Online Job Hunting

When is it a good time to use Craigslist?  If you have never heard of the site, introduce yourself to a computer.  Craigslist is used for many things.  I use it for jobs.  Do I recommend it?  Not at all.

There are other job sites out there, ones specifically to help you find entertainment posts.  Craigslist, however is for everyone & everything.  

Two days ago, the owner of the restaurant I work at posted an open call for applicants to show up during a two hour window.  There were sixty people who came!  SIXTY!  Not only that, but of the people who came.... I mean, seriously, who wears tee shirts, shorts, and sandals to an interview?  Also, I think that when you spend the time applying for a job, you should be aware of who is already working at the establishment and whether or not you see yourself hired.  Meaning, all of the wait staff/hosts are under thirty.  Most under 25.  When much older people come in to apply at a tequila bar, its kind of silly (though not as silly as some of the outfits people wore to an interview).  

Now, I'm not being mean.  I totally understand that this economy is wretched and people are willing to take a step down from what they did last.  But really?  40's to 50's?  At a tequila bar? Realistically, they will not get hired.  Its a bar, the cliental is almost exclusively young people and people who like younger people.

And here is a huge recommendation..... ALWAYS BRING A PEN!  Employers watch for this!  And there must have been 20 people yesterday who asked me to borrow one.  And I said "no, Rite Aid is on the corner."

What does this mean?  It means that when you email your resume to a posting on Craigslist, expect to be one of one hundred applicants.  I do recommend checking it for open calls.  As ours went well yesterday (minus what is previously stated).  

And please, use judgement.  There are tons of scams (not to mention sex ads and now even a killer) on Craigslist.  Be careful not to get desperate and overlook the signs.