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Mashable’s latest #BizChats Twitter chat, discussed how job seekers can find excitment in the job searching process again and set their sights on finding a job they truly enjoy.
Over the course of an hour, @MashBusiness covered an array of topics ranging from the questions you should ask yourself when searching for your dream job to clever ways applicants can get their foot in the door at companies where they have no pre-established relationship.
Several career experts joined us including: Amanda Augustine, career advice expert for TopResume; Hannah Morgan, job search strategist and founder of Career Sherpa; Joshua Waldman author and CEO of Career Enlightenment; J.T. O’Donell, CEO and founder of Careerealism.com; Vicki Salemi career expert for Monster; and William Arruda, personal branding expert, motivational speaker and bestselling author.
Check out highlights from our chat in the Storify, below:
[View the story “#BizChats: How to find the job of your dreams” on Storify]
Mashable hosted a Twitter chat, to discuss how professionals can get their foot in the door at their dream company.
Storified by Mashable· Wed, Feb 10 2016 20:17:34
Job searching. You can’t live with it, you can’t live without it. It’s one of those things that can send your heart soaring after being vetted for exciting opportunities and at the same time, has the capacity to crush your hopes, dreams and aspirations in a single rejection email.
Why does job searching drive us so crazy? Every professional has to go through it and they quickly learn it’s a game of who you more than what you know. Moreover, what makes the challenge even more difficult for even the most prestigious professionals is chasing a job they’re actually passionate about. No one wants to get stuck at a 9-5 that they can’t stand. What does it take to cut the fluff and chase down (and actually acquire) your dream job?
@mashbusiness and several career experts participated in a #BizChats Twitter chat, to discuss how to the most important factors behind finding a job that you love.
Welcome to #BizChats! Today we’re discussing how to find the job of your dreams. Please introduce yourselves!Mashable Business
A warm welcome to our career experts: @careersherpa, @JobSearchAmanda, @JoshuaWaldman, @jtodonnell, @vickisalemi, & @williamarruda #BizChatsMashable Business
#BizChats tip: Be sure to number your answers according to the question you’re answering. (ie., Q1.—> A1., Q2. —> A2., Q3. —> A3.)Mashable Business
Question 1:
Q1. What factors do you feel are the most important in finding a job you love? #BizChatsMashable Business
A1. Have a vision for what’s possible for the world. Then think about your role in making that vision real. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A1. Lots of factors at play: the type of work, industry, colleagues, company culture, even the commute and work-life balance #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
@mashbusiness A1: Figure out passion, then find (or create) a job/career that can help fulfill that passion. #BizChatsJennifer Baker
A1. Know that you can create your dream job. You can color outside the lines. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A1: Company vibe, size, location, leadership style, employee attributes, wow factor, fun factor & company values matter most! #BizChatsJ.T. O’Donnell
A1. I agree. Your values need to fit what you do or else you’ll have many sleepless nights. #bizchatsJoshua Waldman
A1. Make a list of your proudest accomplishments – what type of work were you doing? What was the work environment like? #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A1. Quiet the voices – yours and others – that are telling you what you should do. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A1. Growth. Flexibility. Most of all, passion! Those are top 3 factors I’ve seen from candidates pursuing & landing dream jobs. #BizChatsVicki Salemi
A1: It’s ok to dream, but you need to be grounded in reality!
#bizchatsHannah Morgan
#bizchatsHannah Morgan
A1. Don’t rush it. Sometimes, time reveals the answer. Be ambitious with patience. And pay attention. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
@mashbusiness A1 your passion for the industry/specialization, company culture, and longevity/retention of current clients #BizChatsRichalyn Miller
@mashbusiness A1: Company culture is HUGE for me. Co-workers & managers can make or break a job. #bizchatsSarah Smith
A1: Looking for a job you love should involve ’employer shopping’ so you control the process. For example, #TheJobShop #BizChatsJ.T. O’Donnell
A1. Cultural fit is important. It may be a dream job but if employer values are misaligned, dreamy job becomes sour real fast. #BizChatsVicki Salemi
A1 #BizChats Engaging tasks & expectations you enjoy, can achieve & that challenge you, and aligning with company culture and communicationsArielle Q.
