Voyager Career Solutions®

DEFINING A DREAM JOB

It's out there. Somewhere. For sure. Somewhere is your dream job. I even know people who have them. We all know those people who enjoy their work. Their faces light up when they talk about what they do. They bring energy, creativity, and fun to the workplace. Sound like you? Sound like someone you know?

What is a dream job? Obviously for each of us, it's something different. Take, for example, the woman in her forties who left a career in the ministry to be an entrepreneur and manage a travel agency. Her dream job? Yes - a chance to control her own employment, to travel, and to grow something. All three of these spoke to fulfilling deep needs in her life.

For another man, the dream job is a bit in the future. Right now he sells industrial equipment, but he yearns to run a recording studio. He has, he says, absolutely no musical talent, beyond the ability to recognize and promote it in others. His imagined life is one on the cutting edge of music and young musicians. When will his dream come true? It's probably a few years off yet, but he's making steady progress toward it.

And then there's a young college student struggling with the decision of a major. Should she do what’s easy, or go with what she loves? For that love, competition will be fierce and financial remuneration minimal. It's a difficult decision to make at age 19. That dream seems far away and illusionary. Some counseling might help sort out the alternatives.

Dream jobs are as individual as the person who aspires to one. But they do have some common characteristics.

First, a dream job must use an individual's most favorite skills. Keep in mind we can think about ourselves in several ways for making career decisions: what we do well and what we prefer to do. One individual I know earns most of his income as an extremely talented and gifted military leader. But his passion is working on implementing cutting edge and highly technical learning programs in higher education. And, his leadership skills often come into play as he manages the start up activities that excite him. In defining our dream job, we seek to identify and fulfill

what we prefer to do, because it’s likely to be what we do best.

Secondly, a dream job must fulfill some of our important values. Identifying and living our key values is not easy – particularly given the influences of culture and society. But, take, for example, the successful corporate president who not only gives of his time and skills to the community, he also encourages and supports his employees to do so.

Generally, dream jobs involve some risk. One person I know left the place of her birth in her 50's to take a medical position on an Indian reservation five states away – sight unseen!

Finally, a dream job must make a difference to others in some way. In other words, it must contribute to the greater good. One man had a long and satisfying career running an important state agency during a time of great change. He sought a second career, after retirement, the chance to return to an area he had left years ago – vocational rehabilitation.

Are dream jobs perfect? No. They have their frustrations, problems, and down times like any position. But what makes a dream job better is knowing that we’re doing something that really matters to us.

When are we successful in reaching our dream jobs? It’s when we think deeply about what matters to us, define that goal, and seek ways to attain it and ultimately do so. Our dreams have become reality. What are your dreams today?

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CREATING PERSONAL VALUE IN THE JOB MARKET

When considering your next move in the job market, it is important to realistically see your value. Your value is based not only on career and personal skills, but how those skills translate to the needs of the organization you are pursuing. The strength of this value is created by the company’s recognition of the breadth of the PROBLEM.

Without recognition of need, there is no value. Thoroughly understanding a company and its’ needs will be key in creating your value.

A company will hire you only to increase their PROFIT. It will be to increase SALES, or decrease COSTS. You must determine the company’s needs, and determine your value in addressing those needs. This is done through personal research. First, identify the correct individual to contact, and the method you will use to approach

your target company. This can be through a letter, or personal contact. Be aware of the trends in the marketplace as it can impact the needs in your company of choice. In creating your value, identify with the industry, then the products of the company.

Review your past history and identify your successes in previous companies that would be of value to this company. By using your past ACCOMPLISHMENTS you will be able to demonstrate your ability to solve problems the company might be experiencing. In addition, your skill in identifying the company’s problems through

good research will also show the company your interest in them, and knowledge of their current needs. Your past accomplishments, education, knowledge of market trends, products and the demand for the company’s products are essential in creating the key to open doors.

Applying good research will prepare you and increase your understanding of the value you can bring to the company. Research can start at your local library or online research tools where you will find press releases, magazine articles and a variety of information about the company. If using the library, seek out the reference

librarian for additional resources and help. Websites are a great first stop, then move on to the D&B, 10Q’s and check Hoovers for financial information. Be aware of industry Partners, New Products and Industry Trends.

Identifying the right contact in the company is critical. Be familiar with that contact’s Bio, who is on the Board of Directors and use personal contacts as appropriate.

In creating your value to an organization, it all starts with understanding the company, market trends, knowing your strengths, and using that knowledge to be a fit to your target’s current needs.

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FIVE MUST DO’S FOR TODAY'S JOB MARKET

Whether the economy is up or down, the job market can be very challenging for job seekers. A select group of career management experts has identified five critical must do’s to make the most of today’s job market.

1. Take responsibility for your own career

“There is nothing more important than a good, well thought out career plan”, says Carl Brown, Vice President - Voyager Career Solutions in St. Louis. When times are bad, a career plan is often forgotten. All good career plans have long-term goals as well as short-term strategies. For example, if your long-term goal is senior management, then your short-term goals may include graduate classes in management, and increased internal responsibilities.

Your career is your responsibility. “The key to a successful career is to have a plan that will help you attain the highest level in chosen field,” If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there. Without a good plan, you stand a greater chance of losing your way and never realizing your true potential.

2. Look for opportunities, not just dollars

“It is easy to say, the money is the only thing that counts,” says Shelby Heman, Sr., a career management consultant in Omaha. It is tougher to stick to a plan. Salaries in today’s market have flatted or decreased. Certain industries, such as information management, have seen major decreases in compensation.

Money should never be the total issue. Jack Stovall, a job-search specialist recently advised one of his clients to decline a new job offer that included a significant salary increase. Why? The position would have taken him out of management where he excels, and lead him into a more technical path. The technical path was not his primary interest. The point is that while compensation is important, it shouldn’t be driving your career. Smart professionals are far better off in the long run by making decisions based on criteria other than just compensation.

3. Properly assess your skill level

Steven Francek, a career consultant in Charlotte, NC states “Career planning begins with self assessment.” I use a number of standardized professional tests. However, in addition, we spend considerable time determining what individuals like to do most.

What have they been successful doing? What are their hobbies, interests, and pleasures? The plan is to build upon success.

Good career planning is based upon appropriate self-assessment. It helps direct individuals towards positions they would enjoy and most likely be successful. For example, good technicians may not be good managers. The necessary skill sets are contrary to their personal interests and skills.

4. Choose the right career track

Carl Brown, a St. Louis career consultant states, “It is critical for your long term career success to build a sold foundation of technical experience even if you later decide to move to management, sales, teaching, consulting, or other areas.” Moving beyond the technical track requires not only the necessary skills (read appropriate self assessment), but also willingness to master additional skills.

Where do you learn these skills? It may mean more schooling. You should be able to find opportunities in your current job. If you want to move into management, ask for a project leadership position. If your goal is teaching, ask to put together a training class. Spend a day with a sales person to learn what skills are needed to be successful.”

5. Acquire the necessary skills before you change tracks

Warren Bowling, Sr., a career coach in Memphis states, “Certain professional markets make for considerable career movement. Promotions, changes and relocations are the norm. Before you make a change, ask yourself,” “Do I have the necessary skills to be successful in this new position? Will I have the support I need? Will this position provide the training I need?”

Summary

Doing things right takes careful career planning. Don’t put planning on the back burner as your career choices lessen in a tough market. Begin with self assessment, then base your choices on your skills and what you enjoy doing. Don’t just pick the hot job of the week. Choose the position where you’ll be happiest and most likely to be successful.

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