Though I don’t do a ton of career posts on the site, I do get a lot of questions about careers in general. So I’m going to do my best to start writing more about career tips, y’all. I promise! And a question I get asked a lot is specifically about how I got into blogging or the job I wanted. I’ve already written a lot about that on my blogging tips posts, but I wanted to take this subject further – how to get the job you want, like the steps. If you don’t know what that job is, I covered that below too. That’s honestly half the battle. And after that, I talk about actual steps that you can start – like right this second – to scoring that job. Excited? Ready?! K here we go.

Step 1: Discover your passions

OK, it sounds cliche, I knowwww, but think of passions more so as hobbies or what’s fires you up – or  simply what you find pleasure in doing in your free time. Because the first step to getting a job you want is figuring out what that job is. I was a CPA for a year while I was also running my blog, and most days, I just felt much more excited about the blog vs. my desk job. After a while, I realized it was because I was passionate about and very interested in the blogging world – and not as much so the finance world.

Since I’ve started blogging full-time, I’ve never felt bored or like I wasn’t “meant” to be doing this at this point in life. Sure, there are times when I’m super stressed and overwhelmed, when I’m not sure how long long I’ll do this, and where it definitely feels like “work,” but when you’re passionate about something, it’s easier to find that inner strength to keep going and push on. Or to feel excited about your day.

To discover your passions, think about the things you love reading about or doing in your free time – for me, that’s fashion and writing, but don’t limit yourself and exclude the things you don’t think you can make a career out of. There are a bazillion jobs in the world – think outside the box if you need to.

Step 2: Give yourself experience

Whether you’re just graduating college and have zero work experience or are wanting a change in career paths, it’s important to build up your resume in your dream job’s industry. For me, that was starting my blog and keeping things going. For others, it might be doing an internship, volunteering, going back to school, taking online courses, working part-time, etc. Basically, give someone a reason to look at your resume, instead of them wondering why you’re applying.

Step 3: Utilize social media and your email

I have a love/hate with social media, but I will say that it’s amazing for meeting people and networking. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend and ask if she can make an introduction for you on LinkedIn or ask someone in the industry to grab coffee. And definitely start following companies and influencers that have to do with your passions. It’s also a good way to find out about events where you can network. You never know what opportunities will pop up! And a huge piece of advice: don’t be afraid to ask. The worst thing you’ll hear is no.

Also, put something on Facebook! Facebook isn’t only for sharing recipes or talking politics. If you’re looking for a job or a lead on a certain type of job, ask your network. Think about emailing your contacts what you’re looking for in a job and your resume, and ask them to keep their ears open.

Bottom line, use all social and email resources to get yourself out there. So many jobs happen because of a connection, so try to find that somewhere.

Step 4: Find a way inside the building

I’ve seen tons of people give up because the company they love “isn’t hiring” or there aren’t any job listings. But the thing is, you HAVE to find a way inside the building – aka a way to present yourself to the company. Even if a company isn’t hiring, do some digging on LinkedIn. Find the manager of whatever department you’re interested in, and send them a personal email. Briefly let them know who you are, why you’re so interested in the company, a personal antidote, following by a quick synopsis of your relevant experience. Attach your resume and ask them if they can talk on X day at X time – basically, make it very easy for them to want to take a phone call. You’re giving them clear direction, and most people will be impressed by your initiative.

If you find a company you love but they aren’t hiring, don’t walk away – offer to do some volunteer work just to learn more about the industry and company. Once you show your passion and prove yourself as a valuable asset, maybe a full-time gig will open up.

I even hired one of my team members when I didn’t even know I needed them – but they made me realize it with an email and a quick call. So it can happen!

Step 5: Kill the interview!

This is a step that could be an entire blog post (slash should I do one on interview tips?!), so I’m not going to go into details here, BUT it’s an important step. In short, when you do land an interview or even a casual coffee or call, do alllll the research about the company. Know 3 reasons why they need you, and 3 reasons why they can’t go on without you (dramatic y’all but I’m serious). Wear a professional outfit, look people in the eye, and charm the socks off of them! Always send a follow up thank you note as well.

OK but really, let me know if I should do an interviews tips post because now I feel like I want to go way more in depth here but I don’t want this blog post to go on forever. But in the meantime, search “business casual” on my site for a ton of interview outfit ideas.

Have you already landed your dream job? If so, what steps did you take? I’d love to hear your tips!

Outfit Details: Lush Menswear Shirt ($30 – OBSESSED) // Rag & Bone Simone Pants (WORTH the investment I think!)  // Halogen Grey Cardigan (YOU NEED THIS! It comes in several colors!) // Stuart Weitzman Kitten Heel (LOVE it! Also wore them in this post with jeans!) // Prada Tote Bag