Getting a good job today
can be a challenge, so finding your dream job is an even more daunting task.
The majority of graduates who get their dream jobs are either well
connected or attended an IVY league college.
Merely
getting an impressive-sounding degree from a swanky college is not enough to
land a dream job. Impeccable educational qualifications do offer an entry
point, but you will often find that they are only a part of the package that
potential recruiters seek.
Recent
data shows that a shocking 44 percent of millennials are underemployed. These
talented and driven people are often found working in low-wage or part-time
jobs. Hence, there is a need for creativity to ensure recruiters can spot
you in the crowd.
Here are five tips that
will increase your chances of landing your dream job.
1. Create a professional online
presence with LinkedIn.
Having
a professional online presence is one of many critical steps in ensuring you land
your dream job. Today, the most popular platform for professionals is LinkedIn.
Statistically speaking, recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn more than
any other website. Build a strong LinkedIn profile by documenting your
professional achievements and experience.
Be sure to list any
menial jobs you've held. They not only convey that you are enterprising,
but also show that you have successfully shouldered responsibility. You
can even list your extracurricular activities and throw in a few of the awards
you have earned.
2. Network.
After establishing a
professional presence online, it is important to start making connections and
associations. This point reinforces the indispensability of professional social
media platforms such as LinkedIn. The platform is essential for professional
engagement, and you should prefer it to the likes of Facebook and Twitter.
A brick-and-mortar
alternative to LinkedIn would be your college’s career services center.
Arguably, the best these offices can offer for your career prospect is
connecting you with alumni that work in your field of interest. Most colleges
now have a database of previous students and where they currently work. Try to
get it touch.
3. Get an internship quickly.
Another
secret to landing your dream job is your ability to commit. One of the best
ways to show your commitment is to drop the break-after-graduation notion.
While summer internships are a great idea, there's nothing better than a
professional internship at a prestigious organization. Most of the big
companies may not hire you right out of college, but they will more likely
consider offering you an internship, often without pay. Showing you are
committed to your intended career will certainly increase your chances.
4. Find a good mentor, or be a
good mentee.
Securing the guidance
and help of a mentor will greatly help. Recent research studies indicate
that the highest percentage of students who claim to have at least one mentor
chose their parents. Next are those who enlisted their professors, family or
friends.
While parents, teachers,
relatives and others in your circle can be a tempting option, you should
expand your search. Find experts and professionals working in your desired
field. Make sure they are people you can relate to. Get some of their books if
they have written any and make an attempt to understand their experiences.
5. Get certified in the
industry you wish to work in.
Many graduates think
their college courses alone prepare them for their dream jobs. The reality is
usually a lot more demanding. Millennials just out of college can be
overwhelmed by the demands of their dream jobs and often realize they fall
woefully short. To avoid a situation where you are intimidated by the
expectations of your job, it is advisable to opt for specialization courses
that offer a much more focused outlook, and skill sets that are more suited for
your dream job.
Getting certified is an
added advantage. Many of these training platforms are partnered with major
industry players.
Written by: Lanre Onibalusi
Credit: Entrepreneur.com
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