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/

Tips for Time Management

Reduce your stress and improve your work with these easy time management tips.

Get organized – Lay out all your tasks that need to be done. Count all your To-Dos and don’t forget about the small assignments!

Prioritize – Organize your tasks from most important to least urgent. Get a head start on big projects and papers to reduce stress closer to the deadline.

Be efficient – Make sure your study time is spent studying. Eliminate distractions by turning off your phone and going to a quiet area to focus.

Have a goal – Keep a goal in mind to stay motivated and on task.

How Many Resumes Do You Need?

To catch a recruiters eye and hold their attention, job-seekers need to tailor a resume to each position. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Create a Master Resume. To help you draft multiple resumes, start with one resume that will act as your master. This document should include all of the jobs you’ve had and everything you accomplished at those jobs. Once you’ve listed everything you can think of, you can look at your resume from different perspectives.

Tracking. Create an Excel spreadsheet to track all of your resumes. Spreadsheets allow you to record jobs you’ve applied for, record which resumes you sent, and track responses and interviews you have scheduled.

Tailored Objective Statement. Your resume objective should change with each job. You want to be specific and tell a potential employer exactly what you’re looking for and why they should hire you by explaining your long-term work goals.

Switch Up Your Skills. The skills section in your resume should cover everything in the job advertisement. If the company is looking for a self-starter and a team player, make sure those are both skills listed on your resume. Don’t misrepresent yourself or lie, but cover the elements that the company is looking for.


Read more here.

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:

Is your Online Image Career-Ready?

Employers check social media sites just like they check references.

While LinkedIn is touted as the professional social media site to use in the job search, only 46% of hiring managers screened their applicants through it.

 76% of hiring managers checked in on applicants on Facebook.

 53% of hiring managers looked into applicants on Twitter.

 69% of recruiters reported that they rejected a job candidate based on something they saw on the applicant’s social media profile

Assume your future boss will see anything you’ve posted publically. Here are tips to clean and polish your online image.

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!

GETTING THROUGH ROADBLOCKS TO FINDING A JOB

You will find a job! Refine your job search approach to make it happen.
Get some tips here.

WAYS NOT TO FIND A JOB

Seriously? It is possible. 

Here are a few things to avoid.

BE FIRST IN LINE

A survey by StartWire says the earlier you apply, the better your chance for getting the job. 
Read more on why it pays to watch when new jobs are posted to get a jump on the competition here.