How to get the perfect job! 3 Steps

Looking for your first job? Changing your current job or a better deal? Eventually, we all find yourself in search of income. For most, this means finding work. But who wants to just work for money?

“Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius

For most of us, this isn’t enough. We want to find a job that offers us something much more valuable. We want to spend our time engaged in rewarding work. We need a sense of inner fulfillment.

We want the right job so that we need not work a day in our life.

This may seem unrealistic, dreamy or outright impossible. It’s not! It’ll require a bit of focus and self-reflection, but it’s rather straightforward.

Before we begin, I’d ask that you make a commitment to yourself. Focus on Fulfillment, not finances. If that’s not possible, you’re in the wrong place. You’re not looking for the ‘perfect’ job. You’re looking for money. This is a hollow ambition. That, for most, leads to frustration, disappointment, and regret.

Let’s avoid that!

Ok, if you’re still reading, I’ll assume we’re on the same page. Let’s explore some advanced hacks on how to get the perfect job.

Identify the Perfect Career for You

The first step is to take an honest look inward. In this section we’ll explore a couple of essential questions:

1. What types of jobs best suit my personality?
2. What do I REALLY want to get out of a job?

The second step is to explore the most effective methods of finding opportunities that will satisfy the answers we derive from the above questions.

The third step covers the best methods for applying and getting hired fast.

The ideal job means something different to everyone. The key to finding a career you love is to know what you are good at, what interests you and how you genuinely like to spend your time. Let’s find out what that means for you.

What job is best for my personality type?

Our personality is key to how we interface with the world. That is, how we perceive, experience, express and communicate with the world around us. Jobs have ‘personalities’ of their own. It’s important to find one that you find agreeable and effortlessly assimilated.

Below will cover common personality types and some compatible jobs. You will likely find that you are a little of this and a little of that. You won’t find a list of every single compatible job there is.

Consider each carefully and honestly assess yourself. Not, who you wish you were but who you are now. You may change in time, and so to can your job. For now, let’s focus on what is. Not what may be.

Do you tend toward Extraversion or Introversion?

In which direction do you tend to express your energy? If you prefer dealing with people, things, and situations (the world around you), then you tend toward Extraversion. If you prefer focus inward toward ideas, information, explanations or beliefs, then you tend towards Introversion.

The Letter E = Extroversion & I = Introversion

Do you tend toward Sensing or Intuition?

What type of information or ‘stuff’ do you prefer to deal with? If you prefer clarity, dealing with what is known (observable) and facts, then you tend towards Sensing. If you prefer to consider the unknown, abstract ideas, and new possibilities, then you tend towards Intuition.

The letter S = Sensing & N = Intuition

Do you tend toward Thinking and Feeling?

How do you make decisions? If you usually make decisions based on logic and analytics in a detached objective manner, then you tend towards Thinking. If you prefer making decisions based on your personal beliefs and values, then you tend towards Feeling.

The letter T = Thinking & F = Feeling

Do you tend toward Judgment and Perception?

What is your approach to managing life? If you prefer a well-structured and thoroughly planned approach, then you tend towards Judging (this is NOT the same as being ‘Judgmental’). If you prefer a more spontaneous, go-with-the-flow, flexible approach, then you tend towards Perception.

The letter J = Judging & P = Perceiving

Career Matches by Personality Type

Below several compatible jobs for each personality type. This is not an exhaustive list by any means but provides a basis from which you can create your own list of optimally suited job opportunities.

SJ Career Matches (Protectors)

ESTJ Career Matches (Overseers)

Accountant	Business Administrator	Editor
Senior Manager	Business Analyst	Technical Specialist
Auditor	Computer Specialist	Nursing Administrator
Military Officer	Detective	Underwriter
Banker	Scientist	Professor
Financial Officer	Judge	Lecturer
Government Worker	Insurance Agent	Manager
Engineer	Economist	Librarian
Police Officer	Teacher	Researcher

ESFJ Career Matches (Supporters)

Accountant	Family Doctor	Administrator
Bookkeeper	Homemaker	Speech Pathologist
Child Care	Nurse	Organization Leader
Church Worker	Teacher	Receptionist
Human Resources	Social Worker
Counselor	Office Manager

ISTJ Career Matches (Examiners)

