First Person: 6 Tips for Landing Your Dream Job

From my small business experience to my work in corporate America, I've noticed a pattern of employment. The people who get hired manage to be in the right place at the right time. It's not rocket science, yet many young adults fail to take the right steps that will lead them to their dream jobs. Whether you're a high tech engineer or a car mechanic, here are seven ways to help you get hired for that job you always wanted.

Make Yourself Visible

Headhunters are always on the lookout for new hires, especially in specialized fields. By registering with job-hunting websites like Monster.com, you can create a professional profile with your resume included. Furthermore, if you create a page on Facebook (apart from your personal profile) you can detail any projects you were involved in, then cross link your online resume with your Facebook page. I have had recruiters contact me after finding my author's website online. You professional online presence positions you to be in the right place at the right time when managers are looking for new hires.

Choose a Cause

Spend a summer volunteering with a meaningful cause, like volunteering with the Red Cross overseas. Not only will this expand your horizons, it will add an interesting element to your resume. Take pictures of your experiences and document them on a blog. Be sure to provide a link to your blog in your Facebook page and online resume. I knew of one Fortune 100 company recruiter who came across a blog documenting a cycling trip across South America. That world traveler was contacted for a job interview based on that alone.

Move With the Job

As a young adult you have few ties, which gives you the ability to literally go after a job. Keep scanning job hunting sites for the job you want (and qualify for) without consideration for geography. Don't worry about the cost of the move. Working in corporate relocation taught me that most companies will offer some relocation package or assistance when they decide they want to hire someone.

Choose Your Area Carefully

Sometimes the ticket into a Fortune 500 company comes through a company acquisition. If you're passionate about a new technology or field, pursuing a job in a small company that's trailblazing in the area may actually lead to a job in a the company of your dreams. To find such a company and place yourself at the right place at the right time, read about the industry you love, became an expert in every trend and read also about which large companies may be looking to expand into the area. I personally know of three Fortune 100 employees who came into the company through the acquisition of their former employer.

Take the Step-in-the-Ladder Job

Unless you have stellar educational credits, you may need to get your dream job based on past performance. Start by working in a job that relates to the field you wish to work in. For example, my friend worked at a technical call center as a step ladder to eventually being hired by Microsoft. Making sure that you work within your industry will bolster your resume overtime. However, avoid pigeonholing yourself into a narrow area that may limit your horizons.

Be Passionate

The expression "new blood" is exactly what companies look for when they bring in young hires. Let the passion that you feel for life's potential show through your resume, your Facebook page and any blog you may have created.

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