Steps to Find Your Dream Job

I’ve coached thousands of job seekers who felt lost and overwhelmed. Here are the 10 steps we start with to find the right path: 1. Your #1 Priority Clarity should be the first thing you invest in. It makes career success SO much easier (at every stage). When you have clarity, you can invest 100% of your energy into that goal. So before you start applying to jobs or grad school? Find your path. 2. The Myth Of “Passion” People think passion is a lightning bolt that suddenly hits you. One day you wake up knowing what you're supposed to do. That's BS. Passion stems from action. It's the result of trying new things. If you want to find your path? You need to act. 3. Map Out Your Ideal Lifestyle Career happiness doesn't come from a job title. It stems from the ability to meet your lifestyle needs: – Target salary – Ideal living situation – Surrounded by people you love – Work that fills your cup Start by defining all of these things. 4. Label Your Energy Next, grab a piece of paper. Make two columns: 1. Energy Creators 2. Energy Drainers Now list out every single activity, task, and project you've worked on. Label each as a creator or drainer. Your career path should be filled with energy creators. 5. Clarify Your Strengths Success is easier when your path plays to natural strengths. I recommend the High 5 Test. It's a 15 minute quiz that will define your top strengths. It'll tell you what each means and how to harness it. Talent: A natural way of thinking, feeling, behaving × Investment: Time spent practicing, developing your skills, or building a knowledge base = Strength: The ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance 6. Find People Doing "Cool" Stuff Now you've created clarity around your strengths, energy, and ideal lifestyle. Next, I want you to find people already living that life. Who has a job you admire? What jobs have seemed “cool” to you in the past? Make a list of 30+ contacts. 7. Reach Out & Learn Make a daily habit of reaching out to one person. Be honest about your situation and desire for clarity. Then make sure to build up their achievements and mention why you admire them. Here's the email template I used when I was on this journey: The Winning Template: Subject: Quick Question  Hi [Name], My name is [Your Name] and I came across your information on LinkedIn while I was looking for people who transitioned into [Industry/Field] from a non-traditional background. Your background is really impressive! I saw you do different fields and [Industry/Field] really piqued my interest. If you have a few minutes, I’d love to hear more about your journey and how you landed in your role today. I know that’s a big ask so no worries if it’s too much. I totally understand. Either way, hope you have a great rest of the week!  

Your dream job isn't found—it's built. Here's how I did it (and you can too). 1/ Define your ideal role and company   ↳ Stop the endless scrolling through job boards.   ↳ Instead, get clear on what you want in your next role.   ↳ Research companies where you can add value.  Knowing what you want makes it easier to find the right fit. 2/ Optimize your online presence   ↳ Update your LinkedIn profile to highlight achievements and impact.   ↳ Tailor your portfolio to show your unique strengths.   ↳ Use storytelling to connect with hiring managers. Your online presence is your first impression—make it count. 3/ Network with intent   ↳ Connect with people at your target companies.   ↳ Join industry events, both online and offline.   ↳ Request informational interviews to learn about company culture. Networking isn’t just about who you know, but who knows you. 4/ Craft a personalized outreach strategy   ↳ Ditch the generic applications; tailor each one.   ↳ Write direct, engaging emails to hiring managers.   ↳ Highlight how you can solve specific problems for their team. Standing out means showing how you can bring value. 5/ Prepare for every step of the interview   ↳ Research the company’s products, challenges, and culture.   ↳ Practice telling your story with a focus on results.   ↳ Rehearse common interview questions and scenarios. Preparation turns anxiety into confidence. Takeaway: Landing your dream UX job isn’t a matter of luck; it’s about strategy, clarity, and action. TL;DR 1/ Define what you want and where you can add value.   2/ Polish your online presence to attract the right attention.   3/ Network to build meaningful connections.   4/ Personalize every job application and outreach.   5/ Prepare thoroughly for each interview stage. Comment below and let me know your biggest job search challenge. P.S. You wouldn’t trust a designer who doesn’t iterate—so why trust a job search that doesn’t evolve?

