A new year brings new goals, including career goals. According to a 2012 worldwide survey conducted by LinkedIn, only 30% of people are working in what they would consider their childhood dream job or something close to it, with the term “dream job” defined by 70% of respondents as one they get pleasure out of doing.
Of course, some childhood dream jobs, such as being a professional athlete or a singer, are unrealistic targets for the vast majority of us, but most career goals can be achieved with diligence and motivation.
Here are 3 potential reasons why you may not have landed your own dream job yet and how to get going in the right direction:
1. Your Network Is Small
Approximately 70% of jobs are landed through networking, according to Labor Department data compiled by Jobfully.com. That means only 30 percent of job openings are advertised to the public. Extending your professional network will be the most important step you take in landing your dream job.
Create a LinkedIn profile if you haven’t already, and connect with as many people as possible in your desired industry. Ask those you know for referrals and introductions. Join relevant professional organizations. Some may require a membership fee, but think of it as paying for access to the contact lists and networking events. Consider volunteering for an organization that works on causes dear to you. The more people in your network with common interests, the better chance of that magic referral happening.
2. Your Location Is Limiting
A 2008 Pew Social & Demographic survey found that 40% of Americans never move away from the place they were born. It’s hard to leave behind everyone and everything you know and start from scratch. But that may be necessary if you want to fulfill your dream.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the best source to determine where you should move to find a specific type of job. Aspiring stockbrokers, for instance, should be open to relocating to New York, California or Texas for the best chance of finding a job while Washington, South Dakota, and Georgia are the best states for forest workers and rangers.
When applying for jobs in different locations, explain in your cover letter that you intend to relocate in the near future. Consider renting an out-of-town post office box in order to list a local address on your resume, but be prepared to explain the situation, particularly if the company wants you to interview the next day.
3. Your Wardrobe Needs Help
Everyone has heard the sayings, “You only get one chance to make a first impression” and “A picture speaks a thousand words.” Both of these are true when it comes to job interviews.
In a 2013 study published in the Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 300 men and women were shown photos of people wearing off-the-rack outfits versus tailor-made suits. All the faces in the photos were pixelated, so judgments were made based solely on attire and not facial expressions. Even though all the photos contained well-dressed individuals, participants rated the men wearing tailor-made suits as more successful, confident and flexible. Women in the photos wearing skirts one inch or more above the knee were rated less favorably than those in more conservative clothing.
Hiring managers will decide a lot about you within the first 10 seconds of an interview. Much of that impression will revolve around your appearance. You don’t need a tailor-made suit, but make certain your clothes fit properly. Have the salesperson take your measurements before picking items out. Ties should reach your belt buckle and skirts should be knee-length.
Of course, your outfit should match the position to which you’re applying. Those in creative fields can go a little artsy, but those in business, law and finance should stay conservative. If you’re trying to break into fashion or retail, wear designer brands and arm yourself with a high-end satchel or carryall.
So increase your networking, consider different locations, and dress to fit the part, but above all, remember to maintain realistic expectations. Perfect work scenarios are nonexistent, but follow these suggestions to be off to a good start.