How To Land Your Dream Job

By Jessica Lifosjoe

If you’ve just graduated from a university, you’re probably ready to jump into your potential dream job immediately. Or possibly you’ve had your degree for a while, but you have been distracted with a 9-5 job and haven’t touched up on your resume for a few years. 

The public relations field can be very competitive and you have to be sure you’re on top of your game if you want to stand out to employers who are seeking someone with a degree in PR.

In this post, I’m going to explain how to land the dream job you’ve spent years in school working for. With a lot of motivation, consistency and an up-beat attitude, you will get the job in no time.
 
What Does it Mean to Have a Dream Job, and Why Does it Matter?
Having a job is pretty self-explanatory, anyone can have the standard 9-5 and make a good living off of it. According to SurveyMonkey, only about 22 percent of workers in America say they have their dream job or work in the related field.

It may take some time and perseverance, but it is very possible to achieve the job you’ve always dreamt about.
Any type of occupation in the public relations field is no 9-5. According to Harvard Business Review, you’re constantly working with new clients and always in a fast-paced environment. You need to be motivated and ready to be on-the-go every day, but you will have fun while doing so.

The application and interview process can be very tricky with any job in the public relations field. Your resume and cover letter have to show that you’re confident, competitive and a hard worker in order for any employer to consider you for their workplace.

The first impression means everything, so make sure it’s a good one.
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How to Land Your Dream Job With Your Application/Interview

Application Process

• Customize Every Resume That You Send to Each Employer.
  • When you’re creating your resume, make sure your skills and experience align with what the employer is looking for. If the job posting states that they’re looking for someone who has a specific type of experience or knowledge, name everything on that list that you know how to do.
• Customize Every Cover Letter That You Send to Each Employer.
  • Don’t copy and paste the same few paragraphs on every single application, customize it! Let them know what you will bring to the table, specifically for their company. Every employer is looking for a “hard-working” and “dedicated” candidate, but what can you do that will personally benefit their team.
• Apply to Every Single Company You Come Across That Might Interest You.
  • It doesn’t hurt to send out your application to multiple companies, don’t wait around for one employer to reach out to you. Keep your options open! If you find multiple job postings that seem like the position would be a great choice for your career goals, submit, submit… and submit some more. 
  • It’s always better to keep your options open, rather than waiting around for one employer who may have already found someone else for the position. 
  • Besides, you never know who you can meet. Working at a certain job that may not be exactly where you want to end up forever, might just open the door for that dream job you’ve always desired. It’s all about who you know in the public relations field.
• Send a Follow-Up Email After Submitting Your Application.
  • Depending on the job, employers can receive hundreds of applications for the position and they will more than likely not have the time to go through every single one. You want to stand out and make it known you want that job! According to Indeed, you should send a follow-up email between one to two weeks after submitting your application. Briefly, remind the employer of your qualifications, ask them if they need any additional information from you, and if you have any questions about the position, list them at the end of your email.

Interview Process
SCORE! YOU GOT AN INTERVIEW!

• Do Your Research on the Company Before You Walk in There Blindly.
  • LinkedIn and Glassdoor will be your best-friend for this step. If you Google the company’s reviews, you will most likely find a link to Glassdoor’s website that will show you the insights on employee reviews, salary ranges and potential interview questions.
  • You can also search the company on LinkedIn, which will provide you with the company’s “about” section, as well as the people who work there and who you could possibly be interviewing with.
• Write Down Your Answers to Potential Interview Questions and Study Them.
  • You may already have your interview answers down and you’re prepared for the questions; if so, you can skip this step. ☺
  • If you’re like most of us who get nervous during an interview and freeze up when they ask you the basic questions such as, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” this step will benefit you. 
  • Research and write down all of the basic interview questions on a notepad, then study your answers. Answer them honestly, but confidently. 
  • For example, if your weakness is public speaking, be honest with the employer, but finish off by stating what you’ve been doing to overcome that fear; then move on and focus on all of the amazing strengths you have.
• Last, But Not Least, Always be on Time & BE YOURSELF!
  • Show up early to the interview and dress appropriately for the occasion.
  • During the interview, strive to be the most confident and optimistic version of yourself. Have the mindset that you’ve already landed the job and the interview is just validating why you’re a good fit for the company.

Tips and Reminders for Post-Interview
The day after your interview, it is crucial that you reach out the employer via email or phone call and thank them again for taking the time to meet with you. Remind them of your excitement to potentially be part of their team and what you will bring to the table. Always ask if they need any additional information from you and that you look forward to hearing from them.

Landing your dream job shouldn’t be easy, and if it is, it’s probably too good to be true. Never lose hope or motivation for something you really want.
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Always remember, good things take time and everything happens for a reason.

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