Thursday, April 23, 2009

Help for the Job Search

With the tremendous number of people who are unemployed and that number exponentially growing, I felt that we should do something to help.

While brainstorming at the Carrot Patch, we came up with a “
Resume Kit” to provide a necessity that everyone looking for a job would appreciate.

These kits consist of high quality paper and envelopes and job hunting resources.

The first kit consists of 25 sheets of paper to have a good copy to take to an interview. For those who want to send their resumes by mail, the second kit consists of 15 sheets of paper and 5 envelopes.

  • In addition, we are including the link to our blog where we have provided a list of job hunting websites that may be of interest. This puts a lot of job search resources in one listing so that the job hunter doesn’t have to try to dig them up for themselves. We were able to work a partnership with a local recruiter we met at a Dallas Tweetup – Craig Fisher (@fishdogs), who owns a local recruitment company called A-list Solutions. Through this blog, you will be able to download his Interview Prep e-Book.

  • Finally, we are including a coupon for 25% Off Carrot Brand Inkjet cartridges, which is a deep discount on our already low prices.

  • At the end of the day, there is little or no profit to us in these kits, since our intention is not to try to make money on the backs of the unemployed. We just want to help them with the resources they need to land that new job.

If you are reading this and are unemployed, you may want to see our other blogs on job hunting. But in any event, the best of luck in your job search. If you are not unemployed, please pass this on to someone you may know who is.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Unemployment Sucks!

The recent unemployment rates have topped 8% and those in the “know” are afraid they will reach 10% by this summer. It is at the point where either you or people you know are unemployed. Well, I’ve been there and I can tell you that unemployment SUCKS!

In my case, I was 47 the FIRST time I was unemployed. Up to that point, I had always felt in charge of my life and could parlay my experience into a better paying job every couple of years to move up the ladder of success. What did I do wrong? Well, I happened to be an executive at a company that got bought out by a company that already had their own executives, causing me to be redundant. Sadly, I’m not the only one. There are millions of people that succumb to this and other unfortunate circumstances every day. And as they tell you, “it’s not personal, it’s business”.

Your life does not and should not stop there. So, I managed to distill a few things that I would like to share and emphasize to anyone who may be unemployed for the first time.

  • NETWORK, Network, network! Whether you like to network or not, statistics show that over 95% of people find new jobs through someone they know or with whom they are acquainted. Don’t be proud and don’t sound desperate, just tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job.

  • Some argue that you should not settle for the first thing that comes along. In this job market, I say take what you can get. Even if it is a lot less than what you used to make, or it isn’t the right industry or whatever other excuses you come up with. If it is a job you can build upon, or even start over, then great. If not, use it as a spring board to stand on, until the right one comes along. And don’t get caught up in the thinking that if you take any old job, that it will detract from your job hunting time. Keep in mind you may meet people who will help you find that perfect job. And if you hate it enough, it will inspire you to look even harder!


  • Don’t feel sorry for yourself! After a few interviews and no job offers, there is a good chance that you will start feeling a bit down. It goes something like this: “It isn’t fair! Why did this happen to me? Nobody wants me!” You are absolutely right. It isn’t fair and in case you didn’t know, life is not fair. You are right in wondering why this happened to you, but take some solace in knowing that you are not alone, and there is a reason for everything in your life. You may not be able to see it now, but you will see it one day with the clarity of hindsight. But most importantly, somebody does want you and actually NEEDS you. Your task is to find each other.


  • Stay upbeat and positive, even though you don’t feel like it all the time. As they say, when one door closes another door opens, and sometimes those doors are connected by a long hallway. While you are in that hallway, you can learn a lot about yourself and when you get to the other end, you may find more than one door to open.


  • And most important of all, don’t forget to pray. Pray to the one God of your faith or the Supreme Being or The Source or however you think of God. Let Him know you need help. Like a mother whose baby is crying to be fed, God will not let you suffer. But you must be open to the answer you receive. It may not be what you expected.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Carrot Ink Shipping Information

We understand you do not always have time to run to the store and purchase your printing necessities, so feel free to order online and receive FREE standard shipping on orders over $45.00!

If your order total does not reach the minimum amount do not worry; we send numerous promotions out via email each month which require absolutely NO order minimum. If you are not yet subscribed to receive our promotion emails and offers please email service@carrotink.com right away to start taking advantage of our great deals.

If you are in a hurry we also offer either FedEx Overnight, or FedEx 2day delivery.

Shipping rates:
Standard shipping (USPS) starts at $3.95 and goes up per pound.
FedEx overnight starts at $9.95 and goes up per pound.
FedEx 2day starts at $6.95 and goes up per pound.

Once your order ships, we will send you a Shipment Notification via email. This notice will include the tracking or delivery confirmation number of your package and a link directing you to the carrier's website. Please allow up to one (1) business day for your tracking number to be uploaded into the carrier’s system.

You may also track your package by logging into our website - all information about your most recent order is available once you have logged in.

