Find and Keep Your Dream Job, the Deﬁnitive Careers Guide From Experts

Table of Contents

Introduction
Getting Out Of a Dead-End Job
Warning Signs You Should Start the Job Search
Identify Your Strengths to Impress Your Interviewers
Crafting the Perfect Resume
Busting Common Resume Writing Myths
Avoid The Resume Black hole
Writing an Effective Cover Letter
Starting Your Job Search: Are You Ready To Commit?
Landing—and Acing—an Informational Interview
Unorthodox Tips for Job Seekers
What You Don’t Know About the Job Search Can and Will Hurt You
How to Find a Job While You're Employed
No job Experience? No Problem.
What To Do While You're Unemployed
How to Get Great References
Dress to Impress for Your job Interview
Don't Let Bad Body Language Sink Your Interview
Stay Calm to Impress Your Interviewer
Acing the Most Common Questions
Learn How to Talk About Your Biggest Weakness
Avoid These Interview Miscues At All Costs
Ask the Right Questions To Leave Them Wanting
What to Look For At the lob Interview
How to Seal the Deal after the Interview
What to Do When You Don't Hear Back From HR
How to Turn Down A job Offer with Class
Negotiate Your Pay-It’s The Best Thing You Can Do Once You Get The job
Tips for A Successful Job Relocation
What Young Workers Need To Know To Succeed
People Skills Are Paramount. Play Well With Others.
Nonverbal Cues that Convey Conﬁdence
How to Manage Your Emotions
How Bad Habits Can Sabotage Your lob
The Worst Workplace Communication Mistakes Location 3 1
Never Say These Phrases at Work
Be Indispensable and You’ll Flourish at Work
What to Do During Your Lunch Break
Do These Things at the End of Every Work Day
Unitasking: The Secret to Being Productive At Work
Negative Feedback Will Lead To Success
Sources Interviewed For the Articles Used In Find and Keep Your Dream Job

Introduction

I. Knowing When to Start Your Job Search

Getting Out Of a Dead-End Job
Warning Signs You Should Start the Job Search

II. Get your job Search Documents In Order

Identify Your Strengths to Impress Your Interviewers Crafting The Perfect Resume
Busting Common Resume Writing Myths
Avoid the Resume Black Hole Writing an Effective Cover Letter

III. The Secrets to a Successful Job Search

Starting Your Job Search: Are You Ready To Commit?
Landing—and Acing—an Informational Interview
Unorthodox Tips For Job Seekers
What You Don't Know About the Job Search Can And Will Hurt You

IV. Finding a Job No Matter Your Situation

How to Find a Job While You’re Employed
No job Experience? No Problem. What To Do While You're Unemployed
How to Get Great References

V. Nailing the Job Interview

Dress to Impress For Your Job Interview
Don't Let Bad Body Language Sink Your Interview Stay Calm to Impress Your Interviewer
Acing the Most Common Questions
Learn How to Talk About Your Biggest Weakness
Avoid These Interview Miscues At All Costs
Ask the Right Questions to Leave Them Wanting More What to Look for At the Job Interview

VI. What to Do After the Interview

How to Seal the Deal after the Interview
What to Do When You Don't Hear Back From HR
How to Turn Down a Job Offer with Class
Negotiate Your Pay—it’s The Best Thing You Can Do Once You Get The Job

VII. Navigating Workplace Obstacles

Tips for a Successful Job Relocation
What Young Workers Need To Know To Succeed
People Skills Are Paramount. Play Well With Others.
Nonverbal Cues that Convey Conﬁdence
How to Manage Your Emotions
How Bad Habits Can Sabotage your job
The Worst Workplace Communication Mistakes
Never Say These Phrases at Work

VIII. Becoming the Best Employee You Can Be

Be Indispensable and You’ll Flourish at Work
What to Do During Your Lunch
Do These Things at the End of Every Work Day
Unitasking: The Secret to Being Productive At Work
Negative Feedback Will Lead To Success

INTRODUCTION

In life we're taught to plan for the worst, to be prudent, to hedge our bets. We're told, “Be realistic! Keep your dreams in check.” For the most part that advice is sound. However, these “words of wisdom” may be keeping us from pursuing our dreams, particularly in the job search arena. In many ways, ﬁnding a job is a job in and of itself-it is time-consuming, stressful and contingent on demonstrating your skills and mettle to others.

