How to get your dream job

This article is recommended for individuals near the beginning of their careers

Job hunting can be a stressful activity, filled with uncertainty - it's difficult to know where to start and what to do. At 11 Recruitment, we have put together some advice to help guide you to get your dream job.

Where do you even start?

Having spent years in the world of recruitment, I understand the challenge you're facing. The journey towards your dream job might seem overwhelming, but trust me, it's all about taking those crucial first steps.

Begin by delving into your own aspirations. What is it that you truly desire in your dream job? It's time to pinpoint your goals and ambitions.

Although you possess an array of adaptable skills and have your eye on various industries, it's vital to narrow down your focus. Think about the roles that align best with your abilities and values. Reflect on:

  • The positions where you know you can excel
  • The companies or sectors that resonate with your interests
  • Your ideal work hours and schedule
  • The salary range that meets your expectations
  • Your preferred work locations

Approaching your job hunt with a clear sense of purpose and an understanding of your strengths will steer you towards success.

 How to identify transferable skills →

A different approach to job hunting

While browsing job boards and reaching out to employment agencies are common job-hunting strategies, the reality is that these routes have a lot of competition.

However, allow me to suggest an alternative approach that I believe holds great potential: harness the power of LinkedIn. This platform offers a unique avenue for your job search, one that can set you apart in a sea of applicants.

LinkedIn isn't just a virtual resume repository; it's a dynamic hub where you can make strategic moves to enhance your job search. Here's how:

  • Expand your network: Connect with potential employers and industry professionals to broaden your sphere of influence. Each connection could potentially open doors you never even knew existed.
  • Craft your personal brand: Become your own advocate by showcasing your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Use your profile as a canvas to tell your professional story in a compelling way.
  • Seize the timing advantage: One of the best aspects of LinkedIn is the potential to be in the right place at the right time. Often, employers and agencies may have vacancies but haven't advertised them yet. By actively engaging on the platform, you position yourself to be discovered just when the opportunity arises.

Sure, LinkedIn's interface might not be tailor-made for job hunting, and the traditional methods of applying for roles are still present. However, simply relying on these methods could leave you lost in the crowd.

So, what can you do to stand out in this dynamic digital realm?

 How to use LinkedIn to get a job →

How to use LinkedIn like a salesperson

Mastering LinkedIn requires adopting the mindset of a skilled salesperson. It's a platform brimming with opportunities, and understanding how to leverage it effectively can make all the difference.

Recruiters are accustomed to receiving connection requests from a diverse array of individuals, and we readily accept them. So, once you've sent out those requests, here's a strategy I've found to be effective:

  • Firstly, express your gratitude for the connection and take the opportunity to subtly hint that you'd appreciate them keeping your CV in mind for any suitable vacancies that may emerge.
  • Timing is key, so after about three weeks, follow up with the recruiter to inquire about any potential opportunities that might have come up. 
  • Another valuable tactic is to request a couple of contacts who might be able to assist you further. Once you obtain these names, extend connection requests to these individuals and repeat the process.

However, it's important to strike a balance. While you can send out a maximum of 3,000 connection requests, I recommend keeping your connections with employment agency personnel to no more than 10% of your overall network.

Now, let's do some calculations. Imagine sending out 1,000 LinkedIn connection requests. On average, a Manager supervises around six employees. This translates to your 1,000 connections overseeing a staggering 6,000 staff members. Considering that employees tend to stay for about three years on average, roughly 2,000 of these employees will leave their positions each year. In simpler terms, there are approximately 167 job opportunities cropping up each month!

But here's the real trick: Focus your efforts on connecting with individuals who are in the business of hiring people with your skill set. Follow these steps, and statistically speaking, you'll find yourself in the right place at the right time.

So, go and harness the power of LinkedIn like a seasoned salesperson – it might just open doors to your dream job that you never knew existed.

 How to network →
Christian Madsen

What are your thoughts?

I'd love to have a conversation with you about this topic - please leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or opinions 🙂

Christian Madsen

Managing Director of 11 Recruitment

Connect with me on LinkedIn →

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  • Kevin Horstmann says:

    Thanks Christian!
    Great article, its a pity that its not always this straightforward. Candidates, me included, often feel like recruitment agencies are more just placement agencies that refer those easy to place candidates while companies may loose out on some very skilled candidates that are a bit harder to sell. No matter how hard you try and how many times you apply such incredible advice, you are still left in the wind.

    Reply
    • Christian Madsen says:

      Hi Kevin, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the article – and thank you for providing your perspective!

      I completely understand your frustration. Your feelings are shared by many job seekers. While the process can be discouraging at times, there are a few steps I encourage you to consider taking to improve your chances.

      1) Network
      Building a strong professional network can help you bypass some of the traditional recruitment processes. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Job opportunities sometimes arise through personal connections.

      2) Tailor your applications
      Customise your cover letter and resume for each job you apply for. Highlight your skills and experiences that directly relate to the specific role you’re interested in. This can make you a more attractive candidate to both recruiters and hiring managers. If you’re interested in learning more about writing a tailored cover letter, I have an article on the topic: https://11recruitment.com.au/blog/how-to-write-a-cover-letter/

      3) Develop your skills
      Invest in continuous learning and skill development to stay competitive in your field. Demonstrating a commitment to personal and professional growth can help you stand out.

      4) Create a portfolio & online presence
      If applicable to your field, create an online portfolio or personal website showcasing your work and accomplishments. This can provide potential employers with a deeper understanding of your abilities. I also encourage you to spend some time setting up your LinkedIn profile. If you need guidance on how to do this, I have an article on the topic: https://11recruitment.com.au/blog/how-to-get-a-job-using-linkedin/

      5) Be persistence
      Job searching can be a numbers game, so don’t get discouraged by rejections or non-responses. Continue to apply for positions, follow up with applications, and stay persistent in your efforts.

      6) Seek feedback
      If you’re consistently facing challenges in securing interviews or job offers, consider seeking feedback from a mentor or someone you know within your industry. They may be able to provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

      It’s important to remember that the job hunting process can be unpredictable, as there are many factors at play. While it can be frustrating, perseverance and a proactive approach can increase your chances of finding the right opportunity.

      I wish you all the best in your job search 😊

      Reply

  • Hi Christian, this is a great piece and I appreciate your time and and effort to make this great message available to us. Thank you kindly.

    Reply
    • Christian Madsen says:

      Hi Abraham, thanks for your comment! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the article 🙂

      Reply

  • Sir it’s a useful message to the candidates like me, I would be more appreciated if you can help me to land in the right job.

    Reply
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