According to a recent survey from LinkedIn, more than 64% of professionals use their mobile devices to browse career opportunities online, and 45% say they’ve actually applied for positions right from their smart phone. Mobile technology has made it easier for job hunters – both active and passive – to check out potential employers (sometimes discreetly from their cubicles), and even take action if a job description seems too good to pass up. More employers are getting on board, too, offering full-fledged mobile career sites at which candidates can upload their résumé or fill out an application.
Beyond applying for a random position, smartphones can actually help you perform all sorts of career advancement activities, and practically for free. Take a look at how your mobile device can be a terrific career tool that can eventually boost your earnings:
Networking. Rededicate some of the time you spend texting, Instagramming or watching cat videos on YouTube to update your social media profiles, reconnect with old colleagues and let contacts know that you’re on the prowl for a new job. Most job openings aren’t ever posted, so being proactive during your commute, lunch hour or other heavy smartphone-using times of the day can pay off in the form of job leads.
On-the-go résumé-sending. All job hunters should always have a recent cover letter and résumé that they can access from their phone to send at a moment’s notice. You never know who you may meet, especially if you’re attending an industry or networking event. You can store files on Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud for easy access.
Because you might be sending documents to a recruiter’s handheld device, be sure that they are mobile friendly, too. In other words, keep formatting to a minimum and include live links to your online portfolio, LinkedIn profile, and/or website. Of course, it’s important to customize your résumé for each position to which you apply, so consider an app such as Documents (free or $4.99 for the pro version) or Pocket Resume ($3.99), which allows you to tweak your files and send them out without having to wait until you’re on your home computer. Plus, think of all the money you’ll save on fancy résumé paper and postage?
Staying organized. Whether it’s your Evernote app, your Google calendar or a detailed contacts folder, smartphone users can keep track of all of their job search activity without having to print out one piece of paper. You can do everything from set alerts for yourself to follow up with a hiring manager, to finding alternate directions to a job interview if your subway line is delayed.
Company research and new job alerts. Mobile job listings apps such as Indeed or company research apps such as Glassdoor can keep you up to date on company postings and news. Often, the best jobs are filled quickly, so you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity that’s suited for you. Learning more about the companies in advance can also help you avoid applying for jobs that aren’t right for you.
The days of circling classified ads are done. Instead, take advantage of mobile technology to type, swipe and scroll your way to your next gig.