Job searching is hard work. It is easy to get frustrated and disorganized when you are trying to balance your current workload and finding a new job all at once.
Through research and using tactics from my own past job searches, I have complied 7 resources and tools you can utilize to make your job search more organized. I promise you spending a little time organizing and utilizing these tools in your job search will help get you on your way to a new job or career in no time!
1. Google Alerts
There are a number of ways in which Google Alerts can prove useful during the job search process. For starters, you can keep tabs on the companies you’re most interested in. Set up a Google Alert for a company that you’re interested in, and stay on top of all their developments and news. For smaller businesses, this will work even better, because you can stay informed about new locations or potential “help wanted” announcements.
Google Alerts can also be used for following industry trends. This way, when you go in for your next job interview you are well prepared to discuss your industry intelligently and confidently.
2. Twitter
As with Google Alerts, Twitter can help you keep dialed in to your industry and informed about all the latest trends. You can search industry-related hashtags to find out what industry experts are talking about.
Another helpful hint is to organize business you follow and industry thought leaders into lists on Twitter. All the information you need will be organized and accessible according to a category for the next time you need it!
3. Google+
If you are searching for a job, it is almost imperative you are on Google+. Using Google+ will help to optimize your online search results. Start a Google+ account and update it regularly with professional insights, articles, and updates to impress hiring managers.
Also, keep your page focused on your career and your niche, and in the long run it could really help separate you from other applicants.
4. PocketResume
If you’ve been inactive with your job search, your CV is probably outdated. Many of us also do not have the time or patience to sit in front of a computer and put together a new CV.
That’s where PocketResume comes in! This tool is an easy to use app for smartphones and tablets which allows you to create professional looking CVs with minimal fuss. Your CV will then be converted into a PDF, which is then ready to send to a hiring manager in a snap!
Note: Using a service like this will have limitations on customization and that you may still need to create a version of your CV in a Word document format.
5. Google Drive and Dropbox
Most recruitment websites and job boards see the highest traffic during the week with peak times at working hours. While you may be able to conduct your job search at work, you might not always have a copy of your CV on your work computer. Google Drive and Dropbox can be used to store your CV online. This will ensure that you have access to your files from any device and that you are able to apply for jobs whenever you need to.
6. Glassdoor
Glassdoor provides more than just approval ratings and reviews for companies and CEOs. You can also use this site to find information regarding salaries and interview questions which other users have submitted.
In addition, when interviewing with a big organization it’s important to figure out how you can present yourself in a way that hiring managers can picture you fitting in to their company culture. Reading reviews from current and former employees is an easy way to get a “feel” for the company before you even set foot in the building.
7. My Interview Simulator
My Interview Simulator is an online mock interview tool which has a bank of practice questions and response suggestions. The questions are delivered in video format.
One downside to this program is that responses are not recorded. To fix this, have a friend read the questions to you and critique your responses.