8 Startlingly-Simple Job-Finding Tips.

So you just got laid off, quit your dead-end job, or are just looking for a change of pace? 

Here are 8 tips/resources that can help you easily land the job of your dreams, and get a call back within the week.



1.) Craigslist. 
I will never understand why people shy away from using craigslist to find jobs. Here's why it's a great resource; first of all- you have less competition. Few people use it as a medium, and many job posts are repeatedly posted because positions are not filled. Secondly, using Craigslist is a great way not to get suckered into a small-time position at a huge chain. Many small warehouses are more than happy to pay a very good wage to reliable people in the area, and not only will they pay well, but chances are you'll gain free training and experience that will help your resume out even more.


2.) Ask around.
Don't be afraid to tell your friends what kind of a position you're in. In fact, chances are that through their networking abilities in and out of the office, they may know of an opportunity that would suit you. After all, they are your friends and know your strengths, weaknesses and interests.


3.) Linkedin.com
Linkedin is another great job-finding resource. And by this, I don't mean you should pay the fee to become a "job-seeker", because you will be in competition with hundreds of others. Make "connections" with family, old classmates, colleagues, work-peers, owners of companies you've worked along-side. Check out their profiles, and check out what they do. Look on their companies websites and call up to see if they're hiring. You may even be able to use your connection as a reference. Another way to use linked-in to find jobs is to join "groups" that have to do with your skills and interests. Often on the boards will be job postings that you can access for free, and a face behind it. You can also post your resume on the board for others to contact you.


4.) Make yourself known.
If you know of a place you'd like to work, go drive over there. Say hello. Let them know that you're willing to fill any necessary position. Enlighten them with your knowledge of the company by doing your research. For example, "I'm aware you have been around for 16 years, and in this economy that's quite a feat! I know you must be doing something right and I'd love to be a part of it." Drop off your resume- complete with a cover letter stating what you think you can offer the company.


5.) Be willing to travel.
One of the biggest troubles that hiring managers and company owners face is finding an employee who is free to travel. In fact, many companies state it directly on job listings. Having the ability to travel opens you up to a completely new realm of possibilities that many find untouchable. However, I don't suggest this to those of you with families.


6.) Learn another language.
Learning another language is another way to put yourself ahead of the game. Plus, with it being the age of technology, it's never been easier. In fact, one of my new favorite websites is http://duolingo.com/
Though your selection is limited, they allow you to learn languages easily, quickly, oh, and it's totally 100% free. No need to waste your money on classes or Rosetta Stone. No catch, folks.

(And I was not offered or paid in any way to speak out about the site, I'm just a huge fan.)


7.) Offer critique.
I do not, I repeat do not mean criticism. But if you do happen to get that interview, and you get around to checking out the website etc (which you'd have to be dumb not to) I've found that it helps to mention to the interviewer what you liked about it, and if you're ballsy enough, what you think they could do to make it more valuable to the user. This could come back to bite you if you say it the wrong way, but if you can manage to be suave until at least the end of the interview, it could show the interviewer that you may be able to provide help even in areas that are not your "expertise". For example, in the job interview I had with my current job, I mentioned that I did logo design, and would be more than happy to update their logo or help with business cards if they needed it. I feel that I was, in part hired for that reason- because within six months I had been asked to do exactly that, and had proven my worth.


8.) Talk to strangers.
When I was 16, I took my sister to school one day. Ended up in conversation with a mother of another student. She asked me at that time if I was available to babysit, which I was. (I mean, more money.)
She and I continued to maintain a relationship where I would watch her daughters, she'd invite me to church groups, I would buy her daughters little gifts, teach them the guitar, etc. One day she called me and mentioned a sales position available at a small company whose owner she knew. I ended up taking the position, and working my way up to managing the warehouse, doing the accounting work, making purchases...Anything I could learn- I did. The company exploded, and when I decided to leave after three years, I had a huge list of new skills, all thanks to talking to a stranger in an elementary school parking lot.

Long story short, you never know what someone else may have under their belt to offer. Networking is absolutely the most valuable skill when it comes to job security. So, I implore you to get out there. Get online. Make friends. Let people see you shine, and help you to achieve your goals in a setting where you're most appreciated.


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So my question for today is, what are some other tried and true methods of gaining employment?

Feel free to answer below in the comments section.

New Google+ Page, and New Logo!

Good morning, everyone!

We now have a new Google+ Page, that can be found here:

And here is our new logo:

What do you guys think?

10 Qualities of a Great Boss:

1. Lets employees shine:
A great boss lets you shine. They know your strengths, and are sure to put employees in positions that highlight those strengths.

2. Patience and Understanding:
A great boss understands that sometimes employees face obstacles that can get in the way of productivity. Be it a death in the family, car troubles, a doctor visit- a top-notch boss understands that employees have a life outside of work that needs time and attention to maintain.

3. Adequate Pay:
A great boss knows that many people are money-motivated, sometimes by need rather than by choice, and offers the pay that each employee deserves (based on performance). They also understand that their employees not only need enough to live off of, but a little bit extra to play with, too.

4. Utilizes Rewards Systems:
Whether it be overtime, work-gatherings or extra time off, a great boss rewards their employees for exemplary work. A great boss understands that in order to see results, positive change must be rewarded. (See "Classical Conditioning")

5. Optimism:
An optimistic boss is one that employees will look up to. Not only is a great boss optimistic about the company's success, but each employee's personal success- therefore encouraging employees to perform at their peak with ease and a smile.

6. Complimentary:
A great boss gives compliments to employees when compliments are due, and sometimes even just after small feats. The bosses that stand out are the ones that will page or email an employee just to say "You're doing a great job, keep it up!"

7. Space and Time:
Space and time are an important thing for a great boss to factor in. She or he won't be constantly nagging, and won't expect work to be completed in an unreasonable time frame. They will encourage employees to set reasonable goals for themselves, and will reward employees that excel instead of punishing those that are distracted.

8. Facilitates Teamwork:
A great boss brings in a team for big decisions, and takes a democratic approach to change and progress within the company. They will encourage employees to share ideas and learn from their peers, as well as keep their office door open for inquiries.

9. Sets a Good Example:
A great boss is someone that employees look up to, and someone that they are grateful to have running the business. A great boss is someone who is calm in times of stress, commands attention, and respects their employees. They are someone with the type of confidence that makes employees want to follow their example- which results in positive growth!

10. Provides Space, and a Comfortable Work Environment:
Lastly, a great boss is one that physically gives each employee enough space to breathe. Someone who would rather expand the size of the building than have their employees breathing down each other's necks. They are someone who makes sure to offer a chair that works well for an employee's back, a desk that they can fit their five cups of coffee on, and a work-area with enough space for them to get up and take a walk if needed.


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From an employee's standpoint- What are some qualities of your boss that you admire? What are some areas that they could improve? If you were in their footsteps, what would you do differently?

From an employer's standpoint- What do your employees appreciate about you? What could you do differently?