Okay, so where can you find this new job? There is no magic answer for how to find the perfect job. Many people rely on word of mouth. For example, a friend may tell you that her company is looking for a new person. Or you can look in the classifieds of your local paper, which posts its listings online. Many towns and community centers have career centers with lots of information about local companies that have jobs. And, of course, the Internet offers lots of options if you use it well. Type in the name of the company you’re interested in. Then click the Human Resources link and search the current openings. You can even fill out the application online. You might want to look online at headhunters and employment agencies, too. You can plug in the type of job you’re looking for, and they will send you periodic updates and listings. Many places will ask for references. References are people who know you and your work and will tell a potential employer that you’re a good worker. If you want to use someone as a reference, be sure to ask them before submitting their name. If you want people to say good things about you, it helps if they are expecting the question before the new employer calls.

Okay, so you’ve found a job that you think is your dream job. It’s really important to look beyond the salary they will be paying you. It’s important to be sure you’re a good fit for the job. And it’s important to think about the entire compensation package. What benefits does the company offer? The one most people check out first is a healthy plan. These plans can be very complex and confusing, so do your homework and make sure you understand what is included and what is excluded. You may get a choice of different plans, and the company will probably give you paperwork explaining each. If you have questions, the person with all the benefits information is the HR specialist. Other benefits may include dental insurance, life insurance, and short-term and long-term disability insurance. You can elect or decline some of these; if you elect to take them, you will probably have to pay some amount out of each paycheck for the extra coverage. Think carefully. If you choose not to take the insurance and something happens, you could be looking at a huge bill. Other things to think about when you get a job offer are vacation time and sick leave. How many days will you get? Does the company offer a pension plan or an individual Retirement Account (IRA)? Some places will even offer tuition reimbursement. It’s all pretty complicated, but it’s really important stuff. It takes a lot of work to find the dream job!