Your dream job, unfortunately, won't fall into your lap out of the blue one day. That happens, but it's so rare that nobody should ever bet on that boon befalling him. No, ﬁnding a job ﬁrst involves assessing your current station. Do you like your job right now? Is there room for growth? Does it capitalize on the skills you’re best at?

If your job doesn't pass muster on these fronts, don't just send out your resume en masse. There is a right way and a wrong way to get a great job, and many, in their eagerness to ﬁnd new work, fail to realize that the shiny new thing may not always be better. Best to research the companies you

The guide that follows is a blueprint for doing just that during one of the hardest periods to ﬁnd a job in recent history. Despite the economic headwinds, there are battle- tested, effective ways to secure good job leads (and no, they don't involve resume blasts or 1 min left in chapter 6% job sites), and some of our best careers and leadership writers, Jacquelyn Smith, Jenna Goudreau and Meghan Casserly, have collected this sage advice here. In fact, they were so good at synthesizing the ins and outs of smart job hunting that they have each scored new jobs in the last year.

Even if you don't think you need a new job, anyone in the workplace can beneﬁt from the sections that identify your skill set and strengths, along with the sections suggesting tips to becoming a better worker. One of the scariest and most exciting things about having a 1 min left in chapter 6% dream job is that the chances to learn and improve never end. This guide will help you do that and more.

GETTING OUT OF A DEAD-END JOB

Are you in a job where the only way to move up is to get out? Is your role becoming obsolete thanks to technological progress? Are your colleagues given opportunities that you're not?

If you answered yes to any of the above, there's a good chance your career has come to a standstill. That's right; you're stuck in a dead-end job.

“A dead-end job is one where you don't see any opportunity for growth,” says Shweta Khare, a career and job search expert. “An everyday task seems like a burden, not an achievement. Or you’re stuck at a workplace that offers no appreciation or acknowledgement for your work.

” Almost everyone experiences this at some point in their career, says Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and author of Tame Your Terrible Ofﬁce Tyrant; How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your ]ob. “It is often difficult at ﬁrst to discern if you’re in a stagnant position. The realization rarely happens overnight because oftentimes the employee has offered to take on more challenging as- assignments, but that falls on deaf ears. After hitting enough walls, however, you realize that those efforts and energy could be better placed toward a new job search.

” But before you throw in the towel, you need to determine whether you're actually in a dead-end job or you simply don't like what you're doing.

“People often stay in jobs they don't like because they don't realize what else they can do," says Maggie Mistal, a career consultant, radio host and speaker. “Too often people assume work is supposed to be a chore so they don't even look for anything other than that when embarking on a career.

“Do a quick self-assessment. “Try making a list of the pros and cons of your job and what you'd want in your next job," says Dr. Katharine Brooks, executive director of the ofﬁce of personal and career development at Wake Forest University and author of You Majored in What? Mapping Your Path from Chaos to Career. Determine if there are ways to modify your situation while staying at the organization, or whether it’s time to move on. “If at all possible, do not leave your current job until you have secured a new one.

” Figure out if it’s you or the job you’re unhappy with. If you’re unhappy in your job because you’re unhappy in life, the solution may be to seek help outside of the ofﬁce.

Talk to your supervisor. If you're not happy with your schedule, your compensation or the projects you're assigned to, you should tell your boss. There could be ways to improve the situation, Dr. Brooks says, and it might be much easier than you think.

Don't quit immediately. If you have a job that provides decent compensation and that isn't unbearable, then consider staying put for right now, says Deborah Shane, a career author, featured writer, speaker, and media and marketing consultant. Oftentimes, the grass isn't as green when you're ﬁnally standing over it.

She adds, “Before you run from your current job, or decide to change or transition to another ﬁeld, do the research and preparation necessary so you will be educated and qualiﬁed.

