5 things you can start doing today to score your dream job

5 things you can start doing today to score your dream job5 things you can start doing today to score your dream jobFor some people, landing that dream job can feel like a bit of pipedream. After all, not everyone gets the chance to do what they want for the rest of their lives and get paid for it, right? But those whodoget to make money out of doing what they love would tell you that it absolutely can be done. That said, theres no fast way to get there - you have to continuously put in the hard work. Here are some things you can start doing today to score that dream jobFollow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreStart smallUnfortunately, you cant expect to get your dream job right away- you have to work your way up. Its important to understand what roles will get you to where you want to be. For example, TV producers dont start out as producers right away. You need to gain the right set o f skills and a reasonable amount of experience.The Telegraph explains that you need to develop a profile for your dream job, which means finding opportunities to prepare you for the role. Look for additional educational courses or online learning that will benefit you. Another good way is to talk to a career coach and get assessments on the improvements you need to make to help you get your dream job.Be proactiveIf youre currently employed and youre looking to go to the next level, step up.The Motley Fool points out that simply clocking in, day in and day out, wont cut it and it doesnt necessarily qualify you for better opportunities. In incredibly saturated industries like marketing and creative companies, if you dream of reaching a top role you have to proactively ask your boss what you need to do to land that role. Volunteer for projects and tasks that dont normally fall under your current job description. Show some initiative to move up the ladder by actively looking for new way s to help your team and the business.Develop your networking skillsCosmopolitan notes that networking can land you your dream job, but you have to remember that its a two-way street. Make yourself available for people without waiting for them to return the favour immediately. In the legal industry, for example, connections are vital to success.U.S. Legal consulting firm Special Counsel reveals that 70% of their associate placementsare actually for positions that were never advertised or posted publicly. This is a direct reflection of not just their job market knowledge, but also how they rely on long-term strategic partnerships between leading law firms and their swimming-pool of experienced associates. In any industry, genuine bonds, in your company and outside of it, will help you reach your goals because these people are more likely to recommend you and promote your talent.Appreciate criticismEven though you know youre good at what you do, you cant possibly know everything- youre bound to make mistakes So, learn to take criticism as a positive thing. Not enough people use criticism to their advantage. For one, when you know your weaknesses, you have a better chance of making the necessary improvements. Criticism can also serve as a great motivator- everything you learn about yourself through feedback can serve as inspiration to try and do better the next time around.Take risksIts never too late to go after your dream job, especially if youre in one that doesnt fulfil you.In this post, we discussed that if your gut is telling you that something isnt right, then it probably isnt. If your current job isnt rewarding, take the risk and open yourself up to other opportunities. Let your new and improved networking skills guide you to your dream job. Dont be afraid to reach out to people and express your desires for a new role. If your current company isnt appreciating what you bring to the team, you have every right to chase after a career that will make you happy .This article first appeared on A Girl in Progress.