Greetings! I just read an article in which employers prefer job seekers who are currently employed over those that are unemployed. This isn't a new concept. But, this still makes it difficult for job seekers to get a grasp in the labor market, by attracting employers' interest. All because you are not currently working, does not mean there is something wrong with you! You could be unemployed for any number of reasons that doesn't include having been fired. So try telling employers this! And you will, in your job interview (to an extent, of course). But what gets you to the interview is your resume. (And how you go about your job search too, of course.) That article, and my experience as an Employment Counselor, prompted me to discuss the broader ramifications of getting involved in secret shopping, by applying for jobs as a Secret Shopper. Maybe you don't plan to have an employer anytime soon, 'cause being your own boss is working for you. You have what you need in terms of finances, and that's awesome. However, for many of us, working at home is also combined with a job out of the house. Or the need for more hours. Even if this means getting back out there in the job market. Some of us may be feeling daunted 'cause we have been out of the job market for some time. Maybe you have been unemployed, or working odd jobs for yourself. And that's the thing. Do not discount casual hours in your job search! Any employment you get working for yourself, or working for someone else, should go on your resume. Not if you got fired, or if things ended badly, of course. But for most of us, this is what we want on our resume to boost it up. It gives a current month and year on the resume to appease the employers' concerns. The same goes with also putting any volunteer or training gigs you've partaken in. Any Mystery shopper positions you get should go on your resume under your Work Experience (I'm not too fond of calling it 'Employment History') section. So what if you've only done it once? So what if you're working from home? So what if you haven't gotten paid for it yet? You treated it like a 'real' job, 'cause it is. It is legitimate. You are reporting to superiors. You acted professionally and got the work down. You were and are a Mystery (or Secret) Shopper! You can use this job title on your resume, or you can use Market Researcher. Have confidence in your experience, and let it show in an interview. Highlight what you did in your job role that was of benefit to the mystery shopping company and the client they needed the shop done for. This shows the employer that you are able to be innovative when it comes to finding ideas to stay employed. That is appealing. They think you will be just as savvy on the job. So don't discount your casual employment opportunities, including your Mystery Shopper positions. Who knows, you may just be paving the way for that great career! -Kat P.S. Please leave your comments at anytime. I would love to hear your thoughts!
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start secret shopping blogWelcome to my blog on the information and advice you need to know to get started as a Secret Shopper! I love this work and would like to share my experience with you. :)
-Kat
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