How to Inventory Your Strengths and Create Your Dream Job

Here is how he did it. Dominic had several years experience working with an ambulance company. He was trained in everything from answering the telephone, dispatching, being a certified EMT, to administrative responsibilities. He had also earned his small plane pilots’ license. He wanted to change careers and move into a starting level corporate pilot position. One of the companies he called told him they were not hiring any starting level pilots. In his preliminary research of this company, Dominic knew they did not have an air ambulance division. He persisted in the conversation and explained that he had extensive experience in the ambulance business. He then asked if they had started providing air ambulatory services to their clients. The administrator responded by saying, “No we haven’t, but it just so happens we are looking into doing that and could you come in for an interview?” The following day he went in for the interview and was hired. After being hired, he helped them develop their air ambulance division, and went on to receive extensive corporate jet training from his employer. Today he flies corporate jets and also does pilot training for this company.

What did Dominic do to make his dream job a reality? First, he had inventoried his career skill sets and strengths. He knew what he was capable of offering to a future employer. He had researched the company he wanted to work for, and had identified a potentially desirable area of expansion for them, air ambulatory services. With a couple of well placed questions, he was offered an interview. The rest is history.

When it comes to getting the job of your dreams, you must first inventory your career skill sets and strengths. In other words, what do you like to do and are good at doing? Could you gain additional training that would allow you to become even more valuable to a future employer?

Next, research the companies for which you would like to secure employment. Look at the trends in that industry, and identify which products or services these companies could eventually produce or offer. Identify the ones that you could assist them to implement. Once you have identified these areas, become proactive and start contacting the people at those companies who are responsible for those product or service areas. Schedule an exploratory meeting where you can share some of your research and how you might be able to be of some help to them. When all is said and done, you may find yourself working in the job of your dreams because you created it.

Tom Borg is a consultant in leadership management, team building and customer service.