Where to Look For and Find Hidden Job Vacancies

Most people think that to secure their next job role they have to go through a job agency or apply for an advertised job. Well there is another way. The above job hunting scenario is just part of the picture. There are many vacancies which are just not advertised.

First of all using job agencies or advertising can be very expensive. It also adds to unwanted pressure to act once the candidates' CV's come pouring in. Often employers look to fill vacancies in other ways The main ways they do this are either by going out and seeking suitable applicants themselves, sometimes by word of mouth internally and externally and also asking internally within the organisation.

Most employers will offer rewards for people internally who recommend candidates who are ultimately recruited.

So how should you approach this?
Start networking for unadvertised positions. If you think of all the people you know in the same line of work you can draw up a large list. Then consider them to be potential recruiters because they know circles of other people. This extends your potential network of contacts far and wide. The list should include past and present colleagues. Try using friends to see who and what they know. Also try targeting current and previous employers. There are often vacancies in your current organisation that you are unaware of.

The great thing is if that if you apply for a job through someone you know or a past or present employer you will come with a recommendation. You are not cold or unknown to the recruiter. You have a connection and of course that connection will be accompanied by a recommendation. You are already half way there!

Another source of contacts is teachers or maybe lecturers at your school or college. They always hear of opportunities or know people who hear of opportunities. You see you are networking again. Again the vacancies will often be unadvertised.

Use the careers advice groups for the same reason. Believe me, there are employers out there who are reluctant to use the traditional advertisement / agency route for fulfilling vacancies. They just do not want to be inundated with applicants and have to sort out the good from the bad. Once they start the interview process with a number of people then this has to be fair and equal to all candidates. This apart from anything else is time consuming.

This is a numbers game. In most cases the employer or colleague will not have a vacancy. However they will recall you situation if a vacancy arises. They will retain your details and may have something suitable in the future or hear of something suitable. Effectively you are still networking for those hidden vacancies even though your initial contact has passed.

Make sure that your contacts have a copy of your CV, even if it is a colleague. First of all everyone you give your CV to will open it and read it. It is just human nature to be curious. Secondly they will not delete it because a CV is considered personal. You have made a connection, you are trusting the colleague or organisation with your personal information. Thirdly any individual will sympathise with your situation and try to help. Lastly they may be motivated by any reward for placing the candidate.

It is important to continue to apply for advertised vacancies at the same time. This keeps your knowledge current and allows you to see what employers are looking for. Tailor your CV to meet the job descriptions as they are always changing in small ways.

Good luck with your job hunting.

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Where To Get Your Security Guard License?

Becoming a security guard is not like most occupations because depending on where you live you may need to get a license from the state in order to be legally employed. Getting your security guard license is not a standard process across all states in America, so its important to know how and where to obtain one. The process will be different depending on the type of security guard that you are looking to get a job as. An unarmed security guard like the traditional retail security guards, corporate guards, mall security officers, and similar positions will have a different set of requirements for a license than an armed security guard would have.

Who Issues a Security Guard License?

Guard licenses are issued by various state government offices or not at all depending on the state that you live and will work in. Each state has a different set of rules and government office that handles the issuance of licenses for guards and security officers. The most common government departments that will handle the requests for licenses are the state's department of public service, department of public safety, department of criminal justice, the department of professional licensing, or some other similar government agency. An easy and great way to research which state office handles the licensing that you will need is to go to your state's online website. From their website you can browse the various departments or search for licensing. If this still does not prove useful for your questions you can usually find a phone number or email address under the "Contact Us" section of the website to ask someone your specific question.

Can I Use a Security Guard School or Training Center?

Ultimately a non-government school or training center will not be able to issue you a license but they can help you meet training requirements as well as help with the application process. In some cases these third party schools or training centers will actually be responsible for getting you licensed if you end up working for them, which makes your job even easier. This is not acceptable or practiced in every state though.

How do I Apply For My License?

Depending on the state you plan to work in, in order to successfully be issued a license, you must first apply to the department that handles the registration and licensing. Today, security guard applications can be filled out and submitted in multiple ways. Almost all departments will accept completed paper applications for your license in person at the departmental office. Many offices will also accept completed applications delivered via U.S. Mail. An even more convenient way to send your application for licensing is to fill it out and send it through the agencies online portal or licensing center.

