9 Ways to Make Your Smartphone Earn Its Keep in a Job Hunt
Simply Hired Staff
If you’re like most people, you use more than one device to access the Internet. Studies show that three out of every four of American consumers use both a smartphone and a computer to get information online. But with only one out of five Fortune 500 companies supporting mobile job applications, finding and applying for jobs on a smartphone can be tricky.
This month Google announced that it would no longer list web pages that are not optimized for mobile in its mobile search results. More companies will have to step up and make it easier for you to access their sites on mobile, but in the meantime you still need to find a new job. Here are some ways you can get the most of out your job search using your mobile device.
Browse for Jobs
Simply Hired and other job search websites offer job search apps. If you don’t have ours, download it today on Google Play or iTunes. To get the most out of your app, log in so you can upload your resume and sync your account across devices. Many listings on Simply Hired allow you to apply directly from the app with a stored resume. Others ask you to go to another website to apply.
Apply to Jobs
To apply to jobs from your device, it’s handy to keep your resume stored on your phone. Some employers allow you to upload your resume from a service like Dropbox or Google Drive, and others allow you to paste or type the information in a form. When saving your resume into Dropbox or Google Drive it’s a good idea to save a formatted and an unformatted version in case you need to paste the text into a form. For more on how to put your resume into plain text or ASCII format click here.
Get Alerts
Simply Hired offers daily job email alerts. Subscribing to email alerts and reading them when you have free time during the day, such as when commuting, waiting in line or on breaks, helps you stay focused on your job search and stay on the lookout for new opportunities.
Save Jobs
You may enjoy finding jobs on the go, but it’s likely you’ll want to apply when you have a little more time to research the company, compose a good cover letter and tweak your resume if necessary. The mobile versions of Chrome and Safari offer multiple ways to bookmark or share job descriptions that you like. By clicking the button with an arrow from your mobile browser, you’ll be presented with a number of options: email, messaging, Twitter, Evernote, etc. We recommend email, or better yet, Evernote (more on that below), to keep track of interesting jobs. While some employer websites offer you the option of emailing the job to yourself so you can apply later, it’s better to have your own system for keeping track of jobs and companies so you can find information all in one place.
Keep Track of Your Search
If you’re unemployed or on a full-fledged search, you’ll want a system for keeping track of interesting companies, jobs and the action steps you’ve taken. I recommend Evernote for this purpose. Evernote syncs across smartphones, tablets and the web, and it also offers a powerful desktop application.
You can create a Notebook for your search that can include jobs you like, companies you like and any research pertinent to your search. Once you’ve applied to a job you “clipped” using Evernote, you can change the subject line of the note by adding the word “applied,” or add a tag that indicates you applied. This will allow you to quickly scroll the list and see your success.
When a recruiter calls you’ll be able to quickly look up the job description to jog your memory of the job requirements. You can take notes in the app that include key points about the job as well as follow-up actions.
Manage Your Tasks
Finding a job can be overwhelming, so it’s helpful to break down your search into tasks. Use your favorite task manager to make lists, such as “research Company X,” “apply to Company Y,” and “prepare for interview at Company Z.” The Apple Reminders app, Wunderlist, as well as Trello, are popular apps that sync across devices. Assign deadlines for tasks to make sure you actually do the things on your list. Instead using apps that live only on your phone, seek out apps that sync across devices so that you’ll have all the information you need as you switch from your smartphone to your computer.
Manage Your Time
Google Calendars, iCal and many other calendars also sync across devices. Use the calendar to schedule calls and interviews, and set aside time to research jobs or complete applications. Use the alerts feature to remind you of interviews.
Map Commute Distance and Time
There’s nothing worse than getting excited about a job opportunity only to find the commute would be an hour and a half. If you’re up for that, fine, but it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into before you apply. Before even saving a job, look it up on the maps feature of your phone and calculate the commute time from your home during morning and evening drive times.
Communicate with Employers
If you already have a job, your phone will be the lifeline to communicating with employers during your current work hours. With most offices now in an open environment, you don’t want to risk someone walking by your computer while you are emailing a potential new employer. Discreetly use your smartphone to check email and make phone calls during breaks. Communicate with a greater degree of professionalism than you would with your friends by using salutations, writing in complete sentences and avoiding emoticons.
As many employers increasingly make their application processes mobile-friendly, start making your smartphone your go-to-tool in your job search.
