How to Land Your Dream Job

If you’re ready to pursue your dream job, be prepared for honest self-reflection and dedicated time and effort. Working toward this goal will sometimes feel like a job unto itself. And yet this undertaking is well worth the investment, as your dream job will excite you and provide more than just a way to pay the bills.

This guide will show you how to set yourself up for success and move through the application and interview process. We’ll help you start with real-world examples, tools, and resources for landing your dream job.

Job Hunting 101: Learning To Locate the Right Opportunities

Some people know the exact job title they want and the company they want to work for, but your dream job might be more vague or undefined than that. It’s okay if you’re unsure of where to start. We’ll review how to determine what you want to do, where to look, and who to start interacting with.

1. Figure out your career goals

You can’t begin your job search until you know what your dream job is. Defining what you’re looking for might take some work, but starting with a list of likes and dislikes or pros and cons can get your ideas flowing. Ask yourself questions such as:

• How do I like to spend my time?
• What activities do I enjoy engaging in, what do I like learning about, and what kind of information do I seek?
• What types of problems do I like to solve?
• What kinds of skills do I have? (communication, technical, managerial, administrative)
• What is important to me in my work? (i.e., leading large projects, mentoring team members, finding creative ways to improve processes)
• What type of employer do I want to work for? (small private company, large corporation, nonprofit, for-profit?)
• Can I turn my personal passions or hobbies into a career?
• Does anyone I know have a job I’ve always wanted? How can I talk to them about it?
• What do I already know about the career field I am considering, and what do I need to learn?

Landing your dream job might require you to obtain new skills, but also consider the skill set that you currently possess. You may already have developed communication skills, such as writing or public speaking, or leadership skills, such as team management and staff development. Using your current skill set will set you on the path toward discovering your dream job. Consider how you can leverage your skills and transfer them to a new role.

Look for commonalities between your personal preferences and qualifications. One helpful exercise is to write out all these items on a large piece of paper and hang it up. Then, stand back, similar circle items, and connect the dots to help identify patterns. For example, if you enjoy coaching and mentoring, you might consider jobs in teaching or consulting. You could also plug the top items on your list into a job search engine to see which careers would suit you.

Some great resources can help you re-imagine how to apply your skills and generate possibilities based on your most recent role. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is another way to explore careers while learning all you need to know about training, salary, and job outlook.

Once you identify your dream job, put together a list of small goals with reasonable deadlines. If the job of your dreams requires special training or education, think of some ways to start that process. Work backward from your final goal and identify all the steps to get there from where you are today. After you complete this preliminary process of figuring out what you want and how to get it, you can look at job boards and company career pages.

2. Research online job boards

Of job seekers in the U.S., 79% utilized online sources, according to a study from the Pew Research Center. Career sites like those listed below make connecting easy for job applicants and employers. You can also use niche job search sites to research opportunities in specific industries.

For example, candidates interested in tech should check out www.dice.com, or www.idealist.org if seeking work in the nonprofit sector. Here are a handful of the most popular websites offering job postings, career research information, and networking opportunities:

3. Grow and maintain your professional network

Job boards are valuable tools, but there are many other resources you can leverage to land your next big opportunity. About 30 to 50% of all hires come from employee referrals. This statistic highlights it does matter who you know and who knows you. Previous employers, coworkers, and college buddies can join your network. Connections from the past can provide career opportunities today, but it’s vital to make new ones and get involved with the people who already have your dream job or work in your dream company.

Joining a professional association is a great way to connect with others in your field. However, you might not meet the requirements for certain associations, and they usually charge membership fees as well. An alternative option is to join LinkedIn Groups, which allow you to network with colleagues and discover new job opportunities virtually. LinkedIn Groups may not offer all the benefits of true professional associations, but they’re free and easy to join.

Everyone with a LinkedIn account or social media page has an inbox, which lets you reach out to the people doing what you dream of doing. Make a list of contacts and craft a personalized message requesting a quick 10 to 15-minute call. Ask questions, connect, and create a point of contact for future opportunities.

Avoid asking questions that can be answered by viewing their profile. Dig deeper by discussing topics such as how they made a pivot in their career and why they like working at their current company. You can even ask friends and family to introduce you to anyone who could give advice about your chosen field or connect you with the right people.

Here’s an example of how you could reach out for one of these networking calls:

Once you rekindle those old connections and make a few new ones, it’s important to maintain those relationships. A network is only as good as your commitment to keeping those connections relevant, worthwhile, and valuable. Developing a system to make contact regularly or bring value to your network will ensure these connections continue to support your journey to your dream job.

