Guest blog: Landing your dream job in a recession--why now is no time to settle

By Maggie Mistal, Career Coach

Thanks, Allison, for the opportunity to guest post and to get the word out that now is THE best time to go after your ideal career.  I don’t say that lightly.  I have my CPA and though I don’t do taxes anymore, I do understand the economy and the issues we face. Rather my perspective is based on the success of my clients in landing jobs during these tough times. 

First and foremost, my clients are not settling for just any job.  They are going after their dream careers and landing them.  Here’s why now is no time for you to settle either:

·       To land a job you have to be the best at what you do.  Employers have their pick of candidates.  In order to stand out, you must focus on positions where you are particularly talented. Each one of us is a unique individual with a unique set of skills and talents.  Align those talents with your dream job and you will stand out from the crowd.

·       Don’t underestimate the power of enthusiasm.  Passion matters when landing a job.  It’s the unique intangible that you bring to the interview when you truly want the job you’re going after.  Hiring managers recognize when someone is authentically interested in doing the work versus when the person just wants a paycheck.

·       Holding out for the right job sets you up for long-term success.  A client of mine had an offer rescinded in mid-September when the economic crisis hit.  She panicked yet I coached her to stay the course and be selective.  Just two weeks later, not only did she find another job, but one with a significantly higher title and salary.  Now she’s happy and excited everyday to be at her new job!

Fortune magazine’s recent list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For found that a majority of those firms are hiring. The best employers are using this time to cherry pick the best and brightest talent.  Be being self-assured and confident in your skills, abilities and passions, you project a winning image.  Hiring managers don’t want to miss out on winning candidates.  Know you deserve a great position and you’ll improve your chances of finding one.  

CNN recently called Maggie Mistal, "one of the nation's best known career coaches." She is a certified life purpose and career coach and hosts a weekly nationally radio show called "Making a Living with Maggie every Wednesday at 4pm eastern/1pm pacific on SIRIUS 112 and XM 157.