Appiphilia: Job searching when left to your own devices
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Today’s smart phones can make searching and applying for a job a mobile adventure. Credit: Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
I don’t know about you, but I’m a multitasking madwoman. I work hard and require anything I have around me to work at least as hard. I carry both a BlackBerry and an iPhone, and both have to be able to keep up. (Sleep mode is for the weak.)
One of the key things you should be able to do with your smart phone is network. With social networks rising to prominence among the working generations, there are some apps that take advantage of that mode of connection.
Both BlackBerry and iPhone have apps for the requisites of social networking: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter clients.
The iPhone takes the mobile work life a little further. You might just be able to connect with that new gig without even having to look up from your screen -- although most employers rank potential employees a little higher for actual eye contact.
beamME CV ($5.99)
What it is: This app lets you send a resume using e-mail, text message or Twitter. Ultimately, though, the document is delivered by e-mail. The iPhone won’t upload documents directly to Safari, so you have to use a computer for that part. But you can use the iPhone to set up a contact card and customize your ‘cover letter.’ The app keeps track of your sending history -- and location, if you turn on that option.
Bottom line: A convenient enough, paperless and relatively low-effort way of responding to the serendipity of job opportunities and following up with your curriculum vitae in real time. The company says the app might be a tax-deductible tool in your job search. (Might want to e-mail, text or tweet your tax advisor on that one, though.)
Resume Pro ($1.99)
What it is: If you haven’t had the chance to revamp your resume but need a quick outline of your experience to offer a potential employer, this app helps you create an insta-resume. In other words, you provide the details, add water and send. You could technically excuse yourself from a meeting and, in about five minutes, compile a visually inoffensive presentation.You can even add a photo and references if you wish.
Bottom line: It’s a tad more limited than the other app. The cover letter really is a form letter that you cannot edit -- not ideal when applying for a position. The PDF itself is bare bones but definitely serviceable.
Need others? It seems like there are more iPhone app options than jobs available these days. Here are a few to help with the job search:
What apps do you use to make your job easier? Tweet us on @Appiphilia or drop a line at Facebook.
-- Michelle Maltais
*CareerBuilder.com is a joint venture owned by Tribune Co., which publishes the Los Angeles Times; McClatchy Co.; Gannett Inc.; and Microsoft Corp.
Subscribe to the Appiphilia RSS feed
