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On a new episode of the HigherEdJobs podcast, co-hosts Kelly Cherwin and Andrew Hibel were joined by Mac Pritchard, host of the Find Your Dream Job podcast, to discuss dream jobs and how to embrace an effective job search at any career stage to find the right fit.
Cherwin kicked off the conversation by asking Pritchard how exactly he defines a dream job and how it may change over the years.
“A dream job is one that aligns with your personal and professional goals,” he said, “and in order to find that job you [have to] be clear about what you want.”
However, he acknowledged that “not every position is going to be a dream job, and that’s okay.”
“Remember, we’re all going to be in the workplace probably for 40 years,” he said. “And that means we’re likely to have 10 or more different jobs.”
Sometimes, we have to take a “paycheck job” as Pritchard calls it. It may not be our dream job that we’re really excited about, but it meets our current needs.
“There’s a dignity that comes with work that [helps] pay your bills and meets your obligations to yourself and your family — that is important,” he noted.
However, if you do have the luxury of being more selective, what advice do Pritchard and our co-hosts share about seeking your dream job? Here’s a highlight.
Get Clarity Around Your Goals
When browsing job boards, try to change your mindset from “What jobs could I do?” to “What jobs do I really want to do?”
Getting clarity around what job you really want to do, what employer(s) you truly want to work for, and what matters to you in regard to personal circumstances is essential — and will make your job search shorter and easier, Pritchard said.
“You can go on a job board like the ones we run, and you can find hundreds, thousands of opportunities,” he shared, “but candidly, only a couple dozen are likely to be right for you. And there are probably only a couple dozen employers who are going to meet your needs. Once you have that focus — both on the position and the employer you want — then you can dig in deep, learn about the employer’s culture [and] the opportunities they offer, and start building connections and relationships with people inside those organizations.”
When you have this clarity and are pursuing something you really want, you’re able to show up more authentically in an interview, and your excitement and energy will “shine through” Pritchard said.
Address Possible Misconceptions Upfront
A lot of our readers and listeners have expressed concern about age discrimination. It’s a valid concern, yet it is not insurmountable. “One of the ways to deal with ageism in hiring is to think about the misconceptions that employers have and address those not only in your application materials but in your interviews as well,” Pritchard advised. He used the common misconception that older workers aren’t good with technology as an example. “In your resume, you can show certificates and your experience using technology.” Likewise, if you think that an employer may have concerns about your salary expectations, ability to work with younger team members, etc., address those in your application and interviews. Explain why you are looking to take a job with a lower salary, and tell stories that demonstrate your ability to work with a multi-generational workforce.
Credentials Alone Aren’t Enough
“A classic rookie mistake in a job search — and this happens to many people at the start of their career — is believing that qualifications alone, credentials alone, will get you the job,” Pritchard said.
The reality is that qualifications may get you a seat at the table, but all the other finalists will have similar qualifications, so how do you set yourself apart?
“Show that you understand the needs of the hiring manager and a great way to do that [is to ask the manager] ‘if I’m fortunate enough to get this job and we’re sitting down a year from now and we’re doing my evaluation, what are the three things you want me to tell you I’ve done for you?'” This gives you a key opportunity to reflect on the problems keeping the hiring manager up at night and share your ideas. This will give you an edge.
For more job search advice — and Pritchard’s and Hibel’s takes on the current job market — listen to the full episode below.
