Several weeks ago I shared ideas for how to keep your résumé up to date to find your dream job. Have you made any quick changes already? I hope it's paid off!

2.27.TW

Step one in the process of locking down your dream job (or just a new job!) is now complete. The next step is to apply, apply, apply! But before you do, take a bit of time to think about how you'll approach the actual application process. Maybe mass online submissions aren't the best route… One of my friends recently found herself really unhappy in her job.  She spent an entire night applying to 10 or 15 new jobs through their online portals. I know it made her feel better, but I honestly think it may have been a lot of wasted effort. I hope for her sake that I'm proven wrong, but targeting your applications through your own established network can have some big advantages when seeking your dream job.

Network with your alumni association to find your dream job

Once you've done your diligence in researching the industry, type of position, or level of position you are interested in, the official search can begin. My personal favorite place to start is my undergraduate alma mater's Alumni Association. They have a huge repository of job listings submitted by other alumni who are seeking educated, capable, intelligent individuals to work with or for them. Even if the Alumni Association doesn't have an immediate perfect fit, they can help in other ways, such as putting you in touch with alumni who work in the field or industry, or perhaps even at your dream company, which could be even better!

bSmart Tip: I found my beloved, perfect-for-me-job in a somewhat similar fashion, and afterwards I kicked myself for not taking advantage of the resources available to me sooner. So do it! Now! 

Network online with your LinkedIn contacts to find your dream job

In conjunction with your outreach to the Alumni Association, I also always suggest doing a flip through your LinkedIn contacts to refresh your memory on where your friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances are currently employed. Perhaps you saw the perfect job on a company's website, and turns out you also have a friend of a friend working there – sounds like the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the professional network you may have developed, or to start creating one!

Network through email, phone, or in-person to find your dream job

Don't be afraid to send a message to someone in your network regarding open positions at their company, or to that same person asking them to help you make a connection with someone they already know, or as LinkedIn calls it - a 2nd connection. A brief note introducing yourself and asking them to introduce you to someone else will do the trick, and helps you stand out as a candidate by demonstrating your commitment and excitement about the potential position. Many companies offer a referral bonus, so there's incentive on both sides to refer great candidates! I am always impressed with people who contact me and find myself even more willing to help out.

Network through bSmart to find your dream job 

Similar to LinkedIn, research the profiles of bSmart members and message any member who works in a field similar to your target industry.  Ask to pick her brain about her job or the industry in general.  If you really hit it off, suggest you speak over the phone or grab a cup of coffee.  You might just be the person her company is looking to hire.  At the very least, she might have a friend referral or idea for how to connect you with your dream job.  Expanding your network is the first step to finding your dream job.

That's where I would start if I were starting the search for my dream job. What are you waiting for? Reach out to your network today!

 

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