How To Prepare For Your Dream Career This 2016 In Just 1 Week

Some find it daunting to even chase after their dream careers. Doing so requires a lot of hard work. Here's a list on how you can prepare for your Dream Career in 2016 - in just one week.

This is doable, it just takes time and energy. You have to commit in order to pursue that dream career of yours and you'd be surprised that the time it takes is only a week.

How do you start? Time has prepared a breakdown on how professionals can get a head start.

  1. Use the right language - Once you know what your dream career is, you need to determine what kind of path you need to take that will lead you to that job offer. You need to define your target and maximize your return on the time available to you. How? You can start online by searching synonyms of your dream career. "[Your dream career] synonyms" or "[your dream career] keywords" is a good search query. Sometimes your dream job can have many names. Multiple position terms mean well defined niches. Once you find out what's common, you can then add it to your profile - social media profile that is.
  2. Capitalize on Social Media - You'd be surprised to learn that employers and recruiters go on Facebook a lot and heavily invest on sites like Linkedin. Job searches are so modernized now that sites are being optimized for professionals. You can start with Linkedin. Create an account and update your work experience. Get a professional picture and always update your account with every project or new success stories you have done. Don't forget to connect with co-workers and other people in the same or different industry. Networking is helpful. Engage yourself.
  3. Expand your circle of contacts - You need to connect with people who share the same passion. Maybe you can find someone who inspires you to do better and get that dream job. Expand your contacts and make professional connections. First, you will need a professional profile, savvy search skills, and a bit of audacity. Keep your emails brief and to the point. Do not ask about employment-rather, ask to conduct an informational interview. Explain that you are fascinated by or love their field, and wonder if they have time for a brief discussion about the keys to success. Offer to meet them at a time of their choosing, or to speak by telephone. Also, it's handy to bring a resume - just in case you need it. But don't show it unless the opportunity arises.
  4. Lastly, post your resume to several job boards - It sounds daunting to do this and it can be overwhelming emotionally if you do not receive responses but remember that personal connections (above) work best. 

Remember that the investment here is engagement and personalization. Handing out resumes just won't do it. It takes a lot of effort to get that dream job. This list was written by Brian Witte for Time.

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