Hey XXX,
Here are my tips regarding your job search saga. What I am writing here consists of my own personal experiences and what others with greater experience have told me. First of all landing your dream job is always difficult, more the less when there is a slowdown in the world economy. One should have always 3 choices: The dream job, a good alternative and what I call the compromise job.
First lets start with the dream job. For one a dream job may be a job in a specific industry, specific role or a specific country/geographic area. One cannot have it all. That is a very rare combination. One exception is Finance related positions which blunt the need for one to speak the local language since most transactions are done in English. The candidate must first determine what is more important to him. Make a comparison of different combinations to understand he/she really likes. This is a marketing technique which companies use to determine what customers want.
A good example would be this; Lets suppose we have this 4 different combinations: Marketing in a Bank in Dubai Versus Supply Chain in a retail operation in Dubai VS Supply Chain in a retail Operation In Shanghai VS Marketing in a bank in Shanghai. This is completely random but gives you an idea. Having clarity makes it easier to select companies/positions go after. The dream jobs shouldn’t be many in the end because more choice makes the situation a bit more complicated. Also try to understand that if one has a passion about games that doesn’t mean he will be good at the gaming industry. Passion and skills don’t always go together. My advice is try not to mix hobbies with work. One may end up hating his/her hobbies, an unwelcome transition.
The second level of jobs should be positions that are not as desirable as the first ones but still are desirable. If candidate A wants 100% to do Corporate Finance in Real Estate in Singapore and for him the industry is the most important the second level jobs will be the ones who are either corporate finance or based in Singapore but not in Real Estate. Again clarity is key!
The next is the compromise positions. For better or for worse everybody needs a job, an employer(unless he is an entrepreneur). In the end it comes down not to what one wants to do but what he can and what he must do. People most usually find them in positions they do not want or they didn’t truly desire. Different country, different position or different industry. I know a dad of 2 who in the end didn’t have the luxury to pursue his dream job and had to settle with another job(and use the time there for the next step).
I will write here the story of 2 classmates of mine. Both of them wanted to do management consulting post MBA, one in China and the other one in SE Asia. The first one got his dream job and now is in Shanghai for the employer of his choice. The second one has his dream job but in the end worked in Europe because during the MBA he understood he can do better if he uses his strengths and experience in Europe. The one who ended in China had one clear message: He had consulting knowledge , a very strong skillset, a clear focus on what he wanted. He knew how to communicate to the rest why he should be given a position.
Here are some advice to get your dream job:
l Passion: Nobody will employ a candidate only based on one’s passion. Show passion but do not overdo it. You are not unique there may be many people who share your passion.
l Skills: You should make a great case why the employer will benefit by hiring you. Past experience always plays a role. Transferable skills are key in this segment. Every candidate must be aware of how he can add value
l Behavior: Do not “beg” for positions. Be full with confidence in yourself but not cocky. Hubris is a cardinal sin. On the other hand remember that when you are after your dream job you are in the weaker negotiating position so try not to appear anxious. You need a job and also your self-composure
l Know the questions and their answers: If you try to make a career change you ought to be able to answer steadfastly why you want this change and where you are planning to go.
l Talk with people: Contact people who are working or know the industry one wants to work at. This kind of information will form the basis of your arguments. Even if those people do not have the correct information ask them with whom you should talk
l Avoid: sending obscure emails saying that you want to work in a company and that it is your passion. Send it to people whom you know or have been introduced to you. On top of that in no case try to contact recruiters at a company asking information. They do recruiting not give out information. You should contact them when you are ready, not before though.
There are more advice that can be given but this is enough for today