Save time and gas money, take advantage of our low if not free shipping rates!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Job Hunting Resources

With the rise in unemployment we thought it would be helpful for our customers who find themselves in the position of looking for a new job to have a listing of internet resources in one place that they can use as a reference. For example, we stumbled upon this great e-book by Gen Y career guru Heather Huhman that serves as a great guide to snagging that perfect gig. Our full list is below, but understand that it is in no way represented as being a complete list, since there are many local resources and agencies available that would be too numerous to mention.

In the following list, please find links that you may find helpful in your hunt for a new job. Ink retailer Carrot Ink (http://www.carrotink.com/) is not affiliated with any of these sites, nor do we endorse or accept any responsibility for their accuracy or content.

http://www.americasemployers.com/ - Specializes in job relocation. Offers industry specific job search and access to recruiters.
http://www.career.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. You may also search by company and experience.
http://www.careerbuilder.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Also offers career advice and resources and will e-mail you jobs that match your interests.
http://www.careercast.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Also offers career news and blog as well as multiple web links.
http://www.careerxchange.com/ - Offers industry, experience and location specific job search. Also offers career/interview advice and newsletter.
http://www.careersite.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Features company profiles and career resources.
http://www.careerweb.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Lists featured employers, job fairs and will e-mail you jobs that match your interests. Multiple quick links listed.
http://www.computerwork.com/ - Specializes in IT/computer careers. Offers industry, experience and location specific job search.
http://www.dice.com/ – Specializes in the tech industry. Browse jobs by location or skill. Lists featured employers and career fairs.
http://www.engineeringjobs.com/ - Specializes in engineering careers. Browse jobs by company and access to recruiters.
http://www.experience.com/ - Geared to college students and young professionals. Offers industry and location specific job search. Features networking and career guidance links.
http://www.fedjobs.com/ - Specializes in Federal careers. Offers industry and location specific job search. Also features career chat and newsletter.
http://www.jobs.findlaw.com/ - Specializes in legal careers. Offers industry and location specific job search. Multiple industry links.
http://www.flipdog.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Also offers career advice and will e-mail you jobs that match your interests.
http://www.hotjobs.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Features career articles, now hiring and resume and interviewing tips.
http://www.it123.com/ - Specializes in the tech industry. Multiple links to educational and training resources.
http://www.monster.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Lists featured jobs in your area and offers career advice. Will e-mail you jobs that match your interests.
http://www.medhunters.com/ - Specializes in medical careers. Offers industry and location specific job search. Lists featured employers and most recent jobs.
http://www.marketingjobs.com/ - Specializes in marketing and sales careers. Offers industry and location specific job search. Lists multiple free career resources and has access to recruiters.
http://www.localcareers.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. List job fairs, resume help, continuing education and featured jobs and employers.
http://www.latpro.com/ - Specializes in careers for Spanish and Portuguese speaking professionals. Offers industry and location specific job search. Lists job fairs and has newsletter.
http://www.jobsingovernment.com/ - Features multiple links to federal and government jobs.
http://www.jobs.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Lists featured jobs in your area.
http://www.incpad.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Multiple links to various other career websites.
http://www.jobsonline.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Also offers salary calculator.
http://www.jobbankusa.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Also offers multiple job seeker resources and resume and interviewing tips.
http://www.nationjob.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Lists featured employers, relocation and educational information. Will e-mail you jobs that match your interests. http://www.jobfox.com/ - Build your profile/resume online throught their site. Will e-mail you jobs that match your interests.
http://www.theladders.com/ - Specializes in careers that offer 100K+ in salary. Offers industry, job title, and specific location job search. Lists most recent job postings.
http://www.usresume.com/ - Lists multiple links to various other career websites. Also offers many links for resume and cover letter advice/help.
http://www.tristatejobs.com/ - Specializes in careers within the tri state area. Offers industry and location specific job search. Also offers resume center and career assistance.
http://www.tjobs.com/ - Specializes in telecommuting careers. Offers links to industry careers and resume help.
http://www.6figurejobs.com/ - Specializes in executive careers. Offers industry and location specific job search. Lists job of the day, entrepreneur opportunities and career advice.
http://www.selectjobs.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Lists most recent area jobs.
http://www.sciencemag.org/ - Specializes in science industry careers. Offers industry and location specific job search.
http://www.schooljobs.com/ - Specializes in teacher and education industry careers. Offers industry and location specific job search.
http://www.recruitersonline.com/ - Offers industry and location specific job search. Also offers access to recruiters.
http://www.ntes.com/ - Lists multiple links to various other career websites.
http://www.net-temps.com/ - Specializes in temporary/temp to hire positions. Offers industry and location specific job search. Also offers newsletter and free career resources.
http://www.netshare.com/ - Specializes in executive careers. Offers industry and location specific job search. Also offers newsletter and blog. Will e-mail you jobs that match your interests.
http://www.netjobs.com/ - Lists multiple links to various other career websites.