How to land your dream job without applying at 400 companies. 99% of people won’t be willing to do this. That means if you do, you will stand out from the rest. What makes me qualified to share? I have interviewed more than 10k people, hired more than 1,000, and sold more than $30M in new business. You’ll see why the sales matters in a minute. I see a lot of posts that say things like “I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs” or “I keep interviewing and can’t get an offer”. Most of the people writing these posts don’t have a sales background. Having sales experience is extremely helpful to a jobseeker. Sales professionals know it is better to put together a targeted campaign focused on your buyer persona than to sell to anyone and everyone. 🚨 Follow these steps to stand out from the crowd: 🚨 1. Top Target List: Instead of “spraying and praying” (applying to hundreds or thousands of jobs), create your top target list. Ideally this is in the 25-50 range. You should know what role, what size company, and what geography you are targeting. Create a list in a spreadsheet. 2. Profiling: Instead of just being another applicant in the ATS, you can do research on your dream companies to find the following: - hiring manager for your role - what they care about - direct contact information Most of this can be done through LinkedIn and Hunter.io. 3. Create a Campaign: Now you can create a targeted outbound campaign. What could a campaign look like? First, and most importantly, it should be multi-touch and multi-channel. Example: - First touch - handwritten letter - Second touch - LinkedIn connection - Third touch - email - Fourth touch - LinkedIn message - Fifth touch - phone call Personally, I would go further but this is a heck of a start. There is a zero percent chance the person will not know who you are by the end of this. Make sure you create custom messaging that resonates with the leader and puts their needs first. 4. Execute. Some people will say this is annoying. Great. Good for them. They won’t hire you. But… 👉Someone will see your initiative. 👉Someone will notice how much further you were willing to go than the other applicants. 👉You will get a shot. 💡And guess what? It will take the same amount of time as applying to hundreds of jobs. 5. Interviews: Now it’s time to stand out in person. First off; 👏 Show. Up. Prepared. - Do your research on the company. - Research the person interviewing you. - Practice your responses to the most common interview questions. - Create a “brag book” and bring it with you. Achievements, metrics, proof that you can do the job. - Follow up with a handwritten thank you note. 🏆 If you do these things, you will be ahead of 99% of applicants. If you want to be different, be different. Follow these steps. I guarantee you will create more opportunities than spraying and praying. What do you think?

New year’s resolutions don't work. If they did, you wouldn't have to make them every year. They’re usually about what not to do, or what to stop doing. Instead, I want to get clear on my goals and create an achievable action plan. I use 6xW + 2xH. Let’s take the example goal of looking for a new job using 6xW + 2xH: 6xW: 1. Why? As Simon Sinek says, start with Why. Why do you want a particular job? Why is this important to you? What is the motivation behind that? Is it money, status, ambition, or does it tap into your core purpose?     2. What?: Be specific. What will your title be? What responsibilities do you want? What salary are you aiming for? What are the non-negotiables? What culture do you thrive in?     3. Where? Where (physically) do you want to work? Do you want to be home based? Do you want to travel? Would you relocate?     4. Which? Make a list of 20 companies you’d love to work for. Which qualifications do you need to get there? Which job boards will you use? Which recruiters will you approach?     5. Who? Who do you want to become? Who can you seek advice from? Who can make introductions for you?     6. When? When will you start your job search? How much time will you put aside for it? How much time for online networking? When will you be in your new job? 2xH: 1. How? The biggie! How will you go about achieving your goal?        Write a list of small achievable tasks you can crack on with every day - such as spending 30 minutes on LinkedIn, or making one call to a recruiter.         How will you improve your CV and LinkedIn profile so that they broadcast the right messages and show the world what you want to be famous for?         How will you develop the skills you need to land your dream job?     2. How many? You only need one job, but working back from that, how many meetings will you have to get to your goal?        How many new quality connections will you make on LinkedIn with people in those 20 target companies?        How many jobs will you apply for each week? If you don’t have time to do everything on your action plan, you need to review it. Make it achievable so you can be consistent. 6xW + 2xH can be used for any goal. Write down the answers to all of these questions so you’re really clear about what you want. Then take small steps towards your goal every day and review your actions every week. What do you think? It’s much more detailed than a new year’s resolution but it will MOVE YOU. Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. May 2025 bring you only good things.

