT 2015!