Accountant	Detective	Librarian
Military Officer	Scientist	Executive
Police Officer	Math Teacher	Steelworker
Administrator	Lawyer/Attorney	Electrician
Auditor	Judge	Mechanical Engineer
Medical Doctor	Manager	Systems Analyst
Dentist	Computer Programmer	Technical Specialist
Financial Officer	Computer Specialist	Technician

ISFJ Career Matches (Defenders)

Administrator	Counselor	Nurse
Career Counselor	Human Resources	Auditor
Child Care	Medical Technologist	Bookkeeper
Police Officer	Office Manager	Business Analyst
Church Worker	Shopkeeper	Health Service
Clerical Supervisor	Researcher	Homemaker
Counselor	Scientist	Writer
Medical Doctor	Senior Manager	Military
Social Worker	Early Childhood Development	Accountant
Actor/Actress	Librarian	Administrative Assistant

SP Career Matches (Creators)

ESTP Career Matches (Persuaders)

Carpenter	Firefighter	Marketer
Craftsman	Military	Project Manager
Paramedic/EMT	Farmer	Computer Technician
Police Officer	Comedian	Sales Agent
Detective	IT Support
Driver	Entrepreneur

ESFP Career Matches (Entertainers)

Athlete	Musician	Manager
Artist	Painter	Sales Agent
Actor/Actress	Performer	Teacher
Coach	Photographer	Journalist
Fashion Designer	Public Relations	Shopkeeper
Entrepreneur	Receptionist	Animal Trainer
Social Worker	Supervisor	Firefighter
Recreation Worker	Broadcaster/Newscaster	Dancer
Comedian	Pediatrician	Public Speaker
Interior Decorator	Singer	Events Coordinator
Marketer	Nurse

ISTP Career Matches (Craftsmen)

Athlete	Pilot	Human Resources
Carpenter	Police Officer	Marketer
Construction Worker	Probation Officer	Computer Programmer
Mechanic	Detective	Computer Specialist
Military	Driver	Project Manager
Motorcyclist	Electrical Engineer	Sales Agent
Paramedic/EMT	Engineer	Scientist
Farmer	Steelworker	Systems Analyst
Firefighter	Transportation Operative	Technical Specialist
Forensic Pathologist	Entrepreneur	Business Analyst

ISFP Career Matches (Artists)

Artist	Social Worker	Nurse
Carpenter	Designer	Mechanic
Teacher	Physical Therapist	Writer
Chef	Veterinarian	Personal Service Worker
Child Care	Early Childhood Development	X-Ray Technician
Pediatrician	Park Ranger	Medical Staff
Church Worker	Librarian	Dental Staff
Clerical Supervisor	Editor	Homemaker
Composer	Musician
Counselor	Naturalist

NT Career Matches (Intellectuals)

ENTJ Career Matches (Chiefs)

Business Administrator	Computer Consultant	Systems Analyst
Executive	Lawyer/Attorney	Teacher
Entrepreneur	Judge	Professor
Manager	Scientist
Politician	Banker

ENTP Career Matches (Originators)

Engineer	Marketer	Writer
Computer Analyst	Politician	Photographer
Computer Programmer	Psychiatrist	Sales Agent
Entrepreneur	Psychologist	Comedian
Inventor	Consultant	Actor/Actress
Journalist	Scientist	Musician
Lawyer/Attorney	Systems Analyst

INTJ Career Matches (Strategists)

Systems Analyst	Scientist	Manager
Computer Programmer	Medical Doctor	Judge
Entrepreneur	Lawyer/Attorney	Teacher
Computer Specialist	Professor	Organization Founder
Engineer	Psychologist	Dentist
Corporate Strategist	Business Administrator
Researcher	Military Officer

INTP Career Matches (Engineers)

Professor	Computer Specialist	Network Specialist
Scientist	Economist	Judge
Archaeologist	Engineer	Lawyer/Attorney
Architect	Inventor	Legal Mediator
Mathematician	Psychiatrist	Project Manager
Artist	Psychologist	Financial Planner
Technical Writer	Investigator	Banker
Philosopher	Teacher	Researcher
Strategic Planner	Logician	Consultant
Systems Analyst	Marketer	Photographer
Computer Animator	Translator/Interpreter
Computer Programmer	Musician

NF Career Matches (Visionaries)

