TIPS ON GETTING YOUR DREAM JOB

We all want it. The dream job. The corner office with an assistant who gets you your favorite coffee. Except right now you are that assistant and you probably hate that position and feel like you are never going to get there. Well I come bearing good news. You can and you will with these perfect tips to help you get there.

Now before we get started, a simple disclaimer – this not a simple 3 day hack. No honey, this will require hard work, innovation and patience. But I can guarantee you that at the end of that tunnel is a successful you. So lets get into it

TIP 1 - YOUR NETWORK REALLY IS YOUR NET WORTH

Networking can help grow your career. Especially if you make friends in management or top players in the industry. And how do you that? Well try having a thought-provoking conversation with your manager. Like those moments he is in the staff cafeteria or kitchen, or before or after a meeting. You can always find a time to have a quick conversation about how to improve a certain area you know about. Try going to industry related events that involve networking. Speak to people, be memorable and interesting. Comment on their achievements. Don’t over do it though. They may think you are flirting. And don’t stalk people and show up at their house. That’s weird…

TIP 2 - FIND A MENTOR

A mentor is someone who is an expert in a certain area that can guide and advise you. They can also nudge you into some great opportunities that may come up. Getting a mentor is not about just approaching anyone. Think of someone who is where you want to be. And make it reasonable. So unless Vusi Thembekwayo is a relative he cannot exactly be you mentor. Get in line sister! And that line goes all the way to the alley. Someone in your community. Someone you can approach, have coffee with and even shadow. If Mr Vusi ticks all those boxes then by all means.

When you do find a mentor. Do not waste that opportunity. Ask questions. Be prepared to listen and learn. Those moments are gems of life. Not just a moment for your Instagram.

TIP 3 - ASK FOR MORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Do you ever have moments at work where you have literally have nothing to do. You are either fiddling your fingers, gossiping with workmates or deep in your crush’s Instagram history. Well that ends today. Tomorrow you are going to analyse all your work and see how you can do it better and more cost effectively. You are going to offer your help to someone who is knee deep in projects. Whether is typing or helping to file their paperwork. Its time to be proactive. You cannot expect to get the rewarding and exciting stuff without working through the hard tasks. You also get recognized for your skills which may come in handy for bigger projects or even positions. Like “Oh Lisa was very helpful in creating efficient and easy to understand worksheets in my last project. It had formulas and everything. Maybe lets bring her on to help us with this project”. And BAM! You got your foot in the door. You are welcome.

TIP 4 - PROMOTE YOURSELF

Sometimes you have got to work smart. As much as you may be lending a helping hand in the office, you have to make sure everyone knows your name. When you send emails include your name and position. And be nice to everyone. You never know who holds the key to your success. Don’t be a teacher’s pet. Just be helpful. Hold the door for someone. Kindness really does go a long way. Be good to your customers too. A complaint from a customer can set you right back where you started. Plus, a client may offer you a job if they are pleased with you. This happens a lot. So position yourself strategically and you will definitely win.

TIP 5 - EDUCATE YOURSELF

Are you qualified for the job you want or for the job you have. You want to be a boss lady one day? Well a High School diploma will not be enough. Work towards a college diploma or degree. Thankfully today we live in a world with so many creative ways of getting educated. Many websites offer online courses for almost nothing. Free even, in some cases. Pick a field and build your future. You can also take night or weekend classes if it is possible. It is never to late to go to school. And once you have your certificate you are ready to compete in the job market for that dream job.

TIP 6 - BE HONEST

Honesty goes a long way in a professional environment. People want to work with someone they can trust. So don’t be those people who are always late for work and have a crazy excuse each time. Or who misses the deadline each time. Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you are behind schedule, be honest about it. Be accountable for everything you do. Because if you can’t be trusted with a simple task, like bringing yourself to work on time for example, then you will never be trusted with bigger responsibilities.

These are my 6 tips. There is more you can always do. You just have to be creative. If you cannot think of anything, ask your manager or mentor. He/she can always give you tips on how to get ahead. The last tip I have for you is be hungry. Be hungry for opportunity. That will always bring you up each time you fall down.

Good luck slaying them dragons and taking names.