Are There Any Requirements for Licenses?

Each state makes their own requirements so its important to follow the directions from the licensing department. The requirements will vary but generally you can expect to have to be able to meet the following:

Be 18 years or olderHave a clean criminal historySuccessfully completed any mandatory state trainingSubmit a recent picture and set of fingerprints

For more details on where to get security guard license for where you live, visit Guard Training HQ which has detailed write ups for all of the different state requirements and processes.

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Finally A Theme Park Where Everyone Can Have Fun

One of the perks of being a school bus driver is that you have a chance to see some interesting sites around the area. At times I will venture out with the group and other times I will stay behind and rest or read. One trip that I was excited about driving was to Morgan's Wonderland. Morgan's Wonderland is a new park in San Antonio. I first heard about it a number of years ago when it was only a dream. Being in the construction business for a while I knew the name Gordon Hartman Homes. Gordon Hartman is the builder and Morgan is his daughter who the park is named for. I heard about the park when it was undergoing the construction phase and I watched the special on the local TV channel informing the public about the wonderful new attraction for everyone. I was intrigued and anxious to find out everything I could.

Morgan's Wonderland is designed specifically for adults and children with special needs, their family members, caregivers, friends and the entire community. I was impressed with the price of admission. Admission is free to special needs persons. For the Person(s) accompanying special needs individuals the cost is $10.00. General admission is $15.00 and age 0 to 2 are free. The park is uniquely funded. Next to Morgan's Wonderland is the STAR Soccer Complex. The STAR Soccer Complex is a premier soccer facility located on a site that once was the Longhorn Quarry. The site was developed into 13 fully lit, quality championship size fields as well as one smaller practice field. Alongside the fields are facilities such as playgrounds, bathrooms, refreshment stands. The spacious size and outstanding quality of the STAR Soccer Complex enables San Antonio to host a variety of soccer leagues and to accommodate large local, statewide, national and international soccer tournaments. Proceeds from soccer leagues and competitions will assist the operation and maintenance of Morgan's Wonderland.

It is suggested that you call ahead for reservations to Morgan's Wonderland. For security purposes, and to help keep your visit as stress free as possible, entry and exit strategies have been put into place. Special bracelets will be put on each person in your party when you arrive. They have a security chip included. By scanning the wristbands at one of several location station monitors located throughout the park, you can find the location of any member of your party. This security feature is a luxury that calms the fears of caregivers in the event that a child disappears and helps to prevent the possibility of a child leaving the park without the knowledge of the caregiver. If you have ever lost a child at a park you know that the panic that will ensue can ruin and otherwise happy day.

Everything in the park is easily wheel chair and special needs accessible. The train, the amphitheater, an off-road adventure ride, sand box, a playground built especially for kids with wheelchairs in mind and a large, wheelchair-accessible playscape will make the day fun for all. A carousel has adaptive electronic animals created to serve guests who are incapable of sitting upright, and will allow a friend or caregiver to sit next to them. Custom chariots designed for wheelchairs go up and down like the other creatures on the ride. A lake allows for catch and release fishing, or you can shoot a water cannon at brightly colored spinning targets, or pilot remote-controlled boats. Providing a number of stimulating experiences is a Sensory Village which includes a simulated test drive through San Antonio and a TV station that allows guests to do a weather forecast and see themselves on TV. There is even a Village Market with fun and colorful groceries providing interactive sensory stimulation through the use of colors, sounds, lights, and textures. And the one feature that really caught my attention was that the park has more than 30 traditional and adaptive swings including wheelchair swings. Now kids and adults do not have to sit on the side watching. They can enjoy the experience of swinging.

One of my daughters said that she was getting goose bumps as I told her about the park. I asked the special needs teachers their impression of the park and to describe it, all they say is that it's incredible, and wonderful, tremendous, and the most fun, a great place to take any child too. I am anxious to take my young grandchildren there next time they visit. I can't wait.

Jacquelyn Graham is the mother of 8 children and grandmother of 5. She also drives a school bus in her spare time. She is President of Operations at Fiesta Toy Store.

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