Holidays or big events are always good for providing updates or checking in with connections. Also, actively engage with your colleagues on social media — rather than just liking their posts, acknowledge people’s new roles with a direct comment, share articles that might interest others, and post questions that drive engagement to your profile. Commenting thoughtfully on someone’s post and following companies of interest are also helpful.

4. Learn how an applicant tracking system works

Hiring managers have the daunting task of sifting through potentially hundreds of applications per job listing. This is why most recruiters have access to applicant tracking systems (ATS) software that helps them automate and streamline the hiring process. Overall, more than 95% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS to narrow down candidates for open positions based on keywords, skills, and experience.

There are several ATS options for companies, but they all mostly work the same way. Applicants are asked to answer questions and upload resumes and cover letters to the system. The ATS software can rank candidates based on whether they match the provided job description through keywords, notify the company of any red flags, and identify whether they have the required experience.

These features are helpful for companies but may seem impersonal to job seekers. Resumes of high-level applicants may be overlooked if they don’t contain enough keywords or meet the system’s algorithm requirements. Formatting issues can also cost candidates an opportunity (elements such as graphics, tables, text boxes, and columns often give ATS software trouble). In the upcoming sections, we will show you how to optimize your application to get noticed.

Companies also use assessments to determine if a candidate looks good on paper or can excel in the position. Assessing an applicant through a test project is one way for recruiters to get a snapshot of the candidate’s ability for technical jobs that require software proficiency.

Some hiring managers may ask applicants a series of questions relevant to the job. Their answers will provide insight into how a candidate thinks about and approaches their work. These are quick and effective ways for companies to gauge the level at which someone can perform the required tasks.

5. Practice good self-care

Finding your dream job can be a long, frustrating process. For each interview you land, you may submit a dozen or more applications for other positions that lead to rejections. And even at the interview stage, there’s no guarantee you’ll get hired. You must find ways to cope with all this frustration and rejection to maintain your mental health.

For example, you could set boundaries, such as only looking for jobs on certain days of the week. Another option is to partake in various extracurricular activities outside of job hunting. Overall, the key is not to allow job hunting to become an all-consuming task.

To avoid burnout, you can also concentrate your efforts on a series of 10-minute challenges. These quick bursts of job-hunting activity could involve practicing your answers to interview questions, updating your profile on LinkedIn, or any other tasks that help reach your goal. If you take this approach, we recommend completing three 10-minute challenges at least three days per week.

Applying for Jobs: What You Need To Land an Interview

Once you find an open listing for your dream job, gather network references and apply. Below, we review factors to consider during the application process and how to stand out with an excellent resume and cover letter. We’ll provide resources and tools for optimizing your application, as well as tips on how to present yourself on social media.

1. Check for a mutual connection before applying

If you know a friend or acquaintance who works for the company you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to get in touch and ask for a referral. Even if you only know someone who knows someone, using those networking skills to ask for an introduction can make a huge difference. Many organizations offer a referral bonus system, so leveraging your connections can benefit everyone involved.

When you reach out to a friend of a friend, mention who you have in common and be direct yet polite about your request. Here’s an example of what you could say: “I have been following your organization for a while and was excited to see an opening in the marketing department. I know this is not your area, but I was wondering if you could tell me about the overall culture of the organization? Also, if you think I should speak to someone else who works with the marketing team, would you be able to connect me with them?”

Applicants referred by current employees generally have a higher chance of securing an interview and getting hired. And according to job experts, employee referrals are a way for companies to save on time and resources. It’s a win for everyone involved and something to double-check before the application process.

2. Create or update your resume

Your resume acts as your representation until you land the interview. It should concisely communicate your most recent and relevant experience, speak to your skills, and highlight your achievements. Check out our over 250 free resume examples, covering various industries and experience levels. Here’s a list of what’s expected on your resume, along with some optimization tips:

