You need a new job. Whether you are job searching or trying to improve your job skills, Bad Economy Jobs will help you. We are in this recession together and any job searching tips can make the difference in employment. Read about the recession proof jobs, best jobs in a bad economy, online schooling, stimulus jobs and how to advertise your resume.

Those considering U.S. postal jobs should know a few things about these positions. Many employees start at the most basic level, the mail carrier. Due to the nature of these jobs, these are often the most common openings. These individuals deliver mail to specific routes either by car or on foot. After awhile of service in this sector, he or she may be eligible to move on for other jobs within the postal service. This can include positions such as clerk or post master.

Applying For US Postal Jobs

Contrary to popular belief, one does not simply just apply for U.S. postal jobs. This is a government job that requires applicants to test for all positions. In addition to this, one must be able to speak fluent English, be a U.S. citizen and have registered with the selective service. Applicants will not be considered unless they are at least eighteen or older. Legal resident aliens are also eligible to apply for these positions.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are no educational requirements for postal jobs other than the ability to read, write and comprehend English efficiently. However in this bad economy, having a solid educational background may be beneficial when considering the amount of competition for these types of jobs.

Average Mail Carrier Salary

In 2008, the median annual wage of the mail carrier was $49,800. As with other types of jobs, mail carrier salary earnings may fluctuate depending on several different factors. This can include one’s length of service with the post office, employee type (full time, part time or temporary), and the location. For example, those employed in areas that require frequent travel utilizing a personal vehicle may be reimbursed for these types of expenses. Those interested in U.S. postal jobs but do not want to become carriers may also be eligible for other positions, such as couriers and route drivers that deliver mail between post offices.

Stuck in a job that feels repetitive and everyday you think about quitting but you know there are better opportunities in your job industry. A good solution to your problem is improving job satisfaction and adding more or different responsibilities. A simple way to get started is by asking for a job promotion in your current work.

If you are not sure how to get on the right path towards promotion, here are some tips. As with many things, the more prepared you are, the more confident you will be.

Job Promotion Tips

Research the job position that you are aiming for and study hard to find all the information. Focus on how other people got their job promotions in your company. Find out if the criteria for the promotion was a successful project, coming up with new ideas or simply networking and making connections by being friendly. Although it is unspoken in the workplace, having friends in higher places will get you a promotion as long as you can demonstrate some competency.

Ask your boss how you can improve on your value to the company. Let them do a job evaluation on you so you can really understand how to improve yourself. The more you can prove yourself to be an asset to the company, the better your chances of keeping your job and possibly getting a raise.

Can you list all your accomplishments with the company? During a job promotion interview, you must be able to communicate your contributions and value. Make a very long list so they get completely overwhelmed. Add lots of dollar amounts and numbers where you saved the company money, time and added new clients. Anything that shows you made the business grow will look good in your favor.

Give some new and fresh ideas to your boss and make it so you are the only one capable of getting these ideas completed. The last thing you want is for your boss to steal your ideas so make it relevant to your own personal traits and abilities.

Another way to improve your chances of a job promotion is to find someone who has been in your situation and someone above your current job position. Someone who can offer you advice and be an ally in your promotion will be very valuable.

Try to take on more responsibilities that exceed your job description. Preferably, engage in some tasks that would look good in your request for a job promotion. If you are under qualified for the higher job position, then your goal should be to learn more about that role. Does your company offer free training, workshops and seminars? Sign up for them and make it known that you can be retrained and tackle new duties.

Remember to make friends because as stated earlier, having friends with authority will get your further even if it is not spoken. Give your manager some compliments about how they are running a project and show interest by asking questions.

First, what is an “Owner-Operator” job? Just as described, it is a business owned and operated by the same individual. These jobs have become increasingly popular in today’s economy. Many people who are unable to find employment elsewhere have chosen to start their own business.

The advantages of having your own business are obvious: you can pick your own schedule, you are not answerable to anyone else (except maybe a spouse), and you succeed or fail based on your own efforts. Education is not necessarily a factor, as you are not meeting an employer’s requirements. You will be expected to provide proof of credentials and/or competency to prospective clients for jobs like interior decorating, home repair, accounting, or any other service type of business. Most owner-operators are also required to fulfill state licensing requirements just like any other business; if nothing else you will need a business license.

The risks of being an owner-operator are almost the same as the advantages. You are on your own. All aspects of running a business are your responsibility. This includes the expense of maintaining equipment, advertising, accounting and any needed supplies. You are vulnerable to possible lawsuits by disgruntled clients. Starting out as a “sole proprietor” keeps it simple for accounting and tax purposes, but become a limited liability company or “LLC” as soon as possible. This protects the owner-operator’s personal assets and separates them from those of his company.

Owner-Operator Trucking Jobs

A sub-contractor, a common practice in the construction field or long haul trucking jobs, does not have the same amount of freedom as a sole proprietor. You/your company are employed under another company for a job. This means meeting the contractor’s requirements but also eliminates advertising and possibly some supply and equipment costs. It still requires that you do your own accounting and maintain your own equipment.

Franchises or multi-level marketing are also owner-operator jobs. The purchase of a franchise can be very expensive. Both require adhering to the original business owner’s concept and rules, and purchasing all supplies and goods from them.

Overall, the owner-operator job is best for the disciplined, self-starting type of individual.