For every person seeking to enter the workforce, getting a dream job is a priority. Many of us are looking for that job that was made for us and that our strength and skills are a match for but sometimes our drive does not match the prize we’re seeking.

In this post, we have listed 6 practical steps that will get you closer to that dream job and, fingers crossed, make it yours. Let’s see the tips!

1. Claim Your Wins

Concisely claim the bold wins of your career. Sometimes when we leave a job, we forget our wins during that job. Maybe a lot of things have happened or you do not want to associate yourself with the company, but your wins are your wins and you need to hold tight to them because they will help you get your new job.

Follow the pattern of claiming the win, then proving it out with consistent messaging across resume, cover letter, and interview answers. Claim the impact you made with a bold statement, and be prepared to back it up with specific examples in case you’re asked during the interview.

2. Leverage your recruiter

Learn to make your recruiter your champion. Recruiters have the opportunity to go to bat for candidates they believe in, show them that you're a bet worth the opportunity by making a strong connection, being candid, and showing them you’ve done your part by showing up prepared and keeping in touch.

3 . Ask questions like you give a damn

During an interview, you get time to ask 2-3 questions, what you ask shows where your mind is at to a hiring manager. Be pointed so you get real answers: "What happens when X happens?" "How often do customers use the product for X function?"

These questions give the hiring managers insight as to how you’re thinking and how that kind of mind can be useful to their team.

4. Show that you're all in

Remember to be consistent with your messaging and focus. It's a red flag if a candidate seems to be searching randomly with no direction. Figure out what you want and where you bring value, then focus your search there. Proactively connect the dots if it doesn't seem apparent (ex; stage, industry, specific complexity, etc.).

5. Follow Up! Follow Up! Follow UP!

We see a lot of candidates wonder if they should follow up. Well, let this be a sign for you to do just that. Follow up with everyone, right away… this means right after your interview!

Approach this process of “follow up” like it's your job. This might be the closest to a work product you can show. A simple email is expected and goes a long way because in the end, you’re dealing with humans and our hearts usually soften towards that person that’s coming back to say “thank you”. Bonus points if you can share a resource that's relevant to what you discussed, it shows the recruiter/hiring managers that you’re thinking about it.

6. Manage your search like it's your job

Project Manage the sh!t out of it!

How you present yourself and manage your search is the opportunity to showcase your organization and work product. Only take on as much as can be managed so that research, preparation, and curiosity can lead the way.

What steps have worked for you that helped you move from the various interview processes to getting that dream job? Let’s hear it in the comment section!