Searching for your dream job? You have two options…

Are you still looking for your dream job and/or are you still undecided what to do for your future after graduating?

Have you applied to hundreds of jobs and you are still stuck with the Barista job at Starbucks, making burgers at McDonalds or selling clothes at TK Maxx and you gave up looking because your confidence is now as low as ever?

Graduate jobs are at an all-time high, but it is also worth considering that 70% of around 300,000 graduates leave university with a 2:1 or a first, while the number of graduate positions is much lower.

The reality, added to those are scaring statistics, will probably make you think that going to university was just a waste of time. However, there is a way that can be considered in order to defeat your competition, actually, there are two ways that are worth to consider in order to aspire to your dream job.

This can be the beginning for gaining the position that you always wanted, or it might be the first step that gives you the right skills to work for the company that you want to work for.

Option 1 – Look internally from inside!

Many companies advertise through agencies in order be more visible, but the number of applicants always far exceeds the number of positions available!

If you work for a company and enjoy their culture, you might be able to apply internally. You can either look for that position on the company’s career website or to their own portal where only members of staff can see.

This is not a bad idea, since you probably have already made some valuable connections with your area manager that might be able to provide you with useful advice and recommend you for that position rather than anyone that is applying externally.

I suggest you to make good connections within the company and, while you are working you have to show that you are willing to work hard, learn different skills and get to know the administrative part of the job. If you do a good job, the manager is willing to provide good feedback to the area manager. If you don’t do a good job, it produces the opposite effect and it will make it harder.

Option 2 – Look internally, from outside!

Do you have any friends that made it and you are jealous of their achievements? Or you know someone, even relatives that hold good positions within a company? Don’t be jealous. Benefit from them.

You can ask them if they can look internally if the company they work for are currently recruiting. Invite them for a coffee and have a chat with them and invite them to visit your work place while you are working.

You can show your capabilities, you are willing to work hard and do a good job. The chances are that they will be willing to recommend you within their company. Whichever option you pick, 1 or 2, make sure that you show them that you are willing to work hard.

Don’t be shy. Just go for it. You have nothing to lose. Positions are there to be filled, your hard work can be your cover letter and your skills can be your CV. What is more beneficial than the real life experience?

Italian born Damiano (also known as Damien), has lived in the UK since 2000. Damien is University of Westminster alumni with a 2:1 in International Business, and is currently employed as the manager of coffee shop, Massarella (part of Massarella Catering Group Ltd).