d’bug shares tips, tricks, and advice with Web development professionals

You are about to get advice from someone who is not in their dream job. I like the work that I do, but even my boss knows I do not envision myself in this position forever. I want to write fiction novels instead. Not for the fame, or even the fortune. I just want people to enjoy reading what I write, and I want to make a living doing it. That is where landing your dream job starts — with a single moment of clarity regarding what you really want.

1. Write it down

Write it all down. Saying you want to be a paramedic, or teacher, or entrepreneur is not enough. You want to save lives, shape young minds or build a better Twitter. Get specific with all of your dream job goals.

2. Talk to two people in your dream job

One is not enough. Actually, talk to more than two people who are doing your dream job. Read trade magazines, read books, go to conferences, and find out if your dream can really become a reality.

3. Aim high, not average

Many people seeking their dream job do not even think enough of themselves to land just an interview. Aim higher than normal, and in the process you will gain advice from professionals on where you stand.

4. Find out where you fall short

If you are unable to get your foot in the door, then you need to find out where you fall short. Go back to those people you talked to in step 2, and ask them about their experience and education.

5. Consider all of your educational opportunities

You might need a PhD for the dream job you want, or maybe you can get by with some remedial training, or a certification. Academia can provide some great insight into dream job requirements.

6. Put your toe in the water

I write short stories and submit them to major publications. These are not novels, but I am putting my toe in the water. How can you get exposed to your dream job without actually doing it?

7. Become a people person

I may not be in my dream job at the present, but where I am I got to because I learned to build relationships. Some dream jobs are just like that. It is not how much you know, but who you know.