I have recently discovered Craig’s List. At first, I thought I had found a gold mine of opportunities. But after awhile, I realized the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, nor is the sky bluer “over there.” Please be aware the following thoughts are only my opinion. Feel free to be warned, or totally ignore what I have to say.
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Beware of Phone Numbers
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Photo Credit: purplelime
When the poster only lists a phone number, you better be wary. From experience, I know this can be totally weird. On person sounded as if her were asleep, or maybe drinking, even though it was 1:00 in the afternoon. There was terrible banging in the background and the man never made any sense to what he was saying. Another person simply said, “Yeah, I can make it happen” and began talking about something completely different than the ad. Phone numbers, with nothing more, generally equals no good.
Do Not Send Personal Info
No matter what, never send personal information such as social security numbers or birth dates. I don’t even like to send my address. I’m sorry, but you just can’t trust anyone these days. Why take a chance on sending this info to the wrong person?
Frequently asked questions
Don’t Spend a Lot of Time
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Photo Credit: Cuba Gallery
Many people I have corresponded with through Craig’s List have told me they received more than 200 inquiries from their ad! That would be overwhelming for the one looking for help! So don’t spend a long time writing this nice email with minute details. Send what they ask for and keep it short and sweet. If they like what they see, they will inquire for more information.
Be Professional
At the same time, it is important to send the right information. If they ask for a resume, send a top quality resume. Without the info the poster is asking for, you don’t stand a chance against 200 other inquiries!
Be Quick
With so may responses to a job post, a person who needs a job filled ASAP will already have found a candidate within 24 hours. If you are serious about landing that dream job, stay on the front lines, responding to the want ads immediately.
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Don’t Send Mock Ups
I have found this out the hard way. I have sent 5 mock-up chapter/article/designs, only to have my follow up emails ignored. I spent a great deal of time on a few of these and so not only did I loose a great creation, but also valuable time. Send work only after you have nailed the job.
Have a Unique Portfolio
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Photo Credit: NOTmagenta
When someone wants to see your work, it’s best to have a portfolio to show him or her. You can create one on-line, or simply store it on your computer. This will save you time and effort of creating something specifically for them, and then not even land the job. I have tweaked an item in my portfolio for a prospective “employer” and that would be fine. It is just discouraging to spend time creating something specific, and then the client says, “Sorry, we are going with someone else” or “I just don’t like your style.”
I have found Craig’s List a place you could spend hours and hours searching over. Just don’t get too caught up expecting wonderful jobs and money opportunities. I haven’t found them, yet. What about you? Has your dealings with Craig’s List been good, or bad?
Top Photo Credit: mringlein