Stuck isn’t a place—it’s a mindset. For years, I thought the perfect career would simply find me. Spoiler: it didn’t. It took courage, curiosity, and a few missteps to realize that staying stuck wasn’t an option—and neither is it for you. Here’s the truth: you have the power to rewrite your story. If 2025 feels like the year to pivot, explore, or reignite your passion, here are 25 practical ways to get started: 1. Align with your values: What truly matters to you? 2. Get curious: What sparks your interest? Follow that thread. 3. Reconnect with your network: Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or peers. 4. Experiment: Test-drive new roles or skills through freelance work or volunteering. 5. Create a side project: Showcase your talents on your terms. 6. Invest in learning: Take a course, read a book, or attend a workshop. 7. Job shadow: Observe someone in a role you aspire to. 8. Update your CV and LinkedIn: Tell your story clearly and authentically. 9. Explore new industries: What field has always intrigued you? Dive in. 10. Set realistic goals: Start with small, actionable steps. 11. Join communities: Surround yourself with people who inspire you. 12. Reflect often: Ask yourself, “What’s working? What’s not?” 13. Prioritize self-care: Don’t let burnout derail your journey. 14. Ask for feedback: From colleagues or trusted friends—it’s invaluable. 15. Attend industry events: Meet people and learn what’s trending. 16. Embrace imperfections: No job (or career pivot) will be flawless. 17. Find a mentor: A guide can make all the difference. 18. Use online resources: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera are gold mines. 19. Research company cultures: Do they align with your values? 20. Develop soft skills: Communication, adaptability, and empathy are timeless. 21. Track your progress: Celebrate every step forward. 22. Stay flexible: Your dream job might look different than you imagine. 23. Consider coaching: A career coach can provide clarity and structure. 24. Take risks: Growth lives outside your comfort zone. 25. Keep going: The journey to your dream career is worth it. I’ve seen it firsthand: when you take brave, intentional steps, amazing opportunities unfold. So, if you’re feeling stuck, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take one small step today. Who knows? Your next big adventure might be closer than you think. 💬 What’s one thing you’ve done to get ‘unstuck’ in your career? ♻️ Think this post could help someone in your network? Share it! 👋🏼 Hey, I’m Utkarsh—Executive Coach and lifelong learner. I share insights on leadership, growth, and living courageously. Follow along for more thoughts and strategies.

Here’s a different way to land your dream job. Stop sending resumes and cover letters. Why? You’re a vanilla scoop in a sea of vanilla scoops. Instead, be the pistachio scoop. How? Pretend you’re hired. Show the work. Pick the company you want to work for. Not because they’re hiring. Because you like what they sell. Find the person who owns the outcome. VP of Sales. Director of Business Development. Then show them you can do the job. Not with words. With evidence. An outreach plan. Who you’d target. How you’d reach them. What you’d say. Why it would work. Then this email: “John I can help you book more meetings with Benefits Directors. To show you how I think, I put together an outreach plan. It covers who I’d contact, the messages I’d use, and the channels I’d test. There’s also a short intro video in the doc for context. Either way, I hope it’s useful.” No begging. No convincing. No attachment. You’re not asking for a job. You’re doing the job. Do the work quietly. Let the right people notice.