Question 2:
Q2. What are some key questions you should ask yourself when searching for a job you love? #BizChatsMashable Business
A2. What is authentic to me, differentiates me from my peers & is relevant to decision makers? #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A2: What problems do I love to solve & what companies need that kind of help? #BizChatsJ.T. O’Donnell
A2 “What do I love doing when I’m not at work – is there a way to turn this passion into a profession?” #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A2. Will I be proud to tell my grandkids about what I did with my life on my deathbed. #bizchatsJoshua Waldman
A2. What are the 3 non-negotiables for a job. What’s most important to me? #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A2 @mashbusiness DO I believe in the mission. You can always do the work, but are you in sync with the purpose? #BizChatsThe Focus Group
@mashbusiness A2: Do I like the work? Do I like who I’m surrounded with? Can I learn here? Can I advance? Can I pay my bills? #BizChatsSarah Smith
@mashbusiness will I wake up every morning excited to propel my company to the next level? #BizChatsDavid Silverberg
@mashbusiness A2: Do I love this? #bizchatsJennifer Baker
@mashbusiness A2: we love when potential employees are engaged and ask questions pertaining to our industry – #BizChatsTrims Unlimited
A2. What am I best at? Know your strengths and find the job that gives you the chance to use them. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A2: What are my workplace strengths (personas) & how do they justify hiring me? https://t.co/LZG6FaGKf3 #BizchatsJ.T. O’Donnell
A2 What can I ADD to this position? Am I seeing the truth of the job, both good and bad? Would I hire me with my current skills? #BizChatsBrenden Dilley
A2B How long do people last in this position? Why do they burn out? What must I sacrifice to succeed in this job? Is it worth it? #BizChatsBrenden Dilley
A2. What brings me joy? Do what you love and you’ll be incredibly happy at work. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A2. “Where have I thrived in the past? What work was I doing? What was the environment like? What skills did I use?” #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A2: Does their values and purpose match mine? Do employees support the company? What’s their culture? #BizChatsRymax Marketing
A2. Am I building career equity…can I cash it in later by being valuable and irreplaceable? #bizchatsJoshua Waldman
A2. “Do I like what my manager’s boss is doing? Sometimes a crappy first job is a necessary step towards your #dreamjob #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A2. Can you do what you love, enjoy who you work for, respect and trust colleagues while getting paid what you’re worth? #BizChats #dreamjobVicki Salemi
A2. With what company and in what role will I feel valued and that I belong as part of the team? #BizChatsPriya Mony
A2. Can I see myself working here and enjoy what I am doing long-term? Will I be able to learn valuable lessons? #BizChatsJannat Choudhury
A2: Imagine walking through your ideal day (from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed) That’s what you want! Go for it! #bizchatsHannah Morgan
Question 3:
Q3. How can a mentor play to your advantage when searching for your dream job? #BizChatsMashable Business
A3. The best mentors only want you to succeed and are objective. Choose the right mentor. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A3: Mentors can open doors & make introductions to people they think you will feel in sync with. Like matchmakers of career love! #BizChatsJ.T. O’Donnell
A3: You can have multiple mentors for different parts of you life! (One career, one finance, one family, etc) #bizchatsHannah Morgan
A3. Mentors care about your life and don’t expect you to care about theirs. It’s their joy to help you. #bizchatsJoshua Waldman
A3. Mentors are a great way to find out how your skills can be applied to a different field + how to get your foot in the door #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A3 Mentors allow you to see a clear picture of the job by learning from their experiences. It can save you a ton of time and pain #BizChatsBrenden Dilley
A3. Find a mentor that has no stake in the outcome. Your boss or others might have their own agenda. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
@mashbusiness A3. by leveraging on his/her experience for industry insight & networks for available openings #BizChatslord swivel
A3. A mentor who has the role you would like to have can help you avoid pitfalls. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A3: Don’t expect your mentor to be the only answer to your career questions…have more than one! #bizchatsHannah Morgan
