I tell clients that having an interview wish list is the most important job search tool you can have today. It is a list of companies you would like to work for. They earn a place on your list because you can personally explain how you feel connected to their products and services. Here are 8 of the best online tools to help you in your job search.
Even if you consider LinkedIn your first and last stop on your job search journey, it's worth spending a little more time on the site to really get comfortable with the ins and outs. Job search is no longer as straightforward as it used to be. This is true for both employers and job seekers. As difficult as it can be for job seekers, it is equally challenging for employers to find their ideal candidate.
Most job seekers are simply unaware that there are a number of tools and techniques that help them get hired faster than they thought possible. The information on this site is provided as a courtesy. Indeed is not a professional or legal advisor and does not guarantee interviews or job offers. Many of the high-level job seekers I meet at an urban job centre I work for haven't had to look for a job in 10, 20, 30 years or more.
One of the most popular social networking sites is LinkedIn. With LinkedIn you can create an electronic CV, send messages and connect with other professionals and potentially be recruited by employers. Overall, LinkedIn is a free online tool that will help you get your next job. Business cards are still a great job tool, but they can be a hassle to keep track of.
CamCard is a phone app that scans, reads and manages the business cards you collect. You can combine contact information with any existing information on your phone and write helpful notes on each card. The application also syncs across multiple devices, allowing you to access your contacts anywhere. Your email signature is one of the most underutilised and important tools of self-branding.
It is your opportunity to let the people you email know the important details about you and that you are looking for a job. You never know who has a friend of a friend who wants to hire someone with your skills. Be sure to include your name, experience, website URL and contact information in your signature. You can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile.
You can use an application such as WiseStamp to create and insert your signature or do it on your own. Other job search engines include social media profiles with your contact information at the top of the page. Glassdoor is another immensely valuable asset for anyone in the job search, and I loved my recent interview with their CEO here. Google Jobs is actually a super-functional job platform that allows you to search for jobs, save specific listings and searches, and even set alerts based on job criteria.
The most important thing is to edit the body of the letter to show the employer why you are qualified for the job. Job alerts are job search tools that can help people learn about opportunities before other candidates. Many job seekers get so caught up in software programmes and online subscriptions that they forget to focus on the end result: getting hired for the job they want. You can develop and nurture your network of contacts, access recruiters through LinkedIn messaging, and continue your branding with a video feature (currently not available on desktop), and apply for jobs with LinkedIn's separate Jobs application.
These are some ways to get your CV in sync with everything you're doing to find a job. Not only are job seekers using video to add dimension to their application, but recruiters are also using video platforms to attract applicants. From social media and online job boards to professional recruitment agencies, there are plenty of new things to try to expand your network and help you stand out. Slik offers a number of data mining services, but one that I've found particularly useful, and will no doubt be an asset to you in your network, is their email search tool.
Professional organisations are useful career search tools that offer individuals unique opportunities in their sector. Career centres offer specific job search tools to help potential candidates not only find jobs that are right for them, but also to establish long-term career goals that they can explore. But obviously, new technologies have provided job seekers with infinitely greater potential to optimise their searches and find the perfect job. In experimenting with these new resources, it can be easy to forget the important role that the CV still plays in the job search.