Most job seekers make this mistake: They jump straight into applying — and get filtered out before a human even sees their resume. Recruiters use multiple channels to find candidates - job posts, social media, networking, referrals, and sourcing tools. If you're only using a single-channel approach in your job search, it puts you at a disadvantage. Here's the system I've used in my own job search - based on 20 years of recruiting experience: Step 1: Build your recruiter magnet - Make sure your LinkedIn matches your resume. No contradictions - Showcase your work with links to your portfolio, GitHub, and relevant projects - Use a headline that signals what you do well - not just your current job title Step 2: Apply smart - Set job alerts on LinkedIn and Google - Apply within 8 hours of a posting going live - timing matters - Follow up directly with the hiring manager via LinkedIn DM and email Keep it short, relevant, and focused on why you're genuinely interested Step 3: Stay visible - Comment on posts from people at your target companies - Share 1–2 posts a week about what you’re learning, building, or thinking about - Connect with folks on the teams you’d want to join - Engage in Niche Communities: Go where the pros are. This could be a specific Slack or Discord community for their field (e.g., "Product-Led Alliance" for product managers, "DataTalks.Club" for data scientists), a professional association, or local meetups. Active, helpful participation there gets you noticed by senior people Step 4: Leverage weak ties (AKA - The Hidden Job Market) Everyone knows to ask close friends for help. The real magic is in "weak ties" — former colleagues, friends of friends, people you met once at an event. A quick "Hey, keeping an eye out for marketing roles and thought of your company" works. Step 5: Follow the Funding (follow the money): Sites like TechCrunch or Crunchbase announce new funding rounds. A newly funded company is almost always looking to hire. Reaching out right after a big announcement is a great way to get on their radar early. Something to add? Need help with any of the above? Drop a note in the comments! #jobsearchstrategy #recruitingtips #careerplaybook #jobhunting2025

8 Steps to Land Your Dream Job in the Next 15 Weeks  (a full roadmap) 2025 is around the corner, and the job market is improving! If you're still job searching, here’s a proven 8-step strategy to land your dream offer in the next 100–150 days:   1/ Prepare Early with a Clear Plan   - Research target roles and companies now, even if job hunting is months away.   - Create a timeline: break tasks into skills prep, resume updates, and networking.   - Understand hiring processes (like ATS) to optimize your applications.   - Connect with alumni or professionals for practical career insights.   2/ Curate a Dream Company List   - List 30–50 target companies of all sizes that excite you.   - Research their hiring timelines, positions, and culture.   - Follow them on LinkedIn, subscribe to job alerts, and identify key contacts (HR, managers).   - Prioritize companies and tailor applications based on your preferences.   3/ Leverage LinkedIn for Networking   - Optimize your profile: create a clear headline and summary of your job goals.   - Send personalized connection requests to alumni or professionals in your field.   - Engage with content—comment meaningfully to stand out.   - Book coffee chats or 1:1 calls to build genuine relationships.   4/ Tailor Your Resume for Each Role   - Customize resumes for every application: align keywords with job descriptions.   - Highlight measurable achievements over responsibilities (e.g., "Increased sales by 30%").   - Keep it concise (1 page) and error-free.   - Ensure professional contact info is visible.   5/ Build a Digital Portfolio (If Applicable)   - Showcase your projects, designs, or skills on a portfolio site.   - Include key projects with links, results, and clear challenges solved.   - Use a clean layout and add a relatable "About Me" section.   6/ Practice Behavioral & Technical Interviews   - Use the STAR method for structured answers to behavioral questions.   - Record mock answers to refine clarity and body language.   - Practice technical and common questions with peers or mentors.   - Get feedback to fine-tune responses and build confidence.   7/ Stay Resilient During Applications   - Expect rejections and don’t take them personally.   - Track applications in a spreadsheet for better follow-ups.   - Celebrate small wins: recruiter calls, interviews, or email responses.   - Stay motivated with support groups or job-seeking communities.   8/ Follow Up & Stay in Touch   - Send thank-you notes after interviews, referencing specifics from the conversation.   - Follow up after 1–2 weeks to express continued interest.   - Maintain relationships: share articles, congratulate achievements, or check in occasionally.  Take these steps, make them yours, and trust the process. Success is closer than you think! – If you're currently seeking a job or searching for an internship, do check out my course on Job Hunting: Link: https://lnkd.in/g33ktw-U