@mashbusiness A3: They can share their experience and give valuable advice along the career #BizChatsTrims Unlimited
A3. Mentor = support and clarity. They can identify fits with emerging fields and pockets of opportunities. #BizChatsVicki Salemi
A3. Have a mentor and BE a mentor. Being a mentor helps you be a better mentee. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
@mashbusiness A3: Mentors can help you craft a blueprint, but at the end of the day, it’s your job to build the house. #BizChatsJeff Seevers
A3. Remember, though: Mentorships aren’t handed to you… you have to ask for what you need. #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A3b Choose a mentor who has what you want, not only in business but in life. Success without balance can lead to misery. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley
Question 4:
Q4. What are clever ways to get your foot in the door at a company where you don’t have any connections? #BizChatsMashable Business
A4: Follow companies on @LinkedIn & @Twitter and give them shout outs in your feed to get noticed. #BIZCHATSJ.T. O’Donnell
A4. Get a connection. There’s always a way. A friend of a friend, etc. 70-80% of jobs are found via a connection. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A4. Use the #LinkedIn alumni feature to find a connection. It is a valuable tool for getting a warm lead. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A4. That’s easy. Get you butt on LinkedIn and start InMailing people at your level. Use my scripts here: https://t.co/NoxbsGe0PN #bizchatsJoshua Waldman
A4: Approach company before there is an opening! More likely to stand out. And stalk insiders to see where they hang out. #bizchatsHannah Morgan
A4. Follow potential hiring managers on Twitter and start conversations with them. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A4. Do a #LinkedIn search to find employees, then connect. Ask for informational interviews. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A4 Grab a beverage after work at the local watering hole near your dream company and make friends with other patrons #networking #bizchatsAmanda Augustine
A4. Find the 5 key contacts, then stalk them. See where they are online – then follow, subscribe, friend, etc. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
@mashbusiness A4: Be an expert and in the know of what’s going on in the industry and suggest ways on how to improve the business #BizChatsTrims Unlimited
A4. Follow the company on social media sites and start a conversation with them! It shows you are are interested and proactive. #bizchatsJannat Choudhury
A4. Do some research on LinkedIn. It’s a great way to learn about the people of the company #bizchatsScott Clark
@mashbusiness have a strong social media presence and brand to truly stand out. #BizChatsTania Moya
A4. It’s important to network, network, network to get a foot in the door. In recruiting, I never responded to cold calls. #sorry #BizChatsVicki Salemi
a4 connect in social media, & through real life events (sport, social, community) to be visible at companies you aspire to #bizchatsPay Compliment
A4. Reach out to your alma mater’s career office which is often free & ask for alums at employers/industries on your radar. #BizChatsVicki Salemi
A4 Don’t underestimate your personal contacts. Your roommate’s best friend’s uncle could be the key to your dream job #bizchatsAmanda Augustine
@mashbusiness Become a Volunteer, it will give you experiences and allow you to prove yourself to the company. #BizChatsElijah Stroman
Question 5:
Q5. What are practical everyday steps you can take to set yourself up for success in the future? #BizChatsMashable Business
A5: Volunteer, be a life-long-learner, and stay up on industry knowledge to start the process. Then add in social media know-how! #bizchatsHannah Morgan
A5. Meditate, drink water and exercise! Get some interesting hobbies. #bizchatsJoshua Waldman
A5B The more branding behind YOUR name, the more transparent your application. Consistency shows stability and companies love that #BizChatsBrenden Dilley
A5. At the end of each day, note 1 thing you’re grateful for, 1 thing you learned & 1 thing you accomplished. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A5. Be impeccable w/ your words, behaviors & attitudes. Not only your work but how you carry yourself & interact respectfully. #BizChatsVicki Salemi
A5: Your network is your net worth. You should network as habit – Like brushing your teeth! #BizChatsJ.T. O’Donnell
Q5: read books, blogs, and ask for feedback. Do whatever you can to improve your skillset #BizChatsGarrett Roy
A5 #BizChats Be present daily, whether posting related topics or replying to your networks on social, but being present & sharing dailyArielle Q.
