About the author
Did you know that working for Zappos, a company on the GameChangers 500 list of the world’s top purpose-driven companies, is so desirable that it’s actually harder to get a job there than it is to be admitted to Harvard?
It’s true. In 2013, 25,000 people applied for jobs with Zappos, and they only hired 250.
That means that 99% of people who applied didn’t get the job.
So, what makes these types of companies so darn desirable? (Because there are thousands more out there.)
And how do you get the attention of a company like this and get the job?
Here’s The Scoop
One reason why people love these types of organizations is that they take empowering their employees and creating a phenomenal workplace to the NEXT LEVEL.
Employees at Zappos enjoying “Customer Service Week” with a Slime Fight!
Another reason is that we’re bored out of our minds – and want to do something that excites us.
In other words, we’ll watch Office Space, get fired up about finding a job we love, and research some companies we find on Monster.com or Craigslist…
And then make one small change to our resume or cover letter and fire it off to as many companies as we can find.
Here’s the problem with that approach. You saw the stats – Zappos only hired 1% of applicants, and you can bet other Game Changing organizations like them have similar numbers.
Many people continue to suffer in their miserable jobs while getting more and more frustrated about being the 99% who don’t get the results they desire.
How To Get Your Dream Job
The good news? I’m not going to let that happen to you. If you’re reading this article, it means you CAN do it – and believe me, it is possible to get your dream job.
(By the way – there’s a great free resource here that will help you do that.)
1. STOP Scanning Job Boards
A friend of mine calls this the ‘Monster Effect.’ It’s when you scan huge job boards hoping to find something that jumps out at you…
And then submit your resume to any position that looks moderately interesting. Guess what?
1 moderately interesting position + 1 moderately interesting company = 1 BORING JOB.
Here’s what you do instead. Flip your job seeking process around by using the 2nd tip…
2. Have FUN Discovering Your Dream Job
The root problem most people experience in their careers is that they aren’t inspired by their work. They aren’t fulfilled.
And the best way to solve that problem is by focusing on enjoying the process of finding your dream job.
Think about the best things that have happened in your life.
Maybe sparking that flame with your spouse…
Or achieving some milestone growing up.
Were you ever in a place of desperation and unhappiness when those things happened? Probably not. You were likely in a positive state… maybe even feeling invincible.
The intriguing truth of it all is that the best things happen when you’re already in a good place.
So, one of these evenings… turn on some music, crack open a bottle of wine, and have some fun reflecting on and researching your ultimate dream job.
Then jump into tip #3 (and check out this free resource for more help with this)
3. Use Modern Job Seeking Strategies
It’s simple. If you want the kind of job we’re talking about here – with insanely desirable companies like Zappos…
Where you wake up excited to go to work – not knowing if there’s going to be a slime fight or a laser tag party that day…
It’s likely not going to be at the kind of place that will hire you with a traditional resume alone. Zappos sure won’t.
You need to make a real impression on them by doing something creative and unique that showcases what you bring to the table.
You need to really love their organization, mission, and culture – otherwise you just won’t make the cut.
YouTube videos, websites, and mailing physical packages with a unique presentation are some great ways to stand out.
Every company will be unique, so there’s no “1 size fits all” approach here. Remember, be creative, authentic, and unique – and show them how you can add value to their organization.
That’s how you’ll get your dream job.
And if you want a little extra help finding the best companies out there (like Zappos) and getting their attention, check out the free video I put together for you here.
Good luck!
About the author
Ryan Niessen is a keynote speaker and co-creator of The Gateway Method: a simple, proven way to gain inside access to the world’s best employers and get your dream job. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Facebook.
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