The Best Mobile Apps for Your Job Search

Wondering how to job hunt more effectively? Try using the latest job search apps. Searching for a job is a stressful process. Between filling out applications, writing cover letters, landing interviews, making the right impression during those interviews and the simple uncertainty of not knowing where you’re going to work next, it can all be a little overwhelming. To help you on your hunt, we’ve listed a few of the best job search apps we could find.

1) Job Search by Indeed.com

Fitting that one of the best job search apps is actually called Job Search, isn’t it? In addition to having an incredibly practical name, this app pulls from the same databases as Indeed’s main site, which offers thousands of listings from job boards and company websites. It also allows you to save or email your favorite job postings and remembers your recent searches to help make your next visit more efficient. Oh, it’s also free and currently available on both iTunes and Google Play.

2) Jibber Jobber

Staying organized during your job hunt can be almost as challenging as landing a job. This little app makes it easier. Jibber Jobber helps you keep track of everything: where you’ve applied, who the contact person was, the status of your application (when you wrote your cover letter, when you interviewed, when you sent your thank you letter, etc.). It also allows you to keep track of networking relationships and associates them with companies you’ve targeted as desirable places to work. It’s pretty handy to say the least.  

3) SnapDat

This app combines the old school and the new, and is especially effective for entrepreneurs, freelancers and business owners. SnapDat lets you create and send digital business cards from your iPhone to a new contact’s email. This free app makes putting your card in peoples’ hands easier than ever before. 

4) Jobs by Career Builder

This app works the same way Career Builder’s website does, allowing you to find and apply for jobs online, right from your phone. It’s simple, easy to use and perfect for people on the move. Jobs by Career Builder is currently available on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and through Google Play.

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 Sources:

 http://mashable.com/2012/08/31/job-search-apps/

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-47540504/9-best-mobile-apps-for-finding-a-job/

How to Follow Up On a Job Interview

Here are some tips on how to properly communicate with a future employer to increase your chances of getting hired.

After submitting your application:

Once you send in your application, the next step is to wait to hear back from the employer. You do not want to pester the hiring manager with phone calls or emails because you never know how many hundreds of applications they have to sift through before beginning the interview process.

Post interview:

After your interview, be sure to send a “thank you” note to express gratitude for the interview and your continued interest in the position.

After a week:

Review your notes from the interview and send a thoughtful email or short phone call reflecting on points from the interview. State something memorable from the interview or try to show your value to the company.

Make Your Resume a Success

Your resume often serves as your first impression with potential employers. Be sure that you are sending the right message in a clear and concise way. Here are some tips for making a successful first impression with your resume:

Focus on originality – Highlight individual achievements on your resume instead of listing your day-to-day tasks at past jobs.

Get to the point – Writing in a short, concise manner. In today’s job market, a recruiter may file through hundreds of resumes for a single position. Write clearly so your achievements stand out when your resume is given a 10-second look over.

Be relevant – Keep the content of your resume to the last four years of background information. Your high school accomplishments are not going to impress a recruiter. Make sure you are aiming your resume at your target audience!

What to Say When You're Following up

Frequently asked questions when it comes to following up after applying for a job include:

How long should I wait to follow-up? Should I call, write or email? How frequently can I follow-up?


An important question people forget to ask is "What should I say when I follow-up?

Why Your Resume Got Tossed

The average recruiter sees 5,000 resumes a year. Here are some of the top reasons why a resume gets thrown out:

Formality Takes a Vacation

Don’t succumb to the informality of email. “If you send a cover letter by email that starts with ‘Hi,’ it and your resume will probably end up in the trash.

Things Get Too Personal


“If you mention your age, we have to trash your resume,” says one HR professional with a venture capital firm. Since it’s illegal for a company to solicit a candidate’s age, race, or marital status during the hiring process, firms have adopted a “don’t tell” policy to avoid potential bias suits.

Google Results

Unless you’ve adjusted your privacy settings, what you say and do on social networks is out there for all to see, including potential employers. Basically, you have two options when it comes to keeping your online identity spic and span: Remove all incriminating photos and censor your status updates and Tweets, or completely privatize your profiles.