A5. Create a wins journal – Record all your successes. It’s important for your review and career mktg tools. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A5. Carefully evaluate your personal brand. Does it speak to your current goals? #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A5: Build your personal brand/#social presence and establish short terms goals that lead to you landing your dream job! #BizChatsRymax Marketing
A5 – Make a long term goal and a short term to do list. Check it off. Let’s you stay on point. #BizChatsYasin Abbak
A5. Do a brand-building activity: update your #LinkedIn activity feed or reach out to a former colleague, etc. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
@mashbusiness A5: Always be learning and growing in your field. Success is no accident. Sharpen and grow your skills every day. #BizChatsTania Moya
A5. Spread the love. Thank & acknowledge others. It will make you feel great and build a strong network. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A5: Read constantly. Improve your communication skills. Learn how to ask for things, and how to give and receive feedback #BizChatsRise
@mashbusiness Q5. Have your packaging, presence and people skills ready for the opportunity, otherwise, you will get left behind. #BizChatsTanisha A. Sykes
Question 6:
Q6. What are your favorite apps, tools, products you use that can help professionals find a job they love? #BizChatsMashable Business
A6 # LinkedIn is the best tool for finding a job and doing your job better – when you know how to use it. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A6 Twitter. 2 years ago I was a nobody with a new book. Last year I had 107 million twitter impressions. I love it for networking. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley
A6. LinkedIn has a great jobs app, as well as ZipRecuriter, Career Builder and Indeed #bizchatsScott Clark
A6. Never underestimate a good ol’ fashioned Google search when creating target company lists, looking for contacts, etc. #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A6. #Jobaware it lets you sync all your job search activity and link it with #LinkedIn #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A6 Sites like @CourseHorse @coursera @skillshare @edXOnline @lynda are great for continued learning/professional developement #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A6: I love @LinkedIn, @Glassdoor, @twitter, & @instagram for researching employers. #BizChatsJ.T. O’Donnell
A6. Here’s a great list of #jobsearch apps to help you find your #dreamjob while on the go: https://t.co/8lu745K0Rg #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A6. That’s an easy one! #1 —> https://t.co/Q2X2dUwoMD Your next job awaits! Set up job alerts & opps will land in your in-box. #BizchatsVicki Salemi
A6: I ALWAYS send clients to Glassdoor for interview prep. #bizchatsDonna Svei, Resumes
Question 7:
Q7. What are the biggest mistakes professionals make when looking to transition over to their dream job?Mashable Business
A7: When switching careers, research salaries before jumping into training or going back to school. Speak w/ people in the career #bizchatsHannah Morgan
A7 Just because its YOUR dream job doesnt mean you’re their dream candidate. Getting the job is 1/2 the fight. Can you keep it? #BizChatsBrenden Dilley
A7 – @mashbusiness
Waiting.
#BizChatsYasin Abbak
Waiting.
#BizChatsYasin Abbak
A7. Not saying thank you or offering to do something in return when a mentor gives you a hand on something. #BizChatsTracey Edouard
A7. They cut ties with the past. Stay connected with people from the past. Diverse networks are powerful. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A7. They let fear impede success. When you make the decision, jump in without hesitation. #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A7: assuming they can take a break from developing their career. Always keep growing! #BizChatsJ.T. O’Donnell
@mashbusiness A7: not having patience & overlooking small opportunities that can lead to bigger things! #BizChatsJanice Camacho
A7b Landing the job doesnt mean take your foot off the pedal. The first 90 days is critical in reaffirming their great decision. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley
A7: Not researching the company culture. It may be your dream position, but does your vision align with the company’s? #BizChatsRise
@mashbusiness A7. Not researching, the role, the company or opportunity #BizChatsChristopher Leafe
A7. Sometimes you need to take a step backwards or sideways to move up. Some jobs are necessary stepping stones toward your dream #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A7: Also, taking a break from networking because they finally got a job. Never stop networking. Things can change in an instant! #BizChatsJ.T. O’Donnell
Q7. Not being clear on your resume. Show how skills overlap from current job to new one. Make it easy for recruiters to say yes! #BizChatsVicki Salemi
A7. Some people don’t plan. I didn’t plan my change from corp exec to entrepreneur. Don’t do what I did! #bizchatsWilliamArruda
A7: Not giving enough time to properly prepare for their dream job. Get security first. Don’t jump in too fast. #bizchatsSilkRoad
@mashbusiness Q7. If your dream job is entrepreneurial in nature, figure out a way to test the waters before jumping ship! #BizChatsJeff Brown
@mashbusiness A7. Second guessing, only talking about ideas, and never actually making moves. #justdoit #BizChatsClarise Frechette
Question 8:
Q8. What final tips do you have for helping others acquire a job that they love? #BizChatsMashable Business
A8. Know your message, build an strong online presence, then use that as a platform to network into new opportunities. #bizchatsJoshua Waldman
A8 Don’t be afraid to express your sincere love and passion for the position. Let them see your infectious enthusiasm. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley
A8. Be open to new opportuities, sometimes they’ll lead you in the right direction and you won’t even know it. #bizchatsScott Clark
@mashbusiness A8 Don’t stop until it happens, it will happen if you don’t stop. #BizChatsElijah Stroman
A8: Your career happiness is your responsibility. The best opportunities are usually hidden. Up to you to find them #BizChatsJ.T. O’Donnell
A8. Take it one step at a time. Start by clarifying your goals, then building a strategy with smaller goals to get there #BizChatsAmanda Augustine
A8. Don’t be your worst enemy. Don’t let the No’s make you think you’re less than. You will acquire that job with time and work. #bizchatsJannat Choudhury
A8 #BizChats Research the culture of where you want to go, align yourself & your social presence to show how you belong. That + résumé =
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