Do you want to land your dream job? You need to do more than just pretty affirmations or aesthetic vision boards. While these practices might help, without a strategy, it’s just wishful thinking. From resume building to networking, here are some ways to turn applications into offer letters.

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1. Assess your career goals

Before you go on an ‘Easy Apply’ binge on LinkedIn, it’s important to assess your career goals. Whether you are a fresher or someone who is a few years into their career, this is a key step. What do you want out of your career? Do you want to work in a different country? Is there a particular role you wish to work in? Write down your career goals and take it from there. This will allow you to assess if you are at the right place to meet your goals or if you need to switch jobs. Writing down your goals will also help you come back and refer to them. Also, keep checking if you are moving in alignment with your career goals.

2. Be aware of your skills and strengths

Now that you have your career goals in place, it’s time to assess your skills and strengths. Your job must align with the skills you possess. If your dream job is to be a doctor, but biology is a subject you are failing at, it’s not a good fit. So, make a list of the skills you have and the strengths you hold. It could be your communication skills, marketing tactics or any other talent. Make a list of all and use them to your advantage.

3. Upskill yourself

In today’s fast-paced world, where everything is available at your fingertips, it’s crucial to keep updating yourself. Think of yourself as a phone or a laptop, which needs frequent updates to perform the latest jobs at hand. With platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and more, you have numerous options to upskill yourself, all for free. Get certifications in your field of work, learn a new language, or a skill that’s relevant to the job you are applying for.

4. Make networking a strength

Skill is not the only thing you need. You also require a solid network, and websites like LinkedIn make it easy to do just that. Connect with people you admire or build connections with potential employers. This allows you to get the first shot at a potential opening before it even reaches the public. If you are a student, build a good rapport with your teachers. You must also attend conferences and seminars that have the potential for network-building. Seize every opportunity that comes your way, as you never know what will work out. This is the best tip to ace networking skills.

5. Tailor your resume

Unlike 10-20 years ago, when you sent in one resume to hundreds of places, resumes are no longer one-size-fits-all. You need to tailor your resume to the role you want. One of the best ways to do this is by carefully reviewing the job description. Pick out the keywords that the recruiter is looking for and add them to your resume. Half the battle is won once your resume lands in the hands of the recruiter. These days, all recruiters use AI to screen applicants, and the AI only picks up applicants who have the right keywords in their resumes. So, make sure you modify your resume to match the company’s job description.

Related: 5 Creative Job Applications That Go Beyond A Regular Resume and Cover Letter

6. Prepare your elevator pitch

One of the things every interviewer says is, “So, tell me about yourself”. Now, if you just start going on a rant about which college you went to or your current workplace, it’s not going to help you. The interviewer can already see these things in your resume. Your goal is to convince the interviewer that you are the best fit for their organisation.

Speak about what makes you unique and what your skills are. Focus on how you fit the role like a glove. Do some research on your recruiter and learn what challenges they are facing. Then, provide a solution to those challenges. Don’t hesitate to ask your interviewer questions, because nothing can kill an interview like silence. Practise your elevator pitch in front of a mirror multiple times, and be confident when you land that interview for your dream job.

7. Follow up

Now that you have gotten yourself an interview for your dream role, don’t forget to follow up. Be courteous and let the interviewer know you are grateful for the opportunity and are enthusiastic about it. Drop them an email appreciating their time. This will let the recruiter know you are serious and excited about the role.

8. Gauge your progress

Your career goal is not something that you can achieve in a year or two. It’s an ongoing process. Similarly, your career path won’t always be linear; it can be a bit messy. So, it’s important to regularly evaluate your progress and check if you are on the path to achieving your goals. If you are actively applying for roles, check if you are receiving relevant offers and interviews. And if you aren’t, devise a plan to achieve your desired offer.

Landing your dream job is not rocket science; it needs some discipline and dedication. Each of your workplaces is a stepping stone to achieving your career goals. So, be careful in your choices and put in the effort to maximise your options.

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