“If you're in a situation where your job is intolerable or unsafe, you should leave.

Change your attitude. Maybe you had one bad experience at work that left a sour taste in your mouth. If so, try to let it go. Says Dr. Brooks, “Even though you're unhappy and may leave soon, you want leaving to be your decision, not the organization's. If you're ﬁred, it will be much harder to ﬁnd your next opportunity.

” Here are some tell-tale signs that your job has reached a dead end. Your work offers no change in routine. Your skills are not being tapped. Your superiors aren't interested in your career goals. You're subject to unfair treatment, you're not challenged, your thoughts and contributions are not valued, you can't get time with the boss to move projects forward.

No change in pay, title or tasks comes your way over time, and attempts to change or improve your job are not welcomed.

You get that Monday morning feeling nearly every day, your values and the ﬁrm’s values are not aligned, you see favoritism or bias in management practices, you're not getting paid fairly, there's no praise in sight, your company hires outside talent when promotions open up or you're too complacent in your current role.

“But the most important thing is to take responsibility for your job quality and success,” says Joyce Reynolds, an expert business coach. “Don’t blame a company for your situation.

” And don't forget to speak up. Says Lynn Taylor, national workplace expert and author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant; How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job, “Some employees avoid all challenging communications with their supervisors and could have enjoyed the upward mobility they sought. Know how much effort is worth putting forth; what will be your return on investment? It's the company's responsibility to live up to its promises, assuming your performance is good.

” If you discover that you're stuck in a job going nowhere, here's what you can do about it:

Create a personal Document to examine what can be done, if enythiasr current situation. Examine the hastily weaknesses as well.

Be professional. Even if you plan to quit, keep doing your job well. You'll have good re-commendations when you do leave, Dr. Brooks says. And if your situation improves and you decide to stay, you won't be embarrassed about your behavior. Remember: Burning 1 min left in chapter 10% bridges rarely ends well, no matter how dissatisﬁed you are.

Set career goals. Identify a compelling future for yourself and use it as a catalyst to take action. Figure out where you want to be in ﬁve years. It's a cliché, but one that works, putting what matters to you in perspective.

Gain experience outside of the office. If your dead-end job won't hone your skills, take a class instead, Tina Nicolai, an executive career coach and certiﬁed resume writer, says. Or volunteer during your down time to further develop your 1 min left in chapter 10% leadership skills and resume.

Change your job without changing companies—if you're content with your employer.

Do your homework so that you choose well in your next job. One way to do this: During job interviews, ask your employer about career development and advancement opportunities.

WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD START THE JOB SEARCH

If you’re still unsure whether or not your career has reached an impasse, here are some signals that it may be time to seek out new opportunities.

Be wary if you’re given fewer projects and responsibilities. It's also not uncommon for new managers to clean house after a merger, acquisition or change in leadership, says Amanda Abella, a career coach, speaker and Gen Y lifestyle blogger.

If your boss sends you regular messages pointing out errors that are causing issues for the company, or if your performance review is continually coming back with recurring issues, there's a good chance you could be losing your job soon, says Ryan Kahn, career coach, founder of The Hired Group, star of MTV’s Hired! and author of Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad. And “if you're hearing on the news or at board meetings that the company is in ﬁnancial hot water, it’s a good sign your job is on the line,” Abella says.

What should you do if you believe your job might be at risk?

Abella suggests remaining calm, stepping it up and calmly looking for an exit strategy. “First, although you may have a feeling that your job is on the line, you don't actually know for sure—so don't give them a reason to ﬁre you. Second, if you go to another interview with an energy of desperation because your current job may be on the line, it may come off the wrong way to the recruiter. In other words, they may think you don't actually want to work for them, but rather consider them a backup plan and therefore aren't a serious candidate. Bottom line: play it cool."

David Parnell, a legal consultant, communication coach and Forbes contributor, says that while approaching your boss about the potential issues may be the “right thing to do by the time you are sensing that there is an issue, it's usually too late. “Watching out for number one may be your best move; this includes getting your resume polished, putting out feelers, stirring up your network and any other actions toward ﬁnding your new home.”