• Heading: At the top of your resume, include contact information such as your name, phone number, and email address. If you wish to include your city and state, you may, but a complete mailing address is no longer necessary. These simple elements let the hiring manager know who you are and how to follow up with you. Avoid using the heading section of your document, though — headings are often unread by ATS software. Your LinkedIn profile should also be included with your contact information.
• Summary: This expands on who you are and what you do. Keep it to a brief few sentences. For example: A sales manager with 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and medical supply industries. A proven track record of developing new business, cultivating strategic partnerships,  and building successful sales teams to increase revenue growth by over $12 million.
• Experience: This usually makes up the bulk of a resume. Focus on what you’ve done and how. Review the responsibilities and skills required of your previous work and provide examples of results you achieved and how, including metrics when applicable. Avoid vague statements and write specifics like “Managed social media accounts for a boutique clothing startup, analyzed key performance indicators (KPIs) and campaign performance, and identified strategies to refine brand voice and connect with target audiences, resulting in a 50% increase in engagement” Use terminology that aligns with your career goal. If you need assistance with revising bullet points you can ask ChatGPT. However, proofread and ensure the accuracy of statements.
• Education: Employers want to know where you’ve gone to school and any degrees or certifications you hold, especially pertinent to the job. If you’re pursuing further education, mention that. Listing achievements, high GPAs, and honors is another way to highlight your education. Candidates with less experience should consider including relevant courses and projects to showcase their knowledge in the field. This is also an effective way to embed valuable keywords into your resume.
• Skills: Provide a list of skills, beginning with those most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Include hard skills like software proficiency and technical ability, along with soft skills like leadership, communication, and positive character traits. If you can, communicate your skills in a way tailored to the target job by using some of the company’s language.
• Keywords: With most companies using some kind of ATS, incorporating keywords from the job description into your resume is vital. Speak to the requirements and responsibilities of the role through your own words and experience. Don’t overdo it, though. Hiring managers don’t want a copy-and-paste version of their job listing. Be tactical and creative in how you integrate skills and qualifications from the job description into your resume.
• Formatting: Your resume should look cohesive in design and be 100% error-free. One typo could be interpreted as carelessness and ruin your opportunity. It’s easy to miss or mix up numbers, so double-check your contact information and dates. Consistency is also important — for example, if you make your category headings bold and a slightly larger font, this style should be used throughout the document. Get someone to read your resume, check for errors, and offer suggestions.

3. Craft a cover letter that complements your resume

A cover letter is your chance to expand on your experience and accomplishments. It should be cohesive with your resume and go into greater detail on your experience, skills, and relevant education. Describe how, for example, you increased profits by 15% with your recurring ad campaigns. We also have over 90 free cover letter examples to learn from and create a unique one. Let’s review all the basics your cover letter will need and ways to optimize it.

• Heading: Your cover letter should include your contact information and match your resume in terms of format. Following the letter format, below the header is where the date and addressee’s contact information will go.
• Salutation: Greet the hiring manager by name as Mr., Ms., or Mx. (Last Name). Avoid using “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam,” as these terms are outdated. If you don’t have a name and can’t find one on the company website, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• Introduction: Open your letter with something interesting to catch the hiring manager’s attention. You could use a few sentences about a past accomplishment and tie it into why you want the position. Also, mention the role you are applying for and how you heard about it. If you are being referred or have a contact at the company, state their name, title, and department if you have that information.
• Body: The majority of your letter consists of the body paragraphs. Elaborate on your education, experience, and skills. Pick examples relevant to the position and highlight how and why you’re qualified for the job. Provide a few paragraphs of information, but don’t be too wordy. Use a bulleted list to break up the text and create a focal point on elements you wish to highlight. Also, include why you are interested in the company and the position, and connect this information to your background.
• Conclusion: Close out your letter with a call to action, encouraging the hiring manager to schedule an interview with you at their earliest convenience.
• Keywords: Optimizing and embedding your cover letter with keywords can help you catch the hiring manager’s attention. Use the words naturally within your writing – don’t force it. Keywords should be used as a guide to keep your focus on how your unique experience fulfills the job requirements for that specific position.
• Formatting: The cover letter template or design should complement your resume. It must have the same fonts and colors as your resume and be professional and error-free. Once you’re done writing, come back later with “fresh eyes” to catch mistakes. Also, get someone you trust to proofread and identify spelling or grammatical mistakes. The cover letter should not exceed one page. Ideally, the content will take up about three-fourths of the page.

4. Update your LinkedIn profile

With 1 billion users, LinkedIn is a professional platform top companies use for scouting and hiring talent. If you joined early, it might be time for a profile update. With 87% of recruiters using LinkedIn for sourcing their candidates, it’s worth the effort to get your information current.

