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Breaking into our Dream Industry

Author: Lavie Margolin, Career Coach 

Some of us have dreamed of working in a high profile industry: sports, publishing, television or the movies. The work may sound exciting, almost like it is not work at all!  Many do gain significant satisfaction by working in an industry that is glamorous and exciting. But remember, it is still a job and sometimes not all that it is cracked up to be. For a glaring example, see the book/movie, The Devil Wears Prada.  If you do want to make a change and break into one of these (or other) high profile industries, here are some tips:

Understand the industry: Every industry has its own business trade journals, magazine, websites and blogs. This will be helpful in gaining an understanding of the inner workings of the business. You will also be able to stay on top of big news that will help guide you to where the jobs are. Follow the money trail: what companies were very successful, who might be looking to expand and hire and what skills are desired.

Talk the talk: To be able to work in an industry, you must be able to understand the language and communicate in industry terms. Your resume should reflect the work that you have done in the way that they would write it in that industry. When you interview, you have to interview in their language.

Meet the players: Using LinkedIn, see who you are already connected to that knows someone in your industry of interest. Request the person to facilitate a meeting between the two of you. Go in with clear objectives and be able to explain what you can bring to the industry. Go to industry conventions and gatherings as opposed to job fairs. Conventions are packed with workers in the industry big and small. Try to meet as many people as possible to make connections.

Make an impression as a professional, not a fan: Those in a position to hire want employees that can help them make money, not those that just love watching their television show. An appreciation for the product is a plus but it is your skills that will get you the job.  

By connecting with industry professionals and demonstrating your knowledge of the field, your chances for breaking in to that industry will increase exponentially. Once you get your break, be prepared to work hard as it is a job just like any other.  

About the Author: Lavie Margolin is a New York-based Career Coach and the author of Lion Cub Job Search: Practical Job Search Assistance for Practical Job Seekers. To learn more, go to Lavie’s website, Lion Cub Job Search: www.Lioncubjobsearch.com

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