But answering your first cousin twice removed (your grandparent’s cousin, for anyone unsure) without much professional experience often feels more like guesswork.
In this blog, we’ll help you understand how to determine your dream job – and what you can do to land it – so you’ll know what to say the next time someone inquires.
What is a Dream Job?
Your dream job grows from your:- Interests and skills
- Preferred work environment
- The company culture
- Professional goals
- Benefits
- And more
For some people, that may be doing what they love – such as writing – and making it home by 5 p.m. every day to spend time with their family. Others could prioritize higher paying roles and going into the office every day.
Benjamin Lodge’s dream job entails helping individuals with mental disorders. The English-born U.S. citizen’s desire to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner stems from witnessing friends experience anxiety, depression, and other issues.
“My hope is to bridge the gap so that my struggling peers can benefit from the science and so that providers might have more success with people who are difficult to engage,” he explains.
Benjamin will earn a Master of Science in Nursing next year. As the primary caregiver to his son, he also wants his future employer to value his role as a dad.
“My skills in caring are among the best of what I have to offer the world,” he says.
Why Dream Jobs Matter
Some people call it unrealistic to chase your dream job.
And that may be – especially if you define it by what you wanted to do as a child. Dare we say… marine biologist?
But if framed by the considerations listed above, pursuing a dream job that matches your talent and desires can lead to higher satisfaction at work and make you more:
- Motivated
- Engaged
- Productive
- And collaborative
Overrated Goals for a Fulfilling Career – And What You Should Look for Instead
People often equate a dream job with high pay and easiness.
But according to an analysis of 60 studies into the causes of a satisfying life and career, neither of those factors made a difference in a person’s overall well-being.
Instead, you should aim for a position that offers:
- Engaging work
- Work that helps others
- Work you excel at
- Supportive colleagues
- No major negatives, such as a long commute or hours
- Work that fits with the rest of your life
How to Determine Your Dream Job
The following tips can help you uncover your dream job:
- Reflect
Define your dream job beyond salary. What does it look like based on other considerations such as your values and passions?
You should also think about your short- and long-term career goals.
- Evaluate your skills and qualifications
Conduct a SWOT analysis of your capabilities or complete other tests to gain insights into your personality traits and talents, including:
- Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential (MAPP)
- MyNextMove
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
- BigFive
- Deepen your knowledge
Enroll in a class, which can help you affordably explore a variety of career paths. Benjamin used Portage Learning to get into his MSN program. The accredited institution offers online, self-directed college courses. Credits earned transfer to more than 2,800 colleges and universities.
How to Find Your Dream Job – And Land It
Your dream job can change.
And to be honest, it probably should.
Not everyone needs to become a professional athlete – or whatever popular career aspiration we all responded with as a kid.
So, once you figure out your actual dream job, here’s how you can move toward it.
- Research, research, research
Browse sites like Indeed and LinkedIn to find roles aligned with your dream job then make a list, tracking those opportunities. Some boards showcase positions that match specific interests. For example, if you want to work at a nonprofit organization, join Idealist.
Look into companies, too, and the overall job market. Any trends in the industry that might impact your path? Do you need to relocate to a certain area to secure your ideal role?
- Network
Build relationships with others in your field. The connections you make and maintain help you access new opportunities and establish yourself as a professional.
Experienced colleagues can provide career advice and insights that shape and improve your development.
- Try it out
Internships differentiate you from other entry-level candidates. Another bonus of completing one? Eight in 10 employers extend job offers to their interns.
You can also shadow a professional or volunteer to gain firsthand insight and connections to your dream job.
- Polish your resume and cover letter
Create a one-page, visually appealing resume that details your relevant accomplishments, volunteer work, projects and how they match the employer’s needs.
Your cover letter introduces you to the company and should:
- Highlight your cultural fit with its goals and values
- Explain why you want the job
- Address any career changes or employment gaps
Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application. Your school’s career center can assist with writing and reviewing these documents, too. - Prepare
Once your resume lands the interview for your dream job, make a powerful impression. Review the organization’s website and be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills.
Aim to genuinely connect with the hiring team, asking thoughtful questions to display your commitment.
You should arrive 10-15 minutes early and wear clean, appropriate-fitting clothes.
Follow up with a thank-you note or email reiterating your gratitude for the interview and your fit for the role.
The Final Thought: Your Dream Job Starts With You
Finding your dream job requires contemplation, a plan – and time.
Benjamin knew his as a teenager.
“Our communities deserve care grounded in science, guided by compassion, and delivered with professionalism,” he asserts. “I’m confident I can help build that future for all of us.”
But other people may be older when they figure out their dream job, and that’s OK. You can change careers in your 30s or at any age, really.
Everyone follows their own timeline – and your dream job should center on fulfillment.
So, the next time someone asks, “What is your dream job?” you don’t need a detailed, lifelong plan. You just need a thoughtful understanding of what excites you, and the impact you hope to make.
And depending on how you choose to pursue it, don’t be surprised if it evolves over time. Because you certainly will.
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