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Some friends of mine are currently searching for new jobs in town, so I wanted to pass along a few tips to those of you out there whom are also searching. Here are my 11 tips:

1. Go apply at local employment agencies. Even if you don’t like working as a temp, you never know, they may find something permanent for you. Or if you are willing to give temp-ing a try, it could just turn into something permanent.
   
2. Check the Classifieds. Search the 1,500+ local job postings on Bakersfield.com or pick up a copy of The Bakersfield Californian.
   
   
3. Sign up for job posting e-mail alerts. Bakersfield.com offers alerts so you don’t have to check the site daily.
   
4. Make your resume more impressive. Get assistance with your resume at the JobSource Resource Center or Career Services Center. Show your resume to everyone you know and get their honest advice.
   
5. Upload your resume online.  You can create an online job application and cover letter or upload your resume to Bakersfield.com and most national job websites. This allows employers to review your resume while searching for candidates online. It also makes it faster to apply online.
   
   
6. Gain new skills or brush up on old ones. Check out the Job training and education programs offered by Career Services Center. Check out instructional books from the library.
   
   
7. Search CalJobs. It's the EDD's site offering job postings for the state and Kern County.
   
   
8. Check Bakersfield’s large employer’s job postings. This would include employers such as: Edwards Air Force Base, Kern County Public Schools, County of Kern, Grimmway Farms, Giumarra Farms, Catholic Healthcare West, Bolthouse Farms and Dreyer’s Ice Cream.
   
   
9. .Check the posting on national job sites. Sites such as Monster, Career Builder, HotJobs, or smaller local sites like Snagajob from KGET17 or Kero23 can also be great resources.
10. Think outside the box a bit. Sites like CraigsList or Bakotopia also have interesting job postings from time to time.
11. Pick up the phone and send out a few emails to everyone you know in Bakersfield. Word of mouth is the best way to get leads for available jobs and to get an inside advantage.

I wish you the best of luck in your job search. If you have any other helpful tips, please leave a comment!

I've never thought I would say this, but I've become a little obsessed with maps of Bakersfield. I must admit I have officially become a geek. See for yourself!

I am going to start work on some new interactive maps and I wanted feedback from you guys on what types of maps you'd like to see. I was planning on creating a grocery store map and a hardware store map.

Are there any other ideas you have on maps that you would find helpful? As a friend of mine always says " A closed mouth doesn't get fed." Speak up & share your ideas!

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I'm about to start my latest renovation project re-doing a hall closet that has an old, inoperable air conditioner in it. Yes, there is a reason I've waited to start on this project. It's NO fun.

I wanted to share with you some cool links that get me inspired when I am planning a remodeling project:

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I am happily married, but I get asked a lot about what do singles do in a town to meet people? Bar hop just like everywhere else. But what if you prefer not to do the bar scene and now what to try something different?

Well, many are trying Speed Dating. There is a local speed dating company that hosts them for about $25 per person.

Also, there is a locally based dating site, My County Match that is sponsored by KUZZ, the local country music station.

Have you ever tried it? Would you recommend it to single newcomers? Are there any other things you had tried with luck?

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It's always a challenging meeting new people when you move to a new city. I've been toying with the idea of starting a NewToBakersfield Networking get-together.

Would any of you be interested in something like this?

What do you think would work well? Meeting at a coffee house? Wine & Drinks? Breakfast? At a park with activities?

Is there anything you would like to come & find out or would you just want to meet new people?

Post a comment & let me know! I need some feedback! :)

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Sometimes on newcomer sites, people always try to paint a picture of Utopia about the city you are moving to. I hope with our blogs and the kind of content we provide on NewtoBakersfield.com, you can get an honest perspective on what life is like here in Bakersfield.

To be honest, there are some things I love about living here, and some things I really hate. But overall, I think it's a great place to live!

Here are some things I wish someone would have told me about so that I could have been better prepared:

• The Fog: When I was moving here, the only comment I got about Bakersfield from people is "It's soooo hot in the summer." Yes, that's very true. But no one warned me about the winter! This winter it was mild, but typically we are filled with what is called tule fog. It is literally the thickest fog in the world. It's like you are stuck inside a giant cotton ball. It's a bit scary to drive in and I find it depressing. I understand that since our population is growing, the amount of fog we get within the city is actually decreasing.

• No-Burn Days: For me, one of the main benefits to moving to Bakersfield was to be able to afford to buy a house with a fireplace. I had no idea of the air quality issues Bakersfield has and that the air quality board has many "no-burn days" during the winter. That gray Bakersfield day that was just perfect for a fire in the fireplace, it's not allowed.

• Bakersfield Mix: Maybe this is just because I am obsessed with having a perfect lawn. I had no idea how to care for a garden in this kind of climate- super hot summer and freezing winter. The saving grace for my garden and lawn has been Gardener's Supply on Landco Drive. They have grass seed called Bakersfield Mix that stays perfectly green year-round! Don't buy grass seed anywhere else!

What are some things you have found out about Bakersfield that you wish someone would have told you beforehand? Post a comment!