Target an area
TARGET AN AREA FOR JOB HUNTING
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
One of your goals for working or volunteering on the road may be to spend some time in a particular location. How do you go about getting job offers in the area you pick?
Look in publications and web sites for RVers or that specialize in seasonal jobs. Workamper News lists jobs by state and zip code order to make it easy. At Coolworks.com you can also do a search by state.
Contact state tourist information offices and request a trip planner. Every state has a toll-free number and most also have web sites. Do an Internet search for that state's tourist information office. Once you obtain a trip planner, zero in on the specific geographic area and contact RV parks or other potential employers listed in it by telephone, letter or e-mail.
Search for specific cities and their web sites. Often the search results list tourism offices, chambers of commerce, plus RV parks and other potential employers. Contact employers directly.
Check newspapers and their classified ads. Many are now on-line. A search of the newspaper's name may yield results, or you may find a link through the city chamber of commerce or tourism bureau. Search the help wanted ads before you arrive. You could even line up a job.
Pick up Sunday newspapers in larger southern cities in the winter. Some employers in summer resort areas advertise and even hold interviews in cities like Phoenix and Los Angeles.
Talk to other working RVers on the job or in your travels. Ask them if they have worked, or know of someone who has worked, in your place of interest. You might turn up a good lead that way. You might also get information that would eliminate an employer from your consideration.
Some other tips:
- Don't be afraid to contact employers even if you don't find a help wanted advertisement.
- Start early. November or December isn't too early to start lining up your summer job.
- If you contact an employer who isn't hiring, ask if you can send your résumé in case they have a later job opening. You may get a call later on. Also, ask her if she knows of another employer who is looking for good, reliable workers.
For more information on working on the road see Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road. In Appendix 10 is the story of how Bill and I targeted and found jobs in Alaska.