Career Counselor Robin Ryan Articles

How to Land Your Dream Job in 2005!

by Robin Ryan

What am I going to do with the rest my life? That is a theme many people are asking themselves these days. The desire for deeper meaning, greater job satisfaction, and a more enriched family life is touching a core sentiment in the hearts and minds of many people.

It’s time to take a good hard look at your life and assess if it is a happy, fulfilling one. The average worker spends about 11,000 days working during his or her lifetime, and changes jobs over ten times. Whether you are old, young, middle aged -- the question everyone ponders "Could my life be better?" Now is the time to determine exactly what you want, and then define the specific steps to land a new job or start a new business, get a promotion or secure a higher salary. Here’s how to get started.

Assess if you are being paid what you are worth. The biggest raises come from quitting your job and moving on to a new employer, according to research published in “What to Do with the Rest of Your Life.” (See Chapter 8 – Get that Raise). Negotiating salary and raises takes skill and a bit of research to determine exactly what your talents are worth. Often, you'll find you are worth more than you think. Research salaries for the job you want or currently perform through salary surveys available from associations or check the web for reports or magazines that publish this information. Prepare to negotiate your salary increases by outlining all of the contributions you have made in the past. Employers pay more to employees who demonstrate they can achieve results, so learn the techniques to best illustrate yours.
Check your happiness meter. In the CEO survey conducted for “What to Do with the Rest of Your Life,” (available on www.robinryan.com), CEOs pointed out that you’ll never ever make it to the top unless you are working at your passion. “People float through life as if it were boring, drudgery or a nuisance, often complaining, yet never determining what would fulfill them,” noted Laura Smithe, a nonprofit director. CEOs recognized that only true “burning desire” propelled people to spend all the effort necessary to get ahead. Determine if you like your work, company and field. Does it satisfy and challenge you? Is it fun? Do you want to keep learning everything you can? Does the job blend well with your family? If not, some analysis and change is needed. And, goals must be set to take action immediately.
Tap into the hidden job market. 85% of all jobs are never advertised in the newspaper. If a new job is on the horizon then learn the most effective ways to job hunt. The internet isn't it. Read Robin's article "Networking: Does it still work?" on her website. Network – 63% of all jobs were found last year through contacts, so be sure to use this tool to find a new position.
Overcome whatever is stopping you. Excuses, fear, and lack of time are the demons that can stop you from creating your own destiny. Most successful people got to where they are because they took risks in striging for their dreams. So don’t wait for the promotion, raise or job to find you. If you want your own business get started today. Implement a solid action plan to achieve the results you want. Giving up too soon is one key reason why many people fail to achieve greater success.

Set big goals. “A key career stopper is setting your goals too low or not being willing to put in the time it takes to reach goals,” noted CEO Randy Sheparo. “Believing ‘I could never do that’ or ‘They will never give me a raise’ means it probably won’t happen.” Don't pay any attention to those naysayers who warn you that you can’t do it. Assume anything is possible, and then do it. Take risks, try new things, initiate and learn and grow from your mistakes. “Act and you shall achieve,” notes a healthcare CEO. “Then, reevaluate and draw up even loftier goals – that’s how you’ll do more than you ever thought possible.”

Start developing your plan now, so you go to work every day in a position that is truly your dream job.

SOURCE: Book, “What to Do With the Rest of Your Life,” by Robin Ryan.

Need more assistance? Robin is available to help you achieve your goals and dreams with individual career counseling. Click here to learn more.

Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil is considered America’s top career coach. Robin has a busy career counseling practice providing individual career coaching, resume writing services, interview preparation, salary negotiations, and outplacement, to clients nationwide. She is the best-selling author of: " 60 Seconds & You're Hired!", " Soaring On Your Strengths", " What to Do with the Rest of Your Life", " Winning Resumes" and, "Winning Cover Letters". A dynamic national speaker, Robin has spoken to over 1200 audiences sharing her insights on how to improve their lives and obtain greater success. Contact Robin at: 425.226.0414, or email: robin@robinryan.com, or visit her website: http://www.robinryan.com

Reprints release: Newspapers, magazines, online websites are granted permission to reprint this in part or whole but are required to credit the author including author's bio, book credits, and include author's website information (with link if online); PLUS email author at robin@robinryan.com and state when and where reprint publication will occur. Questions: contact author at robin@robinryan.com or 425.226.0414.