Social media pages like LinkedIn can be optimized like a cover letter and resume. Intentionally setting up your profile for success will help you stand out, build your network, and possibly connect you to recruiters for opportunities. Here are a few ways to make the most of your LinkedIn profile:

• First impressions: A professional headshot is the standard for a LinkedIn profile picture. Putting a face to your name helps people connect with you online. Use a background photo, too — a creative way to add a little personality and make an impression. You can also indicate you’re open to job offers if you don’t mind publicizing this information.
• Descriptions: Utilize the headline to grab attention and be found. Your headline defaults to your current job title, but edit this to reflect all the titles you aim for and have a value statement. Your About section provides the opportunity to summarize your career purpose, skills, and achievements. These spaces provide a way to market yourself, share your story, and tell people why your skills matter.
• Connections: Utilize LinkedIn by finding people already in your network to meet people on the platform. Use the search feature to find people you would like to contact and work toward connecting with. Get to know potential future employers and coworkers through their profiles and see if you have any mutual connections. You can also search for alumni groups for any schools you’ve attended to build up your network quickly. Joining Groups is another way to expand your network and build connections.
• Showcase: Highlight your knowledge and ability through LinkedIn’s education and skill sections. You can add degrees, certifications, and a list of skills. With skills assessments, you can earn badges and show your proficiency with software like the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Suite. This increases your likelihood of getting interviewed. You can link to projects you’ve completed as well — while you can only describe what you’ve done on your resume, this feature allows you to show prospective employers your capabilities.
• Services: One of LinkedIn’s newer features is the ability to add services. This is a great option for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses. If applicable, adding a services section to your profile can increase your search ranking and let recruiters know you’re open and available for new business.
• Value: Follow, comment, and interact with the posts of companies you admire and people you’re connected to. You can also share your professional thoughts through your own content. Posting long-form articles on subjects related to your field or your dream job is a great way to gauge and monitor the response you receive. Engagement on LinkedIn is how you get involved and put your name out there.
• Endorsements: LinkedIn’s endorsement feature lets you give back to those in your network. Give endorsements to your connections who you feel deserve your backing. You’re likely to have the favor returned and receive your own endorsements or even recommendations, serving as personal testimonials that highlight people’s experiences working with you. Contact your connections and request feedback from people you’d like to see on your profile.

5. Gather your professional references

Whether or not the job you’re applying for requests references, it’s smart to have some people ready to vouch for you. There are two kinds of references that companies may require:

• Personal: This is someone who hasn’t worked with you but knows you well enough to communicate your character, goals, and values. A neighbor you often help, or someone you’ve volunteered with would be excellent options to use as a personal reference.
• Professional: This can be a former colleague or manager you interacted with regularly who can speak to your work ethic, performance, and abilities.

Most companies will request professional references because they tend to be less biased and provide helpful insight into how you are perceived as someone at work. Contact your potential references to ask if you can use them in this context. This also lets you share more details about your career background and the job opportunity, making them more informed and effective as references. Secure your contacts as soon as you can in the job-hunting process so they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice. You may even need recommendation letters as a form of reference, so give your contacts enough notice to write up something great for you.

6. Scrub your social media accounts

Employers have realized they can get a glimpse into the lives of their candidates through personal social media pages — 70% of employers believe they should screen candidates’ social media accounts. For most employers, this includes LinkedIn, which is a good thing, but also X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, for the most part.

Go through each of your accounts and decide if you need to make them private or not. You can also hide or archive individual posts and pictures you’d rather not have your employer see. If there are old or one-off accounts you created floating around the internet, it might be a good idea to delete those you’re no longer using.

You can even take it a step further and optimize your social media pages. Curate your public profiles to match how you want to be perceived by prospective employers and colleagues in your field. Choose the words of your bio wisely and show you can professionally present yourself. Follow and interact with the companies and people who either have your dream job already or work for the company you want to get hired by. Any social media platform can be used to build your network.

Acing the Interview: What To Do Before, During, and After

Scouring job boards, networking, and creating resumes is a lot of work. The hard part is over once you secure an interview, but a complex and crucial component of landing that dream job has just begun. You may even go through multiple stages of interviews before the process is complete. In the final sections of this guide, we’ll go over how to prepare for an interview, what to do on the day of, and how to follow up with the hiring team.

Prepping for your interview

Do your homework. If you’re selected for an interview,  learn the role description inside and out. Confidently speak to every aspect of what the job requires. Know the company’s mission and values and share why they matter to you. Research the company’s history and current leadership. Read any recent events or announcements through its social media presence or the news.

Studying the company’s products, services, clients, and such is all part of the preparation process. Learn about the specific department you would be working for and why this role exists. You may even want to look up the interviewer on the company website and LinkedIn to gain insights regarding the organization’s culture. Resources such as Glassdoor may offer insights from employees.

