The Right Stuff – The Gear You Need For Job Search – Part 1

“I don’t know what you could say about a day in which you have seen four beautiful sunsets.” – John Glenn

I was watching some clips about the amazing John Glenn who was not only a WWII and Korea War hero, piloted the first manned orbital mission for the US but then returned to fly on the Space Shuttle 36 years later at the age of 77! Talk about the “right stuff”. So I got to thinking, what is the “right stuff” required for job search? If you had the perfect package (all the right tools in your job search toolkit), what would it include? As I thought it through, I realized that this is too big of a topic to cover in one post. So today’s topic is a “multi parter”. Today’s installment will focus on some job search  and document management apps for your smartphone while future installments will will focus on other gadgets, resume, interview skills, etc.

Now while you won’t need anything as complicated as the Space Shuttle for your job search, the shear volume of tools available can be overwhelming. Following are a few apps to help you get started.

Resumes and CVs – The most important tool in your Job Search Marketing Toolkit is, of course, your resume or CV. Pressed for time? Why not leverage your smartphone or tablet to write your resume, print it or email it to that recruiter who just called? The following apps will help you get started.

• giga-cv: This is a universal app (works on both the iPhone and iPad) to help you draft (or re-write) your resume and cover letter. There are a number of different resume layouts (12 to be exact). The app also includes a cover letter drafting tool as well (you can even include your signature). Once you’ve completed your docs, you can print them or email them directly from your iOS device. You can store additional information like your references, education detail, hobbies/interests, etc.

• pico-cv: This iOS app was created by the same developers as giga-cv and is a refreshing app that let’s you create an overview of your resume and relevant information for easy distribution. The result is a mini-resume in a business-card like format. Much of the same flexibility and functionality is included in this app (4 styles to pick from, manage your contact info, career objectives, add a photo, print for distribution, export for email, etc.).

• Pocket Resume – This an Android app which will let you create, maintain and email your resume from your Android device. This app also has multiple styles and allows export to pdf format as well as direct email.

Job Search – There are tons of apps that will help you search for a job from your smartphone (way too many to list here). Most of the more popular job search boards have a supporting smartphone app. A few of the more popular apps are listed below.

• Indeed.com – If you’ve spent anytime looking for a job you should be familiar with this site. Indeed offers both an iOS or Android version of their app. Both offer the ability to search for jobs and email or save your favorites.

• Simplyhired.com – Another way to search for jobs on the go, Simplyhired.com also offers an iOS app for job search. Search, save and apply.

• The Best Apps for Job Search – Okay, your turn to make a pick. The following links will help you find a job search app for your smartphone.

• 10 Best Job Search Apps for Android
• Top job hunting apps to help you find employment

Document Management – You know the phrase – “You snooze, you lose”. Successful job search is so often driven by “getting there first”. There are a number of tools you can use to email your resume in pdf or document format from your smartphone while you are on the road. Some of these tools will also enable you to access your document from the cloud.

• Dropbox – In addition to the web based version, Dropbox offers mobile versions for iOS (iPhone and iPad), BlackBerry and Android. The app will allow you to access your documents from your smart device and access them (depending on the document type and other apps you may have). You can email a link to your file as well.

• Quickoffice – With this app (available for just about every smartphone operating system) will allow you to create and edit Microsoft Office docs from just about anywhere.  Plus, you can email your document, access files saved to your email (depends on your operating system) or to your device.

• Cloudon – This app allows you to use your iPad to create view and edit MS Office files (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). You can also leverage Dropbox  to manage your files.

Good luck in your search.

By: CareerAlley

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.