Don't Sleep On Getting Your Dream Job

​In today's hectic world it can sometimes feel as though dream jobs are hard to come by. The market is so saturated with people applying for the same roles that even if you are more than qualified, chances are another hundred people will be too. The facts are clear: there are simply more people than there are jobs, and this can be terrible for graduates looking to get their first step on the career ladder. It can also leave many of us feeling despairing, thinking we will never be able to land the career we have worked so hard for. But in order to achieve the things you want to achieve, you will need to make sure you are by far the strongest candidate for the role.

Take a look at what employers DON'T tell you about finding your perfect job.

Nail that resume
Everyone knows that you need to bring your resume into an interview - it's also what can land you an interview in the first place. But surprisingly, many would-be employees are falling at the first hurdle when it comes to putting their experience down on paper. The first thing to note is having updated information on your resume. If you have been handing the same one out since your teenage years, chances are something is amiss! Start with your most recent employment and then work your way down - remember employers don't always want to know about a part-time retail job you had when you were sixteen! Also, ensure that your resume is professionally written, with perfect English and an easy-to-read layout. Even simple hints like this can significantly increase your chances of getting a callback or even landing the job.

Let your personality shine
With so many people these days having exactly the same experience under their belts, you need something to make you stand out. Sure, you could take on yet more work or do a voluntary project, but be mindful that your competitors may also have this idea too - and thus the cycle continues. One thing, however, that can differentiate you from your peers is your personality. You could have two candidates who have all the relevant experience for a job, but the employer is always going to pick the candidate who is more personable. Never underestimate the power of being pleasant, positive and having a 'can-do' attitude - it could be the thing that launches your career.

Be mindful of your online brand
It isn't just big companies that have brands these days, you know - individual people need them too. One of the first things a company will do before they get you in to interview is to search your name online, so you need to make sure there's nothing incriminating on there! Make your social media private if you feel you need to, and consider setting up a website or a separate Twitter account to showcase your professional work. This will show your prospective employer that you are serious about your professional image and it is also a good way to network, too.

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​by Iconic Chica Contributors