ENFJ Career Matches (Mentors)

Teacher	Librarian	Homemaker
Professor	Writer	Musician
Social Worker	Nurse	Designer
Career Counselor	Diplomat	Engineer
Counselor	Consultant	Occupational Therapist
Therapist	Artist	Politician
Psychologist	Editor	Project Manager
Psychiatrist	Administrator	Sales Agent
Church Worker	Actor/Actress	Senior Manager
Trainer	Events Coordinator
Human Resources	Facilitator

ENFP Career Matches (Advocates)

Journalist	Professor	Merchandise Planner
Social Worker	Musician	Career Counselor
Conference Planner	Lawyer/Attorney	Speech Pathologist
Diplomat	Church Worker	Entrepreneur
Writer	Counselor	Dietitian/Nutritionist
Nurse	Therapist	Human Resources
Public Relations	Psychologist	Consultant
Politician	Art Director	Marketer
Housing Director	Project Manager	Occupational Therapist
Editor	Artist	Social Scientist
Broadcaster/Newscaster	Painter
Teacher	Actor/Actress

INFJ Career Matches (Confidants)

Counselor	Educational Consultant	Librarian
Clergy	Child Care	Artist
Therapist	Child Development	Actor/Actress
Writer	Church Worker	Medical Doctor
Missionary	Teacher	Alternative Medicine
Psychiatrist	Musician	Designer
Psychologist	Photographer	Human Resources
Social Worker	Professor	Trainer

INFP Career Matches (Dreamers)

Activist	Actor/Actress	Translator/Interpreter
Church Worker	Artist	Social Scientist
Missionary	Journalist	Web Designer
Educational Consultant	Professor	Photographer
Social Worker	Minister	Human Resources
Physical Therapist	Filmmaker	Video Editor
Fashion Designer	Librarian	Holistic Health Practitioner
Counselor	Editor	Speech Pathologist
Teacher	Graphic Designer	Employee Development Specialist
Musician	Writer	Researcher
Therapist	Psychologist

* Special Thanks: All Tables from PersonalityMax.com

Note that each person, even of the same type, is different and no career in these lists should be considered as an automatic perfect match. These lists should be taken as suggestions for exploration. But, it helps us determine how to get the perfect job.

Career recommendations from Personality Max

• https://personalitymax.com/personality-types/careers/
• https://personalitymax.com/personality-test/ – for a free personality test

What do you really want from an ideal job?

Keep the previous section in mind as we move forward. The specifics and the measure of importance for everything discussed will vary some based on your personality type.

What we’re looking for here is happiness. Happiness is not exactly the goal, but a symptom of fulfilling certain essential needs and desires. It’s not something to be pursued or obtained. It is a reward to be enjoyed from a well-oriented mind operating in a well-suited environment.

But, what about money?

Isn’t this what a job is all about? If I didn’t need money, why would I even get a job? Maybe this hasn’t crossed your mind. If not, great. But it has crossed the minds of many and it’s understandable. Yes, money is important, but enough is enough. Your life circumstances may require a certain amount and that will be an important factor in your job search. However, financial requirements considered, most will still find a wide range of career paths and job opportunities to choose from.

Let money play its part, but it will not keep you happy at your job. Consider what will be covered below. Most of us need more than a paycheck for a sense of purpose, community, fulfillment and the like.

Questions to consider when assessing a job opportunity:

Will I feel a sense of accomplishment from this job?

A sense of accomplishment is often considered one of the most important factors in employee satisfaction and workplace happiness.

Consider how your outlook, attitude, and mood will be affected, if you can see the results of your work having a positive impact on the company.

If you want that sense of accomplishment, look for companies, teams, departments, jobs that are achievement-oriented. During your search, watch for things like “regular check-ins with the boss”, “great feedback”, or words like “goals” or “benchmarks” in job postings (reference – Monster.com).

Look for employers that define success and motivate teams to achieve in a way that speaks to you. That provides a sense of accomplishment through observing the impact of your work from one benchmark to the next.

Will I be appreciated for the work I do at this job?

Most people want to feel like they’re doing great work and that that work is recognized. This can come in a variety of ways. From a thank-you email to a promotion or pay raise. It’s important to do honestly evaluate how valuable such recognition is to you.

