So, you’ve graduated college and are ready to take on the working world. Congratulations! The next step is actually to land your dream job. But with so many qualified candidates out there, how can you ensure you’re the one who gets the offer? By following these five essential tips, that’s how!
Do Higher Education
Many Americans graduate with a college degree, but not many graduate with a master’s degree. Only about 13% of those who go to college have such a degree. Getting a master’s degree might be right if you want a spot in your dream job. Here are a few benefits of getting one:
Less Competition
When you get a master’s degree, you are part of a much smaller pool of job applicants. With so many people only having a bachelor’s degree, companies are often more willing to hire those with higher education.
Better Earning Potential
While the cost of getting a master’s degree can be high, the potential for increased earnings is also great. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, someone with a master’s degree can earn about $300 more weekly than those with a bachelor’s degree. That’s a huge jump in earnings making it a great investment in the long run.
Improved Job Satisfaction
For many people, the real reward of getting a master’s degree is the improved job satisfaction that comes with it. A higher position at your dream company often means more responsibility and a greater sense of accomplishment.
There are many reasons to consider getting a master’s degree if you want to land your dream job. The extra education and experience can never hurt when you want your dream job.
Customize Your Resume
Don’t just send out the same generic resume to every company. Take the time to customize your resume for each position you apply for. Highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job at hand. If a company is looking for someone with strong leadership skills, showcase examples of times when you’ve taken charge and gotten results.
Network
Get connected with people who work at your dream company, even if they’re not in your desired department or role. Attend company events, reach out on LinkedIn, or connect with someone on a professional level through a mutual friend or colleague. Once you have a foot in the door, it will be much easier to land an interview—and ultimately, the job itself.
Prepare for Your Interview
The interview process is often where candidates trip up the most. In addition to over-preparing (i.e., memorizing answers to commonly asked questions), it’s essential to take some time to think about what YOU want to know about the company and role you’re interviewing for. This shows that you’re truly interested in the position and not just looking for any old job. Here’s how you can ace that interview process:
Confidence is Key
The first step to nailing any interview is to believe in yourself. Confidence is key and will show through your answers and body language. The interviewer will likely agree if you don’t think you can do the job.
Dress For Success
While you don’t need to break the bank on a new wardrobe, it’s important to dress for success. This first impression will set the tone for the rest of the interview, so make sure you look presentable.
Be On Time (or Early)
This one should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people show up late to interviews. Not only is it unprofessional, but it also shows that you don’t value the company’s time.
Interviews can make or break your application. If you need more experience with interviews, get help from a professional! A professional application and interview coaching service can help guide you down the right path. They can teach you about different types of interviews, how to answer questions, and what not to do. They might even teach you how to fix your application to help you land your dream job.
Follow Up
After your interview, thank your interviewer(s) for their time via email within 24 hours. In your message, reiterate why you would be an excellent fit for the role and restate your interest in the opportunity. Following up is crucial to differentiate yourself from other candidates and ensure that you stay top of mind as hiring decisions are made.
Securing your dream job takes effort and planning, but it is achievable! Remember these five essentials: do your research, customize your resume, network whenever possible, prepare thoroughly for interviews, and follow up after each meeting. Best of luck!
