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In today’s highly competitive job market, the early bird often gets the worm, or in this case, the interview. Recruiters and hiring managers are inundated with more resumes than they need for their open positions. Therefore, qualified candidates who submit their resumes promptly in the initial round stand the best chance of being noticed. Being timely and proactive could make a difference in landing that desired role.
Imagine you’re out for lunch and receive a call from a recruiter with an incredible job opportunity, but they need your latest resume in 15 minutes. You’re nowhere near a computer; all you have is your smartphone. What’s your next move? If you’re tech-savvy, you swiftly access your resume from Dropbox, make necessary changes with Google Docs, and email it back to the recruiter using your smartphone. Or perhaps you have an interview in 15 minutes and want to research one of the interviewers. With just your smartphone and the LinkedIn app, you can quickly find out everything you need to know. The modern job seeker leverages technology not just as a tool, but as a crucial ally in pursuing new opportunities.
- Use Job Search Engines: Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to find opportunities.
- Create a Professional Online Profile: Maintain a polished LinkedIn profile.
- Join Online Networking Groups: Connect with industry professionals.
- Research Companies Online: Understand a potential employer’s culture and values.
- Apply Directly on Company Websites: Many companies list vacancies on their sites.
- Utilize Social Media: Follow companies on platforms like Twitter for updates.
- Build an Online Portfolio: Showcase your work online to impress employers.
- Take Online Courses: Enhance skills through e-learning platforms.
- Subscribe to Industry Blogs: Stay informed with the latest industry news.
- Monitor Your Online Reputation: Keep a clean and professional online presence.
On the Fly
If you are not near a computer and need to access your resume (and maybe make a change or two), you will need to leverage your smartphone. And, in order to do that, you will need to have all of the right apps to create, edit, and share your documents. Some of the more popular apps are:
- Google Docs (Android or iOS)
- Smart Office 2 (Android)
- SmartOffice (iOS)
- MS Office.
- If you have an iPhone, Apple’s Page app is fully integrated.
Where Are Your Files
There are many apps to access files you may need (but don’t have) on your smartphone or in the cloud. You probably already have and use one or more of the apps listed below. Some of the more popular apps are:
- Dropbox
- iCloud Drive
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Box
Job Search on Your Smartphone
All of the popular job search sites (see a partial list below) have both a smartphone app and their web interface. search and allow you to react quickly if an amazing new opportunity pops up.
- Job search
- Indeed
- Linkup
- ZipRecruiter
- Monster
Leverage Job Alerts
Setting up notifications on popular job search platforms such as Indeed and Glassdoor can be a pivotal step in your job hunting process. By enabling real-time alerts tailored to match your specific career interests, qualifications, and preferred locations, you ensure that you are instantly informed of relevant opportunities as soon as they become available. This proactive approach not only saves you time from constantly monitoring various websites but also gives you a competitive edge by allowing you to apply early. The integration of these alerts with your smartphone ensures that even when you’re on the go, your job search continues uninterrupted, connecting you with potential employers and keeping your career goals within reach.
Track Job Applications
Tracking job applications is an essential part of the job search process, and leveraging a digital tool can make this task much more manageable. Consider using an app or digital note-taking platform such as Evernote to meticulously record where you’ve applied, the positions, contact details of hiring managers, and crucial follow-up dates.
By maintaining a detailed record, you avoid duplication and stay organized, allowing you to focus on customizing applications and preparing for interviews. This digital approach ensures all the information is at your fingertips, accessible across devices, and can be updated as you move through the hiring process. Whether scheduling reminders for follow-up calls or storing feedback after an interview, this method provides a comprehensive view of your job search, aiding in timely and informed decisions.
Who do You Know
Who you know (and how you leverage them) is probably the most important tool in your job search and LinkedIn is a really important tool (with really good smartphone support). Xing, Meetup, Jobcase, and Opportunity are some of the alternatives.
Get That Job
So many of the posts on CareerAlley have been about leveraging the Internet in your job search. But you can also find job leads and apply from your smartphone. Many of the well-known job search sites have their own apps. Take a look at indeed.com (aggregates jobs from a number of sites), Careerbuilder (supports iOS and Android) and of course Monster jobs.
Use the latest technology to target potential employers and secure the first interview--no matter your experience, education, or network--with these revised and updated tools and recommendations.
