Want to land your dream job—the one that expresses and encompasses who you are and puts your inner passion into practice? Prepare your "story behind the dream" so you're ready to close the deal when opportunity knocks.

Think back to all your past successes and find your "story," the one that inspired you to go after your dream job. Did you save a friend from a fashion disaster, and now you to want to be a stylist? Maybe you taught a friend's child to read, and now you want to become a teacher? Whatever happened, write it all down, including anything that will help convey your passion for this particular job.

Tell a friend or family member your story without notes. Fine-tune your story to make it concise and easy to listen to. Remember, the shorter the better. This is your "elevator pitch"—the pitch that every Hollywood screenwriter or New York book agent prepares for. Imagine that someone who can help you land your dream job is right across the table or in the same elevator. You've got 30 seconds to sell yourself and your story...make it inspiring…go!

©First30Days.com