If you’re not receiving the positive reinforcement you feel you deserve, it can negatively impact your attitude and eventually performance.

It’s often the case that an employee’s work is recognized and appreciated but the boss fails to communicate this to the employee. So, if demonstrations of appreciation are important to you look to try to get current employee feedback.

Is this a place I can make friends?

Relationships are one of the most reliable predictors of workplace happiness. The better the workplace relationships the happier the employee.

“Employees who have good relationships with their co-workers are 2.5 times more likely to be happy on the job than those who don’t get along well with their peers, the survey found. Meanwhile, a Gallup poll found that close work friendships boost employee satisfaction by 50%.” – Monster.com

To get a sense of your future co-workers and the social environment, try to find and connect with current members of the team, company or department you’d be joining. Ask questions about how friendly everyone is and how much socializing takes place in and out of work hours. You can also ask your interviewer about the team you’ll be working with.

Is this job worth bragging about?

Is the company you’re considering one you’d be proud to work for? Does it represent values you agree with and contribute value to your community or the world in general?

Feeling great about the company you work for is a strong contributor to overall happiness. If you’re not excited to tell others about getting hired (or the possibility of getting hired) at a job, it may be a poor fit.

Finding the right job

The next step in ‘How to get the perfect job’ is to find the best opportunities to choose from. As we move forward, stay focused and committed. There may be moments where you question yourself and doubt the opportunities ahead. Remember, your dream job is within your reach.

Let’s explore several hacks to help you find that right job faster.

Seeing 180

At this point, you should have an idea of what industry you want to enter, and as we move forward you should become increasingly clear on exactly where you want to focus your efforts and get hired.

However, resist the tunnel vision. Tunnel vision is a potential threat to all job seekers. Focusing too narrowly can create self-imposed limits on job growth, opportunities, a higher income, and happier work life.

You may have always done marketing, sales, HR (… you name it) in a given industry (healthcare, finance, tech… so on). You may be inclined to narrow your search to stay within this industry.

Don’t!

Even if most of your experience lies in one industry, don’t limit your opportunities. Opening your field of view may reveal the beat job opportunity for you.

Laying out the Welcome mat

Before going any further, layout the ‘Welcome mat’. Signing up with the best job boards and sites for your goals. For some, this isn’t the best course of action, or just not necessary. However, most will improve their job search results with these sites.

Upload your resume and make it as accessible and easy to find. Different sites have different settings and search options. For now, make sure you can be seen. Especially if you’re looking at hard-to-fill positions.

These sites can be useful in several ways. They make searching more efficient. You can save job searches and review your application history. Most allow you to apply to multiple jobs without needing to upload a new resume every time. Plus, most offer a variety of useful email alerts. This alone makes them invaluable.

Recruiters are ready to receive resumes as soon as they post a job listing. Early submissions are often viewed more favorably and what many recruiters judge later submission by.

Connect and have fun

Another advanced hack, whatever your interests, career objectives or experience in an industry, is to get engaged NOW!

Make your goal your world now. Go to lectures, events, functions, and meetups related to your goals. Don’t go to find a job. Go to have fun, meet interesting people, and have fun. Let relationships develop naturally and watch as your professional network expands.

Tapping the grapevine

Get acquainted with and connect to people in your industry via social media sites like LinkedIn. Identify professionals in your industry and reach out by offering them value; don’t just pursue your interests and wants. Your interest in finding a great job will be made clear through your SM pages and other exchanges. Ask them to connect you with others who may have connections to the job you seek. Take full advantage or the power of word-of-mouth.

Utilize all available tools

Save time and refine your job search with advanced search options on job boards. All the main job-sites (like Indeed.com, SimplyHired.com, CareerBuilder, and Monster.com), have “Advanced Search” functions. Use these! Search by keyword, location, a radius of a location, job title, company, type of job, date posted and other options.

Ready… Aim… Snoop!

Time to target specific companies. Imagine yourself going to work every Monday morning with a giant smile on your face. Why? Because you love your job and what you do. You’re proud of the company you work for and what they are about. You care about and enjoy the company of your coworkers.

Now make a list of 10 to 20 companies that hold your vision together.

Not sure which companies will meet your standards and fulfill your vision. No problem. Time to investigate.

Use job-sites and social media to explore company profiles and employee reviews. Reviews are especially valuable. They are posted by current and former employees and paint a picture of a company’s culture, work-life, benefits, and even salary insights.

