Thanks for your reply, Gene.

We've got the wife part of the equation covered very well. But, the husband part still needs some work. Especially in the "physically fit" department.;) Although, I am fairly handy with tools and some repairs. Sounds like there's quite a need for general maintence.

We have not yet subscribed to Workamper News. I have looked at their website, though.

Maybe some classes in general construction might help a bit.

Unless the ad specifies specific qualifications are required I've found that normal home owner type experience is fine. Examples might include cutting grass and weed eating, pool cleaning, cleaning toilets and showers. Office requirements include computer reservations, answering phones and taking reservations, and handling payments of both cash and credit cards.

The resume should list experience with these types of duties. Also include your hobbies. I'm always amazed at offers we've received because of our hobbies. The phone (or video) interview is important. You can tell a lot about a person just from a phone call. I've never heard or experienced any "good ole boy" networks.

In general, unless your licensed/insured to perform electrical or carpentry type work, the campground will not accept the liability associated with letting you perform major projects and will hire these types of jobs to professionals. But simple repair type work is usually allowed if your comfortable performing the work.

-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Wednesday 4th of January 2012 12:50:04 PM

Hi Lisa!

As a former business owner and subsequently a corporate manager I found the two traits that separate the easy to hire workcampers from the rest are enthusiasm for whatever and a strong work ethic.

It is not hard for these two traits to exuce from a casual resume that is written more like a letter than a resume that follows the "commercial mold".

Show you care!

Like yourself, I did not relish cleaning bathrooms.  In the smaller, yet high end, cg we spent a great four months as wk's, the two restrooms were always spotless and pretty easy to keep that way.  Cleaning fire pits that people tried to burn trash in rather than putting it in a can gets my vote for less desireable than cleaning a bathroom that is kept clean.

Again, enthusiasm, work ethic and showing you care!!!

Eric,

 Some times you will stumble onto workcamping jobs. While we where in  Phoenix for two weeks. I went to a Jeep dealer to rent a Jeep for some desert exploring.

 Before we left with the Jeep, I was offered a winter time job. Told the guy I wasn't looking for work, but why the offer? He said because I was from the mid west and we have a high level of work ethic.

 So you never know where that job opertunity may come from, just keep your ears and eyes open.

 

Wayne

Hi Eric & Lisa,

To Stand Out

You have gotten some excellent suggestions here.  I will second "enthusiasm/positive attitude", "professionalism", and the "physical ability" to do the job you are seeking.

And since you are asking "what might give the employer a reason to choose us over other applicants", I will add personality, personality, personality.

Often hiring is done via a phone interview and often the employer is seeking someone to interact with their customers.  Those with personality that exude enthusiasm and professionalism over the phone go to the head of the line.

It certainly helps to be pro-active with the jobs you want, and it is certainly important to research those employers.  Think polite, enthusiastic aggressiveness as opposed to polite, unenthusiastic passiveness. 

Of course, not everyone has a great personality, and it is not absolutely necessary for every job, but the reality is those that have it will have an advantage especially when much hiring is done over the phone and there are numerous applicants.  The good news is that most positive people can train themselves to be more enthusiastic and "up" during the job hunting process. 

Certain Training/Certifications/Qualifications

As for training/certifications, some positions may prefer special training.  That might be knowledge of campground reservations systems.  Or it might be a commercial drivers license if you will be transporting guests.  Or it might be a food certification, or a CPR certification, or any of a bunch of other items that may give you a leg up.

It's hard to determine whether or not to get extra training, in what field to get extra training, or whether or not your investment in time and money for extra training will be worth it.  But, if you have a particular type of job that you want to pursue that almost always prefers or requires some special skill, it would probably be worthwhile to obtain that skill.

Networking and Who You Know

Now with all of the above said, once you get into workamping and do a great job, you will naturally network and your employers will be happy to give you a reference which goes a really long way in some positions.  Also, the people you work with can also be great sources and references.

In some cases you may be able to skip the whole interview process with some strong, reliable recommendations.  So, it really can be "who you know" and that's a good thing when you are great at what you do and you have developed a network.

Workamper News 

Now, when you are ready to subscribe to Workamper News, let us know if you have any questions.  We are now a Workamper Concierge.  You can learn more about memberships and our recommendations on this page.  And once you are ready to sign up, you can get a little bonus if you use our promotion code "payn3619".  To see how to use the promotion code, click here.

 

Hope that adds a little to the already wonderful advice. 

53 Merc wrote:

---

In my experience with state parks, able to stand erect and consume oxygen is about it. Some parks have a hard time in recruitment due to location, others are very popular and have no problem. Go to the state park section of your selected state and check it out. If you want to go federal, go to www.volunteer.gov/gov and select a state and see what is available.

---

 Very funny! Thanks for he help, we'll check out the website.

I have never had a bad WK experience, have always been asked to return, and once got a job over 133 other applicants. Our technique is to be very selective in who we apply to because our talents and work ethic have been validated by previous employers. We also switch the shoe from being the interviewee to being the interviewer. If I have determined by that process that we will be happy with the employer and the job, then it pretty much means that they will be happy with us.

I will add only one thing to Howard's excellent post. If you perform work for your employer like you owned the business then you will be very successful in your WKing endeavors. It's a rare trait among most employees.

Terry,

The story about your father-in-law sounds very familiar to me. Actually, too familiar.;)

I was hoping that having previous small business experience would be helpful. But I just didn't know if any employers would find value in that.

The Internet becomes an amazing tool in the mobile workforce area. I myself make my living on the road as a service Tech. and all my jobs in an area are gleaned of the internet.

I find everything from my Flea market ventures to shows, right down to my Daily service calls on line. I know everyone can do you just have to put your Idea to work.

!. find what you do best
2.find a product or service..( both is better)
3.Build A website..(There are plenty of sites that will zip you right thru this)
4.Find local posting boards..(Craigslist is a wonderful thing!!!)
5.stick with it an hour a day is all it takes.

I know Im not the norm. and I have a talented background in the mechanical and repair fields.....but since I went on the road I have met more people in the like , doing what they did for hobbies and making a very fruitful living at it!!

Sit down and think about it or Even take a course online Such as R.V tech or Sattilite Tech. or both ......maybe a small woodworking set up and make a line of products.

Again like I said....I left my brick and mortar behind and still average 50 k plus a year putting simple projects together....Just kick the fear aside and try it.....start simple. dont invest alot .push it and keep the Faith!!!!!

Like others, we've been offered jobs at campgrounds when we mention we are full-time.  Last summer,we were asked if we could start the next day.Unfortunately other business commitments kept us from accepting that post. I liked the people who owned the facility a lot. I think that is important.Hopefully we will be able to begin workcamping this summer,but we have the remainder of a small business to dispose of,first. I write a monthly article for the top trade magazine in a personal service business,the type of which we ran for 35 yrs. I will also continue to provide consulting services in that field.The readers of that mag most often write  in about the difficulty in finding the "right" kind of people to work, at all levels. That means attitude/ethic. The ability to treat the customer as the most important contact eve, and the willingness to do whatever is needed. When I asked the complex owner why he made us that offer on the spot he said,"Simple,self-employed for 40 yrs,you had to have been willing to do what it takes to treat people right". He also said that he liked the fact that we were outgoing and willing to share our passion for RV'ing. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.