The Secret To Discovering Your Dream Job

The Secret To Discovering Your Dream Job

I used to think that getting hired was the hardest part. As it turns out, I was wrong. RELATED: Need job search tips? Watch these tutorials! I mean, sure, it can be difficult to research companies, put together a resume, and do well in an interview. However, those are all skills that can be taught and learned… and relatively easily, too. The real hard part about finding and getting a job you love is discovering your dream job. I’ve talked to people who are 10... 20... even 30 years into their career and still searching for work that they love. Thankfully, with the Internet today and the breakthrough movement of “For-Benefit” companies - which I’ll explain in a minute - it’s easier than ever to discover your dream job and create a fulfilling career.


The Secret To Discovering Your Dream Job

Step 1: Know Thyself

Lao Tzu, a mystic philosopher in ancient China, author of the Tao Te Ching, and founder of Taoism once said: “He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.” This quote gives testament to the importance (and difficulty) of mastering ourselves and getting clear on what we want in life. So, when it comes to discovering your dream job, your first step is self reflection. That means leaning into your strengths, values, and passions to get crystal clear about what kind of role makes you happiest and fits in with your desired lifestyle. The problem most people have is that they float through life waiting for what they want to appear… When in reality, the secret is to spend time getting to know yourself, get clear on what you want, and then make the best decision possible based on the information you have at hand. Then, take action and adjust as you go… recognizing that your “dream job” will more than likely change as you grow, and you can have more than one throughout your career.

Step 2: Model Success

Once you’ve done some self reflection, a good idea to verify that you’re on the right track is to find someone who has the life and career you want… And then model them. This principle has been used by successful people for years, and the reason is simple: It works. If you want something, typically the shortest path to getting it is simply studying and copying someone who’s already there. They’ve already faced and overcome the same challenges you’re going to have to tackle, and their wealth of wisdom that can get you from “A” to “B” faster.

Step 3: Find 2-3 Companies That AMAZE You

The final step is to find a few companies that simply blow you away, and resolve not to settle for anything less than you deserve. These organizations could be solving a problem you’re passionate about… Contributing to an industry that excites you… Or have employee perks and team culture that make work the fun and rewarding experience you desire. “For-Benefit” companies, which I mentioned earlier, are a new breed of business that focuses on making a profit AND a difference in the world… and they’re a great place to start your search. For instance, the GameChangers 500 list of the world’s top For-Benefit companies showcases Google, TOMS, Patgonia, Etsy, and more. Plus, even more companies and opportunities can be found in this resource guide sharing 14 job sites with thousands of opportunities, which I created alongside Andrew Hewitt, the founder of the GameChangers 500. Just remember, traditional job-seeking strategies do not work with “For-Benefit” companies. That’s why Andrew and I also put together a free video for you here sharing modern job-seeking strategies that will help you get their attention and get the job.Write a great resume in 15 minutes!This post was originally published at an earlier date.

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About the author

Ryan Niessen is a keynote speaker and co-creator of The Gateway Method: a simple, proven way to gain inside access to the world’s best employers and get your dream job. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Facebook.      
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