What's a key word?

When you send your resume in to an employer after seeing an advertisement, make sure you use the right "key words." Large companies often use electronic scanners to search for key words or phrases for the particular opening. While smaller companies don't do this, an employer's eye is still going to be drawn to a resume that uses the same words he does. And, if you use Workamper's Awesome Applicant database, employers can search for key words to select resumes to consider.

Key words can be classified into three categories:

• Position: manager, front desk, secretary, dealer
• Type of work or tasks: maintenance, reservations, registration, management, housekeeping
• Characteristics: self-starter, hard worker, initiative, attention to detail

Before you send off your resume, look at it and see if you are using the same terms that you see in the ad. If not, add or substitute. If you use the word "janitor" and the employer is looking for "maintenance," you might not be seen as qualified. Using the key words that an employer uses in the ad will increase your chances of getting an interview and getting hired. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com

Can you Workamp with pets?

Have you ever camped next to an RV with a dog that barked the entire time their owner was gone? It gets annoying, doesn't it. And then there is the owner who lets their dog off-lead because "It won't bite" or who doesn't pick up after their dog. Employers have every reason to be leery of hiring someone who has a pet. Many campgrounds limit the size, breed and number of pets campers can have and even charge extra for pets. They've had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners.

So what are your chances of finding a Workamping position if you have pets? They are good - if your pets are well-behaved and you are a responsible pet owner. This means your dog should not bark continually when you are gone. It means your dog stays on the leash except in pet parks or areas designated for dogs to run. You pay attention to what your dog is doing and don't let them go up to people unless they want to pet your dog. You pay attention to where your dog relieves itself and pick up after him. You limit the number of pets you travel with.

Never show up to a job with pets the employer doesn't know about. You could have a very short tenure there. I suggest that in your Workamper resume, you can add a remark that you travel with....... (two cats that never go outside, two well-behaved, quiet Cocker Spaniels, one friendly, well-behaved Golden Retriever, etc.) You could include your pet's photo and even a letter of reference from a previous employer about how well your pet behaves. Those will help reassure the employer that your pet will not be a problem.

The most annoying is hearing a pet barking whenever the owner is gone. How do you keep your pet from barking? Start when they are young to teach them when they can bark and when to be quiet. You don't want to stop all barking or they may not bark when there is an intruder, but they can learn to give one woof or to not bark unless someone is right in their space. What many working RV pet owners is leave the TV or radio or air conditioner on when they leave. The noise screens out many noises that could cause your pet to bark.

Pets can add much enjoyment to your life and travels. Walking a dog or sitting out with a cat on a leash can be a great way to meet people too. Not all employers will accept pets but keep looking and you'll find a situation that works for you. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com

Bike to work day an ordinary day for Workampers

May 15 was Bike to Work day. In the San Francisco Bay area it was a record-breaking success.

For most RVers who work on the road, it was an ordinary day. They live at their place or employment or close so walk or bike every day to work.

This is one of the great features of the Workamping lifestyle. You often get a free or reduced -cost RV site that is close to where you work. You save an enormous amount of money since you don't have to commute using your gas- or diesel-powered vehicle. Are we lucky or what? Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

For many ideas for working within biking distance from your job, see the 2nd edition of Jaimie Hall's Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com.

A common mistake new Workampers make

Beginning the full-time RVing adventure is exciting! Many RVers combine full-timing with Workamping® or working or volunteering on the road. This brings in income, allows you to stay in one spot for an extended time and may even provide a free spot. It’s an excellent way to explore an area in depth or stay in an area you like as well as the chance to be productive and make RV friends.

However, many new to Workamping® make this mistake: They only apply to one or two jobs and they take the first offer. At the end of the season, they are often unhappy. It wasn’t quite what they expected.

What are the advantages of applying to lots of jobs?

1. Each time you interview for a position, you learn more about what to ask. One employer may mention discounted propane and free laundry. Not all employers offer that, but you are more likely to obtain these perks if you ask about them. It may not occur to you the first time to ask about days off together if you are a couple, but when an employer mentions that, it goes on your list of questions to ask.
   


2. You get a feel for what compensation you can ask for. By seeing the range of compensation, you may find some employers are willing to pay more—or offer more perks— than you had initially expected. You can ask for more from a stronger position.
   


3. You’ll get an idea of how seasonal businesses are run and how they differ. Perhaps one Workamper couple does it all. At other places, employees specialize and work at only one task. As you hear about these differences, you may realize one is a better fit than another.
   


4. Owners/managers can vary considerably in their personalities. Talking to different employers will give you a better idea of what type of boss you want to work with.
   


5. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If you only apply to one or two jobs and those do not work out, you have to start from scratch. By having a number of applications and résumés in process, if your favorite one falls through, you have others in the works. You might even find a better one!
   


6. You can bargain. If you have applied to lots of employers —and I recommend 15-20— you are more likely to end up in the enviable position of having two employers who both want you. This can help you negotiate for better compensation or more perks.
   

There is definitely a learning curve when becoming a Workamper®. Rather than grab the first job and risk being unhappy, talk to a number of employers and get a feel for what is available. You’ll make a better choice when you have several to choose from. Jaimie

For more information on getting started working and volunteering on the RV road, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com.

Fireworks for 4th of July!

As we travel across the Midwest states a couple of weeks before the 4th of July, we have passed many fireworks stands, usually clumped together in the same area. Often they are just outside a municipal area that does not allow sales.

Selling fireworks can be a short term opportunity for workers on the RV road. Workamper News often has ads for managing a fireworks stand. You work on commission. Most promise a minimum of $1500 and work begins this weekend through the 4th, though stands are busiest the two days before the holiday. Right around New Years is another time some fireworks stands are open.

Be sure to ask plenty of questions. If you'll be providing security at the stand in your RV, will you have electricty? water? a porta potty or someone to pump your tanks? If you are paid commission, is that percentage figured on gross sales or net? Do you have to line up helpers for those last couple of days and does that come out of your earnings?

It's also a good idea to get feedback from other Workampers who have tried this type of work and who have worked for the owners you are considering. Posting a thread on the Workamping forum or other forums on working on the road can help you avoid the few employers who do not follow through on their promises.

Like selling Christmas trees, running a fireworks stand is hard work but you can earn a nice sum in a short period of time.

For information on Jaimie Hall's recently revised book, Support Your RV LIfestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, 2nd ed., see RVBookstore.com.