Practice your interview answers. You’ve likely interviewed for another job before, so you understand what kinds of questions will be asked. Indeed gives some examples of the most commonly asked questions and sample answers in a recent article — think about any other questions that may come up, write down your answers, and practice speaking them aloud.

Reviewing the job description can also help you prepare for questions that may come up. For example, if the description says you must have experience working with a diverse student population, prepare to fully discuss in detail how you have previously handled such situations. Once again, you can lean into AI for some assistance by inputting the description into ChatGPT and asking for guidance on preparing for an interview.

Utilize your relevant experience. Your resume will likely contain some, if not all, of your relevant experience to the job, but be prepared to elaborate even further. Have additional examples of successful projects, results, and creative solutions. Practice using the CAR technique — challenge, action, and result to tell your story. Think about what you did and why. Interviewers may also ask how you overcame struggles or handled a difficult situation. Prepare an example of conflict resolution or how you managed a stressful situation.

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Once your interview ends, be ready with a set of questions to ask the interviewer. This thoughtful gesture shows your interest in and desire to learn more about the job. You could ask questions about the role or company and its practices. Evaluate if the position and culture are the right fit. Be sure to ask when you can expect to hear back from the hiring manager for the next steps.

Know where and when you’re meeting. Arriving early to an interview is one way to eliminate the stress of being punctual. If you’re meeting in person, ensure you have the address, directions, and parking information. It’s better to sit in your car for 10 extra minutes than to rush through traffic just to arrive sweaty, out of breath, and possibly late.

If your interview is by phone or a video call, set up the space you’ll be in and ensure your equipment is working properly. Confirm with your interviewer which video call software you’ll use and have it downloaded and ready. If your interview is over video, be mindful of the background space and noise.

What to do the day of your interview

Dress to impress. For an interview, wear your best business attire, and it’s better to overdress than underdress. Jackets, button-downs, ties, slacks, skirts, and collared shirts are all great go-tos. Even if you’re interviewing over video chat, you still need to dress and look the part.

Bring copies of your resume. If you’re meeting in person, the hiring manager may ask for another copy of your resume. Even if they don’t ask, having a copy to leave with your interviewer is a nice way to show you came prepared. Bring enough copies for everyone if you’re heading to a group or panel interview.

Stay relaxed. Interviews can be stressful, especially if you’re being interviewed by a group rather than just one hiring manager. It’s best not to appear nervous but to avoid seeming overconfident and presumptuous. To strike the right balance, maintain positive body language, be polite, and give equal attention to everyone interviewing you. If you take notes during the interview, especially in person, ask the interviewer before you begin. Don’t focus on note-taking, as it will avert your attention and gaze downward.

Watch for signs that the job or company is not right for you. Landing the interview doesn’t mean a particular company or team will be a good fit. Watch out for behavior or language indicating the organization might not match your skills, interests, and values. The job description should sound the same as the one you initially read. If you’re interviewing in person, pay attention to how office staff interact with each other to get a sense of their culture in action. Other common instances that indicate the job may not be legitimate are:

• You are asked to invest your own money in the company
• You get evasive answers about salary or benefits
• You don’t meet your direct supervisor
• There is a lack of clarity about why the position you are interviewing for is currently available

Record your notes after the interview. After your interview, write notes on what was discussed if you hadn’t already. How was the interaction? Did you learn anything you’d like to remember? What was the interviewer’s name? Did you receive any instructions on the next steps? You can also use this information for your follow-up thank you note.

Following up after the interview

The hiring process can take weeks, sometimes even months, but it’s important to stay patient. One way to be proactive is by sending a thank you note the day after your interview. Keep it simple by thanking the hiring manager by name and for their time and the chance to share your interest in the job. You could also share something you enjoyed about the interview. This thoughtful gesture goes a long way toward making a good first impression and landing your dream job.

To show you how to write a good post-interview thank you note, we’ve included a good and a bad example below, along with some analysis of why they do and don’t work.

The examples above demonstrate that tone is very important. In the bad example, you’ll notice that the interviewee comes off as presumptuous and rude by mentioning their salary expectations and putting pressure on the hiring manager to respond quickly. Instead, be much more positive and respectful. Remember to keep your notes concise and bring up a detail discussed during the interview to show that you were paying careful attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Landing Your Dream Job

Carolyn Kleiman

Career Coach, Professional Resume Writer

For the last 20 years, Carolyn Kleiman has helped individuals identify and achieve their career goals. Carolyn has held positions in recruiting and training and has helped countless numbers of job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and eventually land their dream jobs! Carolyn is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Certified Professional Resume Writer and is a member of the National Career Development Association and Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.