I’ve helped 1,000+ people land their dream jobs in the last 3 years. Here are the strategies that worked for them: 1️⃣ Treat Your Job Hunt Like a Job in Itself: - Most people desperately need a job, but they don’t treat job hunting seriously. - Schedule time daily for job searching, networking, and following up. Use Google calendar for this. - Research companies and tailor your resume for each role. Follow up consistently—persistence pays off! 2️⃣ Network Before You Need a Job - Networking isn’t just for when you're jobless—it’s an ongoing investment. - Engage with professionals on LinkedIn through comments and DMs. - Connect with people in your target companies before you need a referral. Here is a plan you can follow: Send 5 connection requests every day. Comment on 10 posts every day. Create a post about your learnings per week. 3️⃣ Master the Art of Cold Emails Cold emails can open doors to opportunities you never even knew existed. Make it a habit to: - Reach out to at least 3 new people daily. - Personalize your message—explain why you’re a great fit (skills, experience, proof of work). - Use tools like Apollo, EasyLeadz, or RocketReach to find emails. 4️⃣ Tap Into Your Existing Network Your next job might come from your college alumni or ex-colleagues. Search for your target company on LinkedIn > Find people you’re already connected with (alum or colleagues) > Ask for an intro it works most of the time! 5️⃣ Prepare Like a Pro Getting an interview call is only half the battle. Research the company, common questions, and past interview experiences. Practice mock interviews (with a friend or ChatGPT). Prepare answers for questions like: ✅ "Tell me about yourself" ✅ "How would you improve X product?" ✅ "How do you handle stakeholder challenges?" Remember: "If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail." 6️⃣ Deserve What You Desire - You can’t just wish for a job—you have to earn it. - Acquire the right skills through courses, projects, or mentorship. - Talk to people in your target roles to understand what they actually do. - Build proof of work (side projects, blogs, open-source contributions). Most importantly—be genuinely passionate about what you do. After all, you’ll spend your most valuable time and energy on it. P.S. I am on a mission to help people get their dream jobs in product management. If you are PM or aspiring PM looking for your next role, do send me a message or comment below, I will send you curated resources to help you get your next PM role! Best of luck.

6 steps to find and land your dream job in sales: 👇 Most people rush into interviews with low confidence and a copy-paste resume. That’s why they don’t get past the first round (or called back at all). Here’s what top earners actually do to stand out: 1. Build a Brag Book Before you convince someone else, you need to convince yourself. List every deal closed, quota crushed, and obstacle overcome. Confidence isn’t a mindset—it’s math. Stack your proof. Re-read it before every call. 2. Update Your LinkedIn Like It's Your Sales Page Nobody reads resumes anymore. Hiring managers stalk LinkedIn. Make yours a highlight reel. Use metrics. Add a sharp photo. 3. Shortlist 5 Dream Companies (with Proof) This isn’t spray and pray. Use RepVue to find comp ranges, culture scores, and ramp times. Then make a real short list. 5 companies max. The ones where you’d actually grow, earn, and stay. 4. Leverage the Network (and Their Referral Bonuses) AEs get PAID to refer you. So message sellers at your dream companies. Ask them to refer you in. You’re not annoying them—you’re helping them make money. 5. Send a Direct Video to Sales Leaders Skip HR. Go to the CRO, RVP, or frontline leader. Record a 60-second video: Why them. Why now. Why you. It’ll 10x your reply rate—and show you sell like an AE, not a job-seeker. 6. Prep Like a Top Rep Research the hiring manager. Write a 30-60-90. Bring a go-to-market plan. Show up with insight, not just interest. The best reps don’t ask for the job—they make you want to fight to hire them. Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up— If you want to land your dream role in tech— don’t apply like a candidate. Sell like a closer. This is how you stand out. This is how you win.