Designing the Job of Your Dreams vs Landing Your Dream Job

Before you can focus on the skills to land the job of your dreams, you may wonder what the job options are in the future, especially in this eroding economic climate.  The following quote from John Schaar gives us hope and direction.

“The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes the maker and the destination.”

Your dream job begins ideally with one that you will design. High performing organizations will create positions for talented people they believe will make a difference in their organization.

What tools do you need?

1. Every candidate competes initially by demonstrating robust communication skills. You need to demonstrate how your knowledge / experience drives value for the organization. 
2. You need to have a keen understanding of the organization’s performance and their competition. Your competitive edge is an ability to identify a service, a product, or some efficiency benefit that will improve the revenue for the organization.
3. Candidates need to possess strong technological skills. Your ability to multi task and meet deadlines quicker than the competition is vital in differentiating yourself.
4.  How well do you know the organization’s culture? What is the “success driven” dress code? Who are the influential leaders? What has been the success record of new hires the past two years? Try to find a trusted insider in the organization to help you prepare for that first interview.

Author: Michael W. Lomax, MLD is a managing member of (SLS) Strategic Leadership Systems LLC, a management-consulting firm. After thirty-four years of management and executive level experience in the insurance industry, Michael and his team built a consultant organization dedicated to the education of leaders, support for local communities and restoration of the earth’s resources. Michael has a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Joseph’s University and a Master’s degree in Leadership Development from Penn State University’s School of Professional Studies. You can find additional education and leadership development materials on the SLS website.