Sometimes, dream jobs appear to be just around the corner. College grads with newly minted diplomas or workforce veterans with glowing recommendations eagerly pursue the glittering prize they’ve long prepared to capture.
But in today’s tough economy, even qualified candidates can be forced to settle for jobs unlike anything they expected. What happens when the dream’s deferred?
A jobseeker who has met with such disappointment should not be glum. You’re not on a forced march down a one-way street to permanent dissatisfaction. You’ve simply taken a detour.
Chances are good that an opportunity will arise to help you get back on track.
Meanwhile, here are 10 skills to hone that will provide an edge the next time you have the perfect job in sight.
1. Broaden your “soft” skill set
The National Association of Colleges and Employers conducts an annual survey to determine which skills employers look for when hiring college graduates. Technical skills aren’t prized as much as communication and interpersonal skills, problem solving and a strong work ethic.
2. Learn to provide customer service
Satisfying customers is an integral part of most businesses. “Think in terms of measurable examples of exceeding customer expectations,” said Francyenne Maynard, director of career services, North Lake College, Irving, Texas. “Did you receive any awards or recognition? Was this area positively addressed in a performance review? Did you receive repeat business or additional customers due to your service?”
If you don’t deal directly with the public, think of colleagues who rely on your services as customers and treat them accordingly.
3. Perfect your people skills
Every job provides opportunities to learn how to be a team player and communicate effectively with co-workers. Even if you’re not vying to be top dog in your current position, work on refining your people skills. Later, when the career stakes may be higher, those diplomacy skills will come in handy.
4. Improve your writing
“Communication skills are critical,” said Peg Hendershot, director of Career Vision, Glen Ellyn, Ill. “Make sure you can write a solid memo, tighten your e-mails and make an effective presentation.”
5. Wring the most out of resources
“Cost-cutting skills are prized by all employers and industries,” said Rachelle J. Canter, author of Make the Right Career Move. “Everyone needs people who can do more with less.”
6. Organize a long-term project
Talk with your supervisor about leading a project and see it through from start to finish. If project-management opportunities aren’t available, consider acquiring this skill in an unpaid capacity — perhaps for a professional organization in your field. Chairing fund-raisers or membership drives for nonprofit organizations also look good on a resume.
7. Learn new technologies
“Different organizations use different types of systems and software, some obviously more sophisticated than others,” said Linda Pophal, a human resources expert based in Chippewa Falls, Wis. “Experience in one environment can be transferred to another, both in terms of actual application. This includes the ability to use a particular software package, or knowledge of systems, vendors and technology that a company may not be aware of.”
8. School yourself on corporate culture
All companies have unique cultures. Working in a variety of atmospheres will expose you to different work and communication styles. Learn to pick up on written and unwritten rules of behavior, like whether e-mail or face-to-face communication is the norm.
9. Network and cultivate contacts
“Sometimes a comment or an insight from someone in a seemingly unrelated area can spark an idea that’s applicable to your workplace,” Pophal said. “From a practical level, a connection in one industry might have experience with a data analysis tool that your company might find useful. A social contact who works in the media may be able to offer insights on how you might pitch a new product release.” And you never know. Perhaps a friend of a friend of a friend might be able to hook you up with your dream job.
10. Keep sight of the big picture
“A dream job in a down economy may be a pipe dream, but don’t settle for anything less than an opportunity to build needed experience and skills for your eventual dream job,” Canter said. “A career move may be lateral or into a different industry or function, but make sure it’s strategic.”
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