10 tips to land your dream job: 2024 approach
Looking for a job in 2024 may be challenging, but we want to encourage you to be confident and trust the process. If you prepare for it and choose the right strategies, you might soon receive your dream job offer.
Set your goals
We recommend being truthful and genuine with yourself. If you always dream big, do not doubt yourself and go for it. On the other hand, if you do not fall into the category of a dreamer or you do not associate yourself with your job that much, that’s a very much appreciated choice too. Some of us are great employees for nine-to-five, and some are great entrepreneurs.
Your skills and values are another very important aspect of this process. We believe you can apply for a job even if you’re not 100% fit all of the requirements. But you should have a basic skill set such as computer literacy and soft skills. Regarding values, you should think them through. For example, let’s say you have a certain objective to reduce your carbon footprint but then you get a job and realize that environmental problems and global warming are not something your company cares about. So define your values and do your research!
Make ATC-friendly resume
In 2024, the majority of big companies are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This software mostly uses AI and natural language processing, so you need to be very precise in aligning your resume with the job requirements. This is where an understanding of keywords and semantics would be very useful. But in 2024, we recommend paying attention to this detail because only candidates who pass the ATC system will be considered by the hiring manager and invited for the interview.
The structure of the resume is more important than ever, as ATCs cannot read very sophisticated formats with columns and lined-up text. Realistically, the simpler the better is the main principle of today’s resume.
Find out how the company you like hires people
Fit, but be unique. Big companies love to give hints about what they like and some methods that can work. For example, Google prefers when applicants use Laszlo Bock’s formula or X-Y-Z formula. On the flip side, Apple tries to include more people from different industries, especially for management roles. So, if you have some unique experience and you do not fit exactly the job description they have, do not worry about it and still try. You might be the person they are exactly looking for.
Elon Musk is known for asking famous questions during interviews. One of the most well-known is about the surface of the Earth. Recently, he told journalists that he uses the question ‘Tell me about one of the most difficult problems you’ve worked on and how you solved it.’ He changes the questions from time to time, but it’s obvious what he is looking for. He wants to see your thought process, the logic behind your thinking, and how quickly you can react. He also mentioned that he can detect dishonesty by checking how detailed the answer is. So be prepared.
Reach out to the company of your choice directly
Many companies are short on staff, and they just do not have enough time to go through the hiring process. However, you should be prepared, as this approach usually works best with small and medium-sized companies, where the business owner may be responsible for the majority of the management decisions.
Use TikTok
Well, this applies to all social media, as nowadays they are almost like our business cards. TikTok is great for telling stories. Believe me, if you have a unique experience, you should share it.
If you have signed an NDA, you should be careful, but overall, you can still show your skills.
Especially if you are looking for a job in the creative industry, you can even tag your desired company. For the corporate world, the situation will be a little bit different but just think about it as a great opportunity to show your skills.
Take layoffs into account
There are no rules or methods to avoid a company that will be actively laying off people. But we cannot pretend that it’s not happening, and you should be thinking ahead. Keep your finger on the pulse of the most recent layoffs in the market and trust your gut!
Network
It should be easy if you have been in the industry for some time and are a friendly person. If you have followed Keith Ferrazzi’s ‘Never Eat Alone’ advice, then you must be good. But do not be afraid when you’re looking for a job to reach out to your existing connections to find out. It’s never obvious who is hiring, and you can be recommended to somebody or gain important insights.
Write thank you emails after the interview
There are so many guides on the internet about how to stand out in an interview. But we recommend focusing on one overlooked aspect, such as writing emails after the interview. Be kind; do not overdo it. There is no template for exactly what you should say. But this would make you memorable.
Ask for feedback from rejections
Following the previous advice, we feel it’s good to use every opportunity to grow. Don’t be shy; ask for feedback on areas for improvement. Discuss aspects you believe could have been improved. Recruiters know what others are looking for, so their insights can be very beneficial. They can also recommend you to other companies. Realistically, we all encounter failures; what matters is how much we learn from them.
Do not stay out of the workforce for too long
As we know, finding your dream job may take time, but staying out of the workforce for too long can negatively influence your chances of getting a new job.
In this economy, everything matters, and you should not skip six months of your life from a resume just because you are looking for a job.
Overall, the job search in 2024 is quite different from what it was in the pre-pandemic world. With AI and technologies, the job market is evolving as it should. Just accept the approach that as humans, we always have to adapt and learn new things, and you will find your dream job.