There are some jobs out there that seem to have endless positions available and employers are constantly looking for staff especially since Covid19. On the other hand there are industries that are extremely difficult to break into and the application process is highly competitive. This happens because of supply and demand in the job industry. Jobs that are hard to land tend to have desirable attributes and are smaller industries or industries with low turnover. Sometimes they are difficult to get into due to the extensive education and training required. Even though positions in these industries are competitive to get, if you stay dedicated and follow these 5 tips it will get you closer to landing your dream job.
Here are 5 ways to keep you focused on getting your dream job.
1. Keep educating yourself in that field
Keeping your skills updated in line with industry standards will assist you in having the qualifications to apply for more positions. Many roles require you have a certain level of qualification before your application will be considered.
Some positions require extensive training and university level qualifications as a bare minimum. Other positions do not require any formal education or training however having something on your resume will help you stand out. It also shows you are dedicated to getting that position and serious about your career. If you can demonstrate that you have an understanding of what is required in the role, it puts you in a favourable light as you will require less training and have the ability to hit the ground running.
Another benefit of doing a course is you get a sense of what will be required of you when working within the industry. There are many types of training courses available. Upskill Online offers short courses that are industry recognised which is the perfect way to get a taste for a career you may be thinking of starting out in. Take a look at some of our online courses.
2. Get some work experience in the industry
Whether it is paid work in a related area or volunteer work, gaining work experience in your desired industry shows a future employer that you can do the work and are passionate about breaking into the field.
Participating in work experience also helps you create a network of people in your industry. This network can help you form connections with others in the area or within an organisation you would like to work in. So although a volunteer position may not be paid, you will be gaining valuable experience and creating a network that will help you land your dream job in the future.
3. Establish a network
You may have heard the phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and unfortunately in some industries this is the case. When employers hire a staff member they are taking a risk. If that person is not as competent as their resume suggests or they don’t fit in with the company culture, it puts the employer in a difficult position. If the employer already knows you, or you come highly recommended from someone they trust, they reduce the risk.
It is worth taking the time to look at places you would like to work and start getting to know people who work there, regardless of if they have any positions vacant.
Linkedin is a great resource for developing professional relationships and getting you a step closer to landing your dream job. Speaking with people who are already in the area you hope to work in will also give you greater insight into what employers are looking for. All of the courses provided by Upskill Online include setting up a Linkedin account and / or creating a resume and cover letter.
4. Practice your interview skills
So your dream job has become available and you have an interview, but how long was it since you last had a formal interview? Perfecting answers and being confident when being interviewed by a panel is a skill that requires practice. To help settle the nerves it is worthwhile doing some practice interviews to get you into the zone. Perhaps someone in your network would be able to take the time to do a mock interview and provide feedback. Employment agencies are also a great resource. They will often coach you on what the employer is looking for and what they think you can bring to the position that other candidates don’t have.
5. Keep applying for jobs even if you don’t think you will get them
You just never know your luck. Applying for jobs in your desired industry helps you understand what skills employers are looking for. This enables you to seek out additional education or training to develop these skills if you don’t already have them in your wheelhouse.
Another incentive to keep applying for positions, even if you don’t think you will get them, is it gives you a reason to contact the hiring manager. By introducing yourself and learning more about positions and developing rapport with the hiring manager you will no longer simply be a name on an application, you will be a candidate who has enthusiasm and is serious about working for that organisation. They may even end up contacting you if a more suitable position becomes available.
If you are ready to kick-start your new career take a look at some of the courses we offer. If you have any questions on how to take the next step toward your dream job please get in touch with our career consultants today.