Continue your research until you’ve found 10 to 20 companies that you think will hold your dream job vision together.

Now that we’ve identified 10-20 companies that meet our expectations, we must find out how we can show them we will meet all their expectations as well.

Go through each company on your list. Researching their history, employee size, mission, vision for the future, and any related press releases. You’ll want to develop a VERY clear and accurate understanding of the company, what it’s about and its vision for the future.

Now we want to be the clear and obvious new hire choice. Search for current and past employees on LinkedIn. Note their job experience, education level, any special training or certifications. Also, take note of any relevant personal information that may help clarify what sort of employees the company values.

Lastly, like, follow and engage with them on all their social media channels. And, sign-up for a weekly newsletter if they have one. In short, get connected and stay informed. Be among the first to see new opportunities when they come up.

Applying for the Perfect Job

Once you’ve found the job you want, it’s time to submit a resume. Stand out from other potential applicants by writing a convincing cover letter and you may land an interview. Prepare for your interviews, be well-groomed and pro-active but not aggressive.

Be Selective

Stick to the companies you’ve identified. Applying to every job opportunity can improve your chances of getting selected for an interview. Focus your time on doing your best with a limited pool of ideal jobs. Don’t waste time applying to everything you see.

Don’t Stop

Apply to every company/job on your list immediately. Don’t wait for one to reply before you apply to the next.

Custom Covers

Custom write every cover letter for each job. You only have a few seconds to get noticed amongst numerous potential applicants! The first paragraph of your cover letter should make clear what you have to offer the company.

Custom Resumes

Don’t just customize every cover letter. Every job application deserves a unique resume. Carefully tweak your resume to match the job listing as closely as possible. Mirror keywords and phrases used in the listing. Adjust everything from the Summary to your Skills and present yourself as much an exact match as possible.

Dress for Success

Like it or not, what you wear matters. Especially in an interview. Be well-groomed and dress like a successful professional in your profession iconically would. Maybe appearances shouldn’t matter so much, but they do. First impressions are formed largely based on appearance and they tend to influence ongoing perceptions. Dress well and make a great first impression. It’s more likely that any slip-up will be overlooked, and that you will make a lasting positive impression.

Don’t just talk… Narrate

For better or worse, we’re all performers playing our parts on life’s stage. Interviews are no exception and, in some cases, a great place to entertain. Nothing beats a good story when it comes to communicating your skills, experience, and personality. Don’t just itemize your skill sets and experience. Don’t just tell them How you’d handle situation X, Y and Z. Use stories to communicate the facts in context and with greater depth and relevance.

Express Gratitude

Whether you get the job or not, you were given an opportunity. Make sure to let them know you recognize and appreciate that. Prepare a general Thankyou card prior to starting interviews. Then make custom adjustments and send them after the interview.

Warning! Don’t do these things

Slow but sure. The turtle usually wins this race. Be proactive and productive but DON’T rush. You may be templated to hurriedly apply when you come across a job that really captures your interest.

Be prepared and applied quickly but rushing it can cost you a job.

Don’t address your application with, “Whom It May Concern?”

It gives a very different impression when a hiring manager reads, “Dear NAME,”. Make sure you take the time to give the right impression. Every step of the application process!

Check the job listing (or whatever the source) for the correct Name and Email. If it’s not readily available, take the time to find it.

Typos can Kill

Typos can kill any chance you may have had at getting a job. Rushing to apply can result in little mistakes with big consequences. Take the time to read, re-read and proofread again.

Have someone else read through your resume and cover letter.

Something I like to do is read through everything backward. I’ll start with the last sentence and work my way through the document in reverse. This helps me bypass the brains’ tendency to reorganize things into a coherent picture even if when it alters reality. Your ‘unconscious’ mind can and will present things to the conscious mind in a coherent and expected manner. This can result in our missing simple spelling and grammar mistakes.

Failure to appreciate your dream job

Make sure your resume is customized for every job. Don’t be in such a rush that you fool yourself into thinking the version you sent the last job is close enough. It’s NOT!

The resume you submit must highlight the qualifications that are most relevant to every job you apply to. It takes time to clearly align your skills with the job description. Take the time to do this and the hiring manager will see that you are a good fit.