Determine your dream job. Many dream jobs range from being a professional athlete, a princess, a movie star, or an astronaut, to a professional napper. Let’s first define what a “dream job” is to you. What is more important to you? Is it having financial security and medical benefits? Is it flexible hours? Is it creative independence? Or is it opportunities to travel?

Firstly decide what things you love doing, make a list, and see where the professional applications of your interests lie. It may combine more than one of your interests. Research thoroughly what the job entails; decide what your dream job is.

1. Know yourself

Imagine a work scenario; know how you would react to a particular situation of crisis or problem at your job. What conditions do you work at best? Determine your passion and know what motivates you. Keep that motivation refilled regularly. Know who you are and how it affects your productivity. When you know yourself, and how you work best, it is easier to stay committed to your job while facing any hurdles.

2. Plan your dream job practically

When you have found what your dream job is, it’s not just enough to dream. You have to be willing to sacrifice for the dream job. Determine what you’re willing to give up to get to where you want. You should also need to plan the steps to get your dream job. Make a comprehensive plan. For example, if your dream is to be a “movie star”, break down this abstract idea into goal-oriented practical steps. And take those necessary steps one by one. Apply for acting opportunities, send in video auditions, try to gain experience from local theatres, and join acting classes if needed. Look for the practical application of your interests and pursue that as a career. Keep brushing up on your skills and interests. Set a goal and make a list of the steps you need to take.

3. Resume

This goes without saying, but do make an interesting, attractive resume that shall help you get hired for your dream job. Enlist the relevant skills and experiences you have, related to your dream job. Make your resume as unique as you are. Highlight your extra-curricular activities, side projects, and skills acquired along the way. Convince yourself and your employer why they should hire you. Take the first step towards finding your dream job.

4. Online presence

Online presence helps your company, or your profile, to have a good idea of your details and professional history. But be careful to avoid social media networks’ faux pas. According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, 70% of employers use social media for screening candidates. Over one-third of organizations have taken steps to leverage mobile recruiting—to target smartphone users. Recruiting via social media is growing with 84% of organizations using it currently and 9% planning to use it. Establish a presence among online communities of similar interests. Be in touch with them and learn about new opportunities, and tips. You can collaborate with an experienced person in your field of interest too. Use social media to explore job opportunities relating to your dream job because 94% of professional recruiters network on social media and use it to post jobs and recruit new employees.

5. Use your resources in the best way possible

We often forget what we have in pursuit of what we want. Use your current resources, and contacts, to increase your chances to get your dream job. Use the internet to gain more knowledge, get inspired, motivate yourself, and apply for an opening. Look into related jobs and activities that help you at your college, at work, or at school. Get involved in them. Contact people from the related jobs if you know any, to ask for help and suggestions.

6. Use time judiciously

One of the most important aspects of reaching any goal or landing a dream job is proper time management. Of course, one should make time for leisure and rest, but when you do get free time, dedicate that period in pursuit of your dream job.

7. Connections and Networking

We keep hearing, “Networking helps in getting job opportunities” but what exactly do they mean by it? It simply means establishing good relationships with people and helping them out when you can. Some experts say that at least 60% of all jobs are found through networking. Even when figures are broken down into different categories of job seekers and people are asked how they landed their current job, networking tops every list Hilary Ziglar once said: “you can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people to get what they want”. This doesn’t necessarily ensure a job or opportunity through mere contacts and favors but it sure helps to have a healthy relationship with people that might ease your path toward your dream job. It helps you get the necessary information about your dream job, and the current dynamics of the field and know how you can grow in your dream career. Have good communication and interactive skills. It helps when you can communicate your ideas to your peers or supervisors. A healthy workplace relationship avoids unnecessary tensions, and in turn, helps you get your dream job.

8. Believe in yourself

Be sure and confident about who you are and what you want. Believe in yourself that you can ace your dream career, only then can you convince others of the same. Likewise, be open to changes and improvements when needed. Any constructive criticism only helps you grow and improve, so be open to new ideas and suggestions.

9. Become a consultant

Apply your expertise relating to your dream job and work as an advisor or consultant. You can do this part-time or as a freelancer, guest lecturer, outside consultant in a company, or trainer.

Conclusion

Put in your best efforts and keep trying. Do not depend on a perfect job to be happy, but rather be happy, and pursue your dream job. Try to apply all the above steps and stay positive.