An at-risk gig is not the only reason to look for new opportunities. If the scenarios below ring any bells, reconsider whether it’s worth remaining in your current role.

You lack passion. “You’re not waking up most mornings with a feeling of excitement towards your job,” says Teri Hockett, the chief executive of what’s For Work? A career site for women.

Taylor says if you’re not doing what you love, you will never tap your true potential. “It will just continue to be ‘a job,’ and eventually each day will seem more of a grind.”

You really dislike the people you work with and/or your boss, you’re consistently stressed, negative and/or unhappy at work, or your work-related stress is affecting your physical or mental health.

You no longer have good work- life balance. When you ﬁnd that you’re spending less time with your family because of work, or you cannot commit the necessary time to your job, you should consider looking elsewhere, Sara Sutton Fell, CEO and founder of Flexjobs, says.

You are experiencing verbal abuse, sexual harassment or are aware of any type of other illegal behavior.

It’s easy to convince yourself you need a job, but don't let the security of a paycheck lull you into staying at a place you can barely tolerate.

IDENTIFY YOUR STRENGT HS TO IMPRESS YOUR INTERVIEWERS

Landing a great job means convincing the hiring manager and any other stakeholders in the job search process that you have the skills and qualities they desire in their employees. But many people struggle to identify what they excel at and where they struggle. It's important for job seekers to know their strengths in order to demonstrate their worth to employers.

Some people have an “envision strength,” says Bergstrand, chief executive of Brand Velocity. “These folks are visionaries who get energy and solve problems by asking and answering the question, ‘where do we intend to go and why?’ It is common to ﬁnd these strengths with strategists, marketers and CEOs."

Second is the “design strength," he adds. “Where the ‘envision strength’ is more subjective, the ‘design strength’ is more objective. These folks like to get to the facts, and are well-suited as planners and very good at answering the question, ‘what do we need to do when?’ We often ﬁnd these strengths in newly minted MBA’s, analysts, planners and CFOs.”

Third is the “build” workplace strength. “Where the ‘design’ strength is more focused on facts and ﬁgures, the ‘build’ strength is more process- oriented—energized by how to best get jobs done. These individuals are energized by systematizing and systematized work. Where the ‘envision’ person typically hates repetitive work, the ‘build’ person thrives on it. You will typically ﬁnd build people in functions such as manufacturing, logistics, and IT systems management.”

Finally, the fourth type of workplace strength is the “operate characteristic,” Bergstrand says. “With knowledge work, this term has a slightly different connotation than it did in the industrial age. With knowledge work, opera- tors make things happen with and through other people, and get a lot of energy from human interaction. They focus on the who. Sales people and good mentors are often very strong in the ‘operate’ area.”

Independent human resources consultant Iay Canchola says: “From an HR perspective, workplace strengths are usually deﬁned in terms of competencies such as leadership, problem solving or teamwork.” Parnell says that if you are looking to advance your career, ﬁnding and leveraging your workplace strengths is perhaps the most important thing you can do. “But if you are stuck in a position that doesn't leverage your strengths, your drive and performance will suffer along with your career advancement."

One simple way to identify your workplace strengths is to “listen to your emotions when you are working,” Canchola says. “What activity, such as leadership or problem solving, provides satisfaction and happiness? A more complex way consists of validation from others. When others ask for your competency or praise you, that's usually a good sign that you have identiﬁed a workplace strength.” Characteristics of the “envision” workplace strength: -

Characteristics of the envision

Thinking strategically: Seeing past today's issues and focusing on a longer term destination.

Setting a visionary destination: Establishing a positive future in the minds of others that doesn't exist today.

Thinking inventively: Conceptualizing a working solution that can ultimately convert into a tangible product-service offering. Generating imaginative ideas: Seeing and articulating possibilities that are not purely grounded in experience.

Thinking creatively: Offering new thoughts on subject areas that others have not considered. Pioneering new ideas: Creating a new line of thought that has not yet been proven in practice. Brainstorming new ideas: Working with others to co create new ideas and new solutions.