How to get your dream job?

It seems impossible to get a dream job nowadays. However, you might be able to get one if you really work on it. Speaking from my experience, I would like to share some tips with you.

1. Interpret your dream
Many people do not even know what they want. 90% of the job seekers are putting monetary rewards as their main consideration in seeking a better job. Before moving into that, list down what you really want for your new job. (in terms of exposure, traveling requirements, job function, career path) You will be surprise to find that you actually wanted more, than just money.

2. Knowing your destination
It is such ironic that everyone seems to know how to answer the popular interview question of "how do you see yourself in 10 years?", but do not really know what they are answering. Most of the interviewees came prepared which such question. However, most never really ask themselves such questions throughout their entire career life. Where you want to go? Do you see yourself as a future entrepreneur, skilled expert or manager? Knowing your direction helps you to focus on the job function you want.

3. The Time Race
We always contradict ourselves with different goals. Some common examples are statement such as, "I want to be a manager in 5 years time" and "I want to try different job roles to know what I am suitable for". Changing different roles is just an excuse to buy more time as you are unsure of what you really want. Let me tell you a fact, what fits you the best, end of the day, is what you are best at. If you don't think you like to do what you are best at, forget about excelling in your career. You will always be a mediocre.

4. Job Function, Company, Remuneration- Choose 2 out of 3
Fulfilling all your 3 requirements above for your first few jobs is like hitting a lottery. My advice, choose 2 out of 3 above. Why specifically 2 but not 1? Having two of above brings you closer to your dream job. If you only have one of them, you will need to try to fulfill the other two in your next job search. This is tough, as your salary requirements is moving up along with time. Any mistakes in choosing your career will not only costs you your job, it will also costs you time.

5. Get to know the right headhunter
80% of my experiences with headhunters are bad. Some headhunters just call you up to get FREE ADVICE from you about the job description(JD) given by their clients. Some will take your CVs and pass round to a few employers at the same time to try their luck. Most of them do not care about your career. They are more client-focused and they care more about their commissions. This is why they can always find GOOD talent for industries but always fail to provide the RIGHT candidate. Try to submit your CVs to a few headhunter and locate one or two good ones. Better still, check with your friends on their experience with headhunters and get them to introduce you to the good ones. Just drop me a comment if you need any recommendation from me.

6. Know your job well
Dream jobs are meant for those who can handle their job well. You can be hired as a CEO but are you able to increase the company's profit growth by 10 % per annum? You will only enjoy your job without high levels of incompetency stress. Most jobs are deemed to be stressful not because the employers are mean. It is simply because many of those are incompetant and yet taking up jobs that are beyond their capacity.

7. Be confident but don't think too highly of yourself
Dreaming of a job that pays you high salary, flies you around the world in business class cabins, able to work from home and comes with a huge team for you to command? Are you dreaming? No, it is not impossible! Once you have identified your strength, you will only need to identify the right company that is profitable enough to match your requirements. Be confident of yourself but never expect all companies to be able to afford what you want. Check out their annual reports (if they are listed) or audited accounts (from SSM for RM10) if you are really concern about the companys' profits.

Good luck in your job hunt!