Getting that first job

[oreocookie]

I debated putting this in the I2I forum, but it seems like getting a job is part of the "Going Pro" process, so here goes...

How do you go about getting that first job? I know the padi pro site has job listings, but looking through them makes it pretty obvious not every job opening gets posted there. Some areas are well represented and looking for people with languages I don't speak, (eg Russian and Korean) while other areas just don't seem to exist on there. I'm also aware of a facebook group with job postings.

So how does the new instructor with 0 certs to their name go about getting a job? Do you email your CV to every dive op in the area(s) you'd like/consider working and hope at least one of them responds? At this point finding something locally is not high on my wishlist as it would be only part time and I don't feel like I currently have enough cold water experience to teach here (but I would do that before even considering taking an unpaid position just to get my foot in the door).

Thanks for any advice

 

[Wookie]

Ummm. I used the PADI Pro site. First interview landed the first job (resort instructor in St. Lucia) and a week later I had my first cert. it worked for me just the way it was promised.

 

[Diver0001]

The easiest and possibly the best way is to know someone.

Build up a network. Get introduced, assist, get known, prove yourself. You can use scubaboard for this too. There may be instructors on the board who live in your area. Get to know them. Even if they don't have work for you directly, they know people too and can introduce you to the people they know.

You'd be surprised how fast you can build up a network if you put your mind to it.

R..

 

[oreocookie]

Frank, thanks for the encouragement to keep checking. Just looked and there are suddenly a bunch of posts that aren't looking for German/Spanish/Russian/Korean speakers for a position in the Maldives (there have been a lot of those recently).

Diver0001, that little piece of advice probably applies to just about every job search, to some degree, and yet i didn't even think about it.

 

[kierentec]

I picked the place I wanted to live first, then sent CVs to every dive shop on the island. Worked out well, I've been happily working for the same shop here for the last 4 1/2 years.

I got lucky, though. it certainly doesn't always work out like that.

 

[TMHeimer]

Our area also features part time work. I guess it can't hurt at all to e mail every single shop you may want to work with. When I was looking for my first school teaching job (1977) I sent snail mail all over the U.S. & Canada and got 2 offers, for what it's worth.

 

[Wookie]

What do you want to do? Teach full time, teach part time, move to the tropics, stay in Quebec? Go to Roatan? Crew a liveaboard? Those of us in the biz hear of things, why, I just heard today that Kierintec's shop just lost 2 instructors.......

 

[oreocookie]

In a nutshell, what I'm hoping for is something full time in the tropics (preferably Caribbean at this point). I'm open to liveaboard or land based (as a customer I'm not sure which I liked better). I'm looking for something that will at least pay the bills.

My main issue with Roatan was that, at least at the shop I was at, pretty much everybody was working under the table because work permits are such a hassle to get that they just don't bother. I don't know how common this is on other islands (but I can't imagine it's just Roatan). If I can work somewhere legally, I would prefer to.

Edit: I'm looking to start in May, but if it's anything like the high school kid trying to get a summer job, you've gotta look a bit early.

 

[kierentec]

Those of us in the biz hear of things, why, I just heard today that Kierintec's shop just lost 2 instructors.......

looks like we'll be able to come see you sooner than we thought, Wookie...

 

[Bubble Junky]

I'd pick a location, then go to the PADI website and use the Dive Shop Locator to find all the dive centres for that location. you will have all their e-mail addresses here. Then e-mail a CV and cover letter, plus a recent photograph to every dive centre... Then wait for the replies. it is quite common for dive centres to want to meet you in person before offering a position... I tend not to use the PADI Employment Board, as they tend to have all the less desirable jobs listed...