Read more at: http://www.wetfeet.com/advice-tools/resume-cover-letter/why-your-resume-got-tossed

Do Your Research!

 

It's always important to research a company before going on a job interview.  Keep reading for tips on how to get started

The Cover Letter – Your Chance to Impress

Resumes and online applications forms can only say so much, writing a cover letter allows gives you an opportunity to explain why you believe you are qualified for the job, to make a positive impression and to explain reasons for employment gaps or career changes.


Keep reading for our cover letter writing tips.

Follow directions. Before sending your cover letter, read the job posting carefully. Employers often list specific instructions to follow when applying, such as including examples of work, explaining your prior work experience or submitting your cover letter in a certain file format.

Personalize. Address the letter to the hiring manager by name. If you don’t know the contact’s name, call the company and ask. Also, don’t just write one cover letter and assume you can use it over and over. Write a new letter for each job you apply for and make sure the letter shows that you have researched the company.


Keep it short. Limit your cover letter to two or three brief paragraphs. Avoid sharing personal details that don’t relate to the position.

Proofread! Have someone else read your cover letter and try reading it aloud to make sure you find any mistakes.

Finding part-time work that fits you!

Guest post by Danielle Cook, Career Quest Learning Centers in Lansing

Part-time jobs are just that, part-time, they are the jobs you work at to get you through school and pay the bills. If you’ve ever been back to Career Services and asked us about employment, chances are you’ve heard us say “Are you just looking for a job to get you through school or are you looking for a career opportunity?”

Even though it may be just a part-time job we want to enjoy going to work. Here are some tricks to finding a part-time job that fits you:

Finding the Right Career

Are you good at finding things on the computer? Do your friends think your middle name is Google? You may be good at a career in the fast growing field of Health Information Technology. Clinics and hospitals are being forced to go paperless – but you're already there! For more help finding the right career, check out this career help guide and take free online career test.

Keeping a Positive Attitude in a Job Search

It's not always easy to stay positive while you're looking for work. These tips from staffing firm, Kelly Services, may help. As a Career Quest graduate, you've already mastered 3 of the top 6 tips! See which ones.

Do a Smarter Job Hunt

Here are some smart ways to cut through company walls to find someone inside who can help you. Don't go in circles - do a smarter job search. Just be sure to start with the basics - know what you're looking for!

What's in a Word?

This blog suggests 10 words to impress employers with your resume, (hint: they're action verbs). It also lists 10 words to avoid so your resume doesn't get tossed out before you can get an interview. Take out your version and see where you stack up. And please, choose your words carefully. Read more here.

HOW TO DRESS FOR AN INTERVIEW ON A BUDGET

Most people looking for work are on a tight budget. Here are some tips for dressing well with tight budgets in mind. Here are 10 tips - and some of them won’t cost you a cent...

A RECENT CNA GRAD SHARES HER STORY

Interested in being a CNA? Here's a first-hand look at what it really takes to be one!
See the story here.

SORRY! THE BEST WAY TO RESCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW

Sometimes you just can't help it and rescheduling an interview is the

only choice you have. Call as soon as you know - don't wait for a

'miracle' to remove the time conflict. You can do this! 

Here are more ideas.

FINDING WORK IN AN UNSTEADY MARKET

Sometimes you wonder if you're wasting your time.  But job hiring is

up. Here's how to focus on the jobs that are on the best match and

ignore the rest. 

Already hired? Tips for you too!  

Thanks to Career Builder for this solid advice.

See the link here.

THE DREADED QUESTION: 'WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?'

You know your best qualities, but what are your weaknesses? 

Read this to handle the question everyone hates!

THE SKINNY ON RESUMES

Less is more! Effective ways to slim down your resume in the right areas.

Check it out here.

STILL WAITING? WHAT YOU CAN DO AFTER THE INTERVIEW...

Vickie Elmer understands that waiting for a call back is beyond annoying. But Elmer tells you how you can get some control back between interviews. 
See the article here.
We found her at the blog glassdoor.com

PUSHY PARENTS??

Here's some career advice you might want to show to your mom. Tell her you'd really like her help -- just not during the interview!! Yes, some parents actually come along for the interview!