Are you ready to achieve the impossible? When facing unemployment it is unlikely that your primary concern is finding your dream job that perfectly pairs your love for baseball with your urge to have hourly snack breaks; however, do not lose all hope! It is important that you take the time to conceptualize your dream job. Conceptualizing a dream job does not mean indulging in unrealistic expectations. It means planning ahead to achieve realistic expectations.
Although many Americans express discontent in their current careers, most are unable to describe their dream job. A senior-level corporate recruiter recently remarked that the majority of job applicants she interviews lack passion in expressing their interest for both the company and the job itself. The candidates do not lack relevant experience; they lack sincere enthusiasm.
Knowing what you want in a career not only benefits your chance of receiving a job offer, but it also increases your loyalty to the company and overall performance. To uncover your dream job, use the C.L.A.M.S. acronym to prioritize your values:
Challenge: Do you want to increase your skill set? Are you eager to be trained?
Location: Are you willing to move? Will you work in the city or do you prefer the country?
Advancement: Do you want to be promoted? Or hold managerial positions?
Money: What are your financial obligations? What is your minimum cost of living?
Security: Do you want to stay within the same company over 2-4 years?
Once you review the C.L.A.M.S. principles, rate them in order of importance from 1 to 5. What ranked #1? If it was challenge, then search for a company that provides on-site training or offers off-site instructional classes. You can then highlight your eagerness to be challenged and your ability to respond to unfamiliar situations during an interview.
Although C.L.A.M.S. helps you discover what is important when searching for a career, it is important to remember that we go through stages of “dream jobs” much like we go through stages in life. Your current situation, such as whether you are single, married, or have children, may change the hierarchy of the C.L.A.M.S. principles. Instead of settling for a job to just pay the bills, take the time to discover what your dream job is and start planning to succeed. Make your dream job a reality!
About the Author – Laura Talbot, VTS
Laura is a Veteran Transition Specialist at Hire Heroes USA and a recent Psychology graduate from the University of Dallas. She is excited about continuing to help military families, as she interned with the USO at Ft. Belvoir and assisted Veterans who were transitioning out of the military