March 8, 2009
If you have been recently laid of or are currently unemployed, the most important thing to do is clear your mind and not feel stressed out. Stress can hinder your ability to see a new career as a great opportunity.
It is a competitive world out there, and as unemployment rises, so will crime, even by people who have never committed a crime. Financial stress can take a toll, so don't fall victim. The economy as we know it has changed, so we need to change with it.
Employment Opportunities
The City of Ventura is currently hiring to fill temporary jobs ranging from $8.23 to $40 an hour. This includes after school programs, sports official, and driving positions. Click here to see the rest of the list. The City of Oxnard also has employment opportunities, but don't delay, as some have deadlines.
The City of Santa Paula also has openings in law enforcement and firefighting careers while the City of Fillmore has an opening for a crossing guard.
The government is also hiring for the 2010 Census, and workers will be needed in Ventura County. Get paid weekly, authorized mileage reimbursement and related expenses. Initial testing may require you to travel to the census office, the closest one located in Van Nuys.
[Update: Speaking of government jobs, I left out a major resource: the County of Ventura has employment opportunities available. Click here to view listings.]
Although there is no shortage in jobs for teens and high school students, Careers4Teens.org helps teens get more than a job, but experience in careers they are passionate about.
Current Employment Opportunities with Deadlines
[UPDATE: These positions are now closed. Keep reading for continuous filing opportunities.]
Entry Level Police Officer Deadline: 3/9/09 Salary: $26/hr during academy $5,144-$6,597 month
Chief Operator-Distribution Deadline: 3/12/09 Salary: $5,011-$8,017 month
Police Officer/Academy Complete Deadline: 3/12/09 Salary: $5,144-$6,597 month
Redevelopment Services Manager Deadline: 3/26/09 Salary: $6,830-$10,928 month
Police Service Officer Deadline: 3/26/09 Salary: $4,464-6,724 month
Current Employment Opportunities Open for Continuous Filing
Police Officer I (Lateral Entry) Salary: $5,144-$6,597
Public Safety Dispatcher I/II Salary: $3,561-$5,045
Using LinkedIn.com
LinkedIn.com is a special network for professionals. If you are a first time user of LinkedIn, please read this handy guide in how to get the most out of LinkedIn to land your next job.
LinkedIn allows you to browse their job postings, browse specific companies, and interact with like minded individuals.
It features almost every industry, and it can be intimidating. Once you create your profile, you can import your address book and find that people you know may already be using LinkedIn. Don't be afraid to look through profiles for guidance, but be aware that you should be as honest as possible when posting your information.
Using Craigslist.org
Because of the popularity of Craigslist.org, it is important to be aware of the spam posted on the site. If a "job opportunity" requires any type of payment, it is a scam. You should never pay to get a job.
The exception comes in listings of insurance or real estate agents. To become a licensed professional, there is a cost associated when applying for the licensing process, which requires testing. This license, however, is transferable. It is yours and can be taken from company to company. But again, you are not paying for the job, you are paying for your license.
Some postings allow for telecommuting. Use due diligence when giving out your information on the site.
Volunteering
Although volunteering is a non-paid position, you would be surprised as how quickly it can land you your next job.
Companies are most likely to hire someone who volunteered with their company, and you will have the opportunity to network with people who are in the state of mind of enjoying helping others. These are the same people that will let you know of job openings and more than happy to help you in your job search.
Click here for volunteering opportunities.
In this economy, it is important to remember that if you want help, you should also be willing to help.
Good luck in your job search, but it you feel that the world is crashing down on you, don't hesitate to contact Ventura County's 211 services for help, including shelter, food, clothing or counseling. The services are free.
Tools:
Resources:
805native Said,
What a great list. I have a great career, but I will pass this on.
Posted on March 8, 2009 8:55 PM
Anonymous Said,
i just lost my job and all weekend all i did was drink myself to sleep. i woke up at 2am, just surfin the web because i couldn't go to sleep. i think God is trying to tell me to off my butt and get a job instead of feeling sorry for myself. thanks for answering my prayers. God really does send you all the help you need. God bless.
Posted on March 9, 2009 4:14 AM
Anonymous Said,
Thanks for the linkedin.com info. I made my account last year but never used it. Their job search is unbeatable. I'm going to spend some time updating it and see where it goes.
Posted on March 9, 2009 12:14 PM
Ace Said,
Check out Ryze.com too. They aren't as big but you can still find some great connections.
Posted on March 9, 2009 12:31 PM
Anonymous Said,
Hi. If anyone wants to check out this good article about hiring myths, here it is. http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-6_myths_about_job_hunting_in_a_recession-784
It does say we shouldnt rely on the internet, but the linkedin recommendations you added are right on point.
Posted on March 9, 2009 4:28 PM
Cynthia Torres Said,
This is a great post.
It's true that people who are finding themselves in this type of situation for the first time are very worried.
I hope you post similar posts in the future to help the community. Please check out this site on a woman who has a food budget of $800 a year, and it includes her 3 children and two dogs.
http://jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com/
I hope you can find a way to use this to help out the community. We need to help each other right now more than ever.
Posted on March 21, 2009 4:00 PM
805native Said,
I passed this on to my niece and two days ago, she went in for an interview. I'll keep you posted if she gets the job, but she said that even if she doesn't get it, it made her feel confident again about finding a job. She was feeling depressed. She sends her regards and thanks.
Keep up the good work!
Posted on March 21, 2009 4:22 PM
Anonymous Said,
I was worried about posting too much info on Linked, but I landed my a side job three days after taking those suggestions. I found you on linked in and added you as a contact. Thanks a lot! M.P.
Posted on March 22, 2009 12:46 AM
cmarquez Said,
hopefully more people apply for the police officer positions.
Posted on March 23, 2009 12:37 AM
Conejo Joe Said,
Good stuff Elidet. For a comprehensive list of 70 or so companies in Ventura County that are hiring, visit http://tinyurl.com/vcjobs
Posted on March 25, 2009 2:01 PM
CCCamarillo Said,
http://www.ccc.ca.gov/PARTNER/partners.htm#work%20with%20us
Check us out!
Posted on April 5, 2009 7:33 AM
JayB Said,
I would say not to limit yourself to the Ventura Craiglist. I get a lot of off the wall jobs from the LA section too. http://losangeles.craigslist.org
Posted on April 5, 2009 7:47 AM
Anonymous Said,
i really hope that a lot of people applied for the police jobs that are past deadline. opd is supposed to get more money for law enforcement. i am counting my lucky stars i'm employed!
Posted on April 5, 2009 5:52 PM
@tonyknuckles Said,
I have also found LinkedIn to be a valuable resources since I lost my job. didn't really stay on top of it too heavy until all of this twitter stuff started going on.
My LinkedIn profile:
http://www/linkedin.com/in/tonygreene
Posted on May 23, 2009 5:45 PM