WorkingCouples.com Founders Offer Couple-Specific Job Search Tips
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows unemployment is the lowest it's been since May of 2008. That means job seekers' chances of finding work are better now than at any time in the past seven years. But what about finding work as a couple? According to WorkingCouples.com, a growing number of American couples say they would like to work together but don't know how to find jobs for two. Fortunately, the leading job search site for couples has some job search tips for two-person teams.
Lee Ashworth founded WorkingCouples.com with his wife, Robin, after the couple discovered they loved the adventure of working together. In all, the pair spent more than a decade working as a couple domestically and in Latin America. During that time, and in the nine years they've been running WorkingCouples.com, the Ashworths learned what makes for a successful two-person job search.
- Put your best feet forward. The resume is still the most important job search tool, and there's no substitute for a well-written resume highlighting skills and experience and tailored to each specific job. That goes double for couples. Sure, it takes a little more time to customize a couple's resume for every prospective employer, but it sends a subtle message that the job seekers are willing to put in the work needed to be successful. If writing is not an area of strength, enlist a friend's help with editing (or hire a professional resume writing service).
- A picture's worth a thousand words, and maybe even two jobs. Consider including a photo with the resume. "Because of the long-distance nature of many couples positions, employers are likely to feel more of a connection with couples who include a photo," explained Lee Ashworth. "Two-person teams who include a photo with their resume will stand out from the crowd. It's human nature to feel more comfortable about someone we've seen, even in a picture."
- The early bird gets the worm - and the work. With over 2,400 employer members, WorkingCouples.com regularly posts two-person jobs. Many employers are looking to hire a couple sooner rather than later, so for the best chance of being considered for a position before it's filled, couples should check the site each day for new job postings. WorkingCouples.com subscribers can also opt to receive daily email updates about newly posted jobs.
- Cheer up. Many jobs for couples are customer service-oriented. No one wants to be faced with a grumpy host when they're checking into a campground or hotel -both of which commonly hire couples. If you're applying for jobs working with the public, prospective employers want to know you'll be able to represent them with genuine smiles and cheerful, can-do attitudes. And that starts with the interview.
- Be persistent. Want to work in a resort on a far-flung tropical beach or run a wealthy power player's household? Those are real jobs on WorkingCouples.com, and competition can be fierce. If a couple doesn't make the cut, the Ashworths encourage them to try for the next one. "Only you and your spouse or best friend or work partner know what your dream job is," Lee Ashworth said. "If that's what you want to do, keep at it. Continue applying, continue learning more and improving your skills. Ultimately you'll only increase your chances of getting the job you want."
For duos ready to start the job search process, WorkingCouples.com offers real jobs from employers the Ashworths have personally vetted. Anyone can search and view jobs for free; subscribers can also view employers' contact information, upload couples' resumes, receive daily emails with brand-new job postings and more.
"In many ways, the job search process is the same for a couple as it is for one person looking for a job," said Lee Ashworth. "But it's also different in some fundamental ways. A couple obviously has two people hunting down job leads, which can spur conversations and foster teamwork. In fact, couples often find themselves having fun looking and applying for jobs. It's one more reason we enjoy helping others who are considering this lifestyle."
About WorkingCouples.com
WorkingCouples.com is a subscription-based job posting board for couples. As the largest single source of jobs for two on the web, the site is experiencing tremendous growth. Couples and employers are encouraged to follow WorkingCouples.com on Twitter and like the site on Facebook.
Contact:
Lee Ashworth
WorkingCouples.com
Email
http://www.workingcouples.com
SOURCE WorkingCouples.com
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