It
really depends on the situation you discover yourself in and how
you've prepared for such an event, as my record for gaining work
is nine hours. And I accomplished that record time in a unfamiliar
city by following a simple set of rules, a system where each rule
is equally important.When
I traveled the country this past time during 1997-2000, I did so
without the benefit of having a large sum of cash on hand. And I
was able to do this, as I had an advantage in the job search market.
I was trained as a leather care tech, or what's more appropriately
known as a shoe repair person. Now the term is really a misnomer,
as the knowledge base of a shoe guy includes being able to service
a wide variety of goods, from hand bags to leather jackets, but
the repair of shoes and boots generates the largest source of revenue
for that type business. So, a shoe repairman I am. And what's the
advantage of this strange occupation? There's not too many of us,
especially quality-minded individuals. So the first rule of gaining
a job really fast is to have employment skills that are unique to
the job market.
And
for those that might wonder, what kind of salary does a shoe guy
earn? Starting rate, regardless of one's educational background,
can range from $20,000 to $30,000 a year, depending on your current
geographical location and experience. Not a wonderful salary, but
the second rule is to know what your skills are worth (ownership
pays considerably more).
The
third rule is to be versatile. In other words, if your primary employment
search doesn't yield a position, make sure you're versed in other
skills, or willing to learn new ones. For instance, when I visited
Memphis the leather care market was less than favorable. But I learned
the local hostel I was staying at had need of someone with a home
improvement background. After proving myself adept at handling a
paint brush and a hammer for a month, I secured the resident manager's
position of the hostel owner's rooming house.
Always
keep in mind that your four year degree isn't going to provide ample
opportunity at a moment's notice either. So, the fourth rule is
to have long-term goals and short-term goals. That dishwashing job
will look really inviting if the rent's due, but it's not something
anyone would consider as a career change. Or you may, as I did when
I was in Omaha, choose that type of employment due to the environment,
a place you truly feel comfortable at. Which is ideal as you search
for the job you were trained for originally.
The fifth rule then is to have all those proverbial eggs in one
basket.
As
you search for that long-term position, do be sure to keep those
resumes up-to-date and always have at least one set of interview-ready
clothing on hand ready to wear. Although the submission of resumes
is geared toward that long-term employment, a generic copy can be
handy when completing the infamous job application form for that
pay-the-rent job. And the clothing, well, blue jeans and a tee-shirt
won't even do for a dishwasher's job interview.
The
sixth rule is think outside the employment box. There are temp agencies
and the like, but my favorite is Labor Ready. If you need a job
quick, you can visit one of their 800 locations in the US, Puerto
Rico, Canada and the UK. And you'll receive a payday at the end
of every shift. In addition, if you're really strapped for cash,
seek out a plasma center. Unlike donating blood, where you give
every two weeks, you can a visit a plasma center at least twice
a week. Just make sure your water intake is at a premium, as you'll
be in and out much quicker.
The
last rule in finding a job fast is to be organized. And my rule
of thumb when in an unfamiliar city is to visit the public library
first. All matter of materials are available, from local bus schedules
to phonebooks to maps to copy machines to internet services. There
may even be a bulletin board with miscellaneous job postings listed.
It's also a place to relax and gather your thoughts for the job
ahead, a necessary requirement if you plan to be working as soon
as possible.
And
as a last note, these same rules can be applied in your home town
as well. With one variation. All those friends and relatives might
have a handle on something, so don't forget to seek out their advice
and recommendations as you start searching for that need-to-pay-rent
job.
That
alarm clock is ringing...
I would hope that before the coming crisis is over the concept of employment as we have known it is obliterated. After reading this I can only pray for war.