Readers Write: Get Ahead with Mobile Job Hunting

Get Ahead with Mobile Job Hunting
By John Yurkschatt

According to a recent report from The World Bank, three quarters of the world now has access to a mobile phone. In addition, ownership of multiple mobile devices is becoming increasingly common, suggesting that their number will soