Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1482182
Use your upgrade discount to become an ASCP Professional member today! ascpskincare.com 21 FINDING JUST ANY JOB CAN be as easy as answering an ad and getting an interview. But with a little forethought, research, and preparation, you can land your dream job instead! Use the following "prep steps" to help you get started. CREATE YOUR WISH LIST To land your ideal job, take the time to consider the types of work you want to do (initially and moving forward)—and the environment you'd like to work in. It's also important to make a list of what you don't want in a job. Begin creating your wish list by considering the following: Long- and short-term goals Where do you see yourself in one, five, or 10 years? Are you looking for advancement opportunities? Do you want to build a large clientele? How much money do you hope to make? Writing down a list of goals will allow you to create a vision of your ideal career path. You can update your goals as often as you'd like. Work environment and benefits Do you want to work in a salon, a spa, or maybe a resort? Are you looking to build a loyal clientele, or are you willing to work in an environment where you may see clients only once each year? Do you see yourself working for a small intimate shop or a large professional spa? Do you want to work in the city? A more rural area? Do you thrive in a relaxed atmosphere, or do you need structure? Do you want/ need flextime, full-time, or part-time hours? Do you desire training? Do you require health benefits? What is your ideal starting pay? By building a list of all your "wants," you will really begin to understand your non- negotiable and negotiable job requirements. LIST POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS Now that you have a clear vision of your dream job, make a list of potential employers in your ideal location. Compare your list of employment possibilities with your wish list and non-negotiables to fine-tune your search. Once you've narrowed your list, you're ready to do a little sleuthing. GET THE INSIDE SCOOP Now comes the fun part—garnering as much information as possible about the potential employers on your list. During your research, your goal is to learn about each company's culture, its philosophy about work/life balance, and its reputation. Here are a few ways to learn as much as possible about a potential employer: Google them Start with an internet search to get a company overview. Do they have a website? Have they been in the news—and is the news good? What about reviews? Yelp is a great place to start. Also, check Glassdoor for more information, such as potential salaries, job descriptions, reviews, etc. Follow them online Get a clearer picture of a business by signing up for their newsletter, if available. Also, check out—and follow—all their social media accounts. How does the company present itself online? Is its online presence in line with your values? Check the competition Which companies are in the same arena as the company you are researching? What are the similarities? Differences? Pinpoint something unique about each of the companies you're interested in. What makes the potential employer a better fit for you? CREATE A CHEAT SHEET Now that you know what your dream job looks like and your employer research is complete, your next step is to draft questions for the company—questions to "fill in the blanks" that were left by your research. Focus your questions on areas that are of genuine interest to you. It isn't awkward to create questions for a potential employer, in fact, it's quite the opposite. Employers 4 Steps to Find Your Dream Job by Lisa Bakewell 1 2 3 4