As admin of the Workampers Facebook Group since 2012, I’ve seen many people over the years complain about how hard it is to find workamping jobs. (It’s not hard, but more on that later.) I have also seen some pretty feeble attempts by others to actually get said jobs.
Here are a few sure-fire ways not to get hired as a workamper.
Tips for Finding Workamping Jobs
With Examples of How NOT To Do It
Take some initiative.
Employers hiring workampers are looking for people who can follow directions and think for themselves. So, if you see a job listing that asks you to send a resume, then send a resume. If it provides a website or email address for more information, visit the website and send an email. If no website is listed, search for it. Most importantly, however, if a potential employer gives a phone number to call, pick up the phone if you want the job!
Taking a few minutes to do your homework about your potential employers will save them time, and show them you have the initiative it takes to get the job done. Expecting an employer to reach out to you by typing “interested” or “following” simply leaves the door open for other more motivated workampers to get the job, before you get a reply.
Pick up the phone.
Yes, that is worth repeating. If you are interested in a workamping job, and a potential employer gives you a phone number to call, then call! If a phone number is the only method listed by employers for requesting more information, then that is clearly their preferred method of contact. Park owners, managers and other potential employers are all usually pretty busy folks. They tend to spend less time in front of their computer answering emails, and much less time on the Faceborg.
Remember, they have a full-time job with many responsibilities. While many—certainly not all (not me) but many—full-time RVers have lots of time on their hands.
Pay attention to details.
Thoroughly read any listings for workamping jobs you are interested in—twice. While many employers may not take the time to list detailed job descriptions in their online ads, they almost always provide contact information for anyone interested. Use that to follow up. Do not simply reply to random posts on Facebook expecting a quick response. And above all, do not ask questions that have already been answered in the listing.
NOTE: Job listings in Workamper News nearly always include comprehensive details about the workamping positions available, job descriptions, compensation and amenities. Advertisers pay to reach qualified candidates at workamper.com and via the magazine and daily Hotline Jobs.
Get Workamper News Promo Code for Bonus Issue and More!
Act professional.
Prepare an Awesome Workamper Resume. When listing a Situations Wanted ad, never underestimate the power of good grammar, punctuation and attention to detail. Employers are more likely to contact potential workampers with competent communication skills.
You can find lots of tips for how to create a workamping resume. Include photos, contact information and any applicable website links. Keep in mind that most employers do their homework too. So keep your online presence respectable, or at least in line with the type of jobs you may be applying for. Do not beg for a job, rant that none are available, nor suggest illegal (e.g.; under the table) arrangements if publicly seeking work.
Best Workamping Job Resources
There are many workamping jobs available, any time of year, for those willing to actively search for them. In fact, as I write this at the very beginning of the upcoming high season for workamping, there are various Facebook posts from employers looking for last minute help due to cancellations. Here are my top three recommendations for researching potential jobs.
Workamper News
By now, you may have noticed that many of the helpful links I’ve provided above lead to workamper.com. That’s because over the past 9± years Rene and I have found all our best workamping jobs using the various Workamper News Member Tools. Their online resume service has even landed us a few unexpected job offers. In fact, I was inspired to write this post because we just received another surprise phone call from a resort manager offering us a job after viewing our “Awesome Applicant” resume.
Now, as Workamper Concierge members, we are happy to help others learn about the benefits of membership, including:
- Print & Digital Workamper News Magazine
- Full Access to Magazine Archives
- Free Situations Wanted Ads
- Searchable Praise Your Employer Feature
- Workamper Experiences Forum
- Daily Hotline Jobs Email
- And more!
Check out the many free workamping job resources available, then review the Workamper Success Manual to learn all about the benefits of membership!
Workampers Facebook Page
The Workampers Facebook Group currently has 12,000+ members. Check out the Files tab for docs listing numerous workamping websites, blogs and resources for finding all sorts of jobs everywhere! Keep in mind that employers participate in the group too, so mind your manners and be respectful to avoid being overlooked when opportunities arise.
Asking for a photo with an application is ILLEGAL but Workamping does nothing to censor. Can’t wait until someone includes them in a lawsuit. Even the example this auther used show “send photo of yourself” . Check the laws- it is illegal. Federal law
“Workamping” does not censor? Who is “them”? Are you referring to some specific employer?
Huh? :-\ Nowhere did we mention anything about employers requiring photos. And nobody is breaking any laws if they decide to voluntarily submit photos of themselves when applying for a job. And why not? If you are proud of your respectable appearance, have nothing to hide, and think it may help you get the job, then there is no reason not to send a photo—regardless of any legality about whether or not it was requested.
Jim, the article is well written if not a bit condecending to current and future work campers.
I did not notice a warning for workampers to fully research an employer before commiting to work for them. Remember, even with a “free site”, you are paying for it with hours worked. Do not, I repeat, do not allow a park owner/manager abuse your work relationship. Many will wait for an applicant to accept excessive hours without proper compensation. If you don’t accept the position, someone surely will. You certainly will not earn a living wage or even minimum wage for any campground work….that is just a fact. The reason you should be a workampe is to enjoy living as a local in a part of the country you want to enjoy while working reasonable hours for your compensation in a safe and well managed work environment. Any workampers that allows an employer to take advantage of or abuse the work relationship without resolution, is making workamping more of a dangerous and unsafe endeavor than it should be. Conversely, the workampers should provide work for agreed upon compensation from the campground.
Interested
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Nicely written and accurate by my experiences. There are so many opportunities out there for anyone wanting to have lower parking expenses and willing to give some time in return.
While I am not on the road nor looking for a workamping job I found this article educational and enlightening. I will jot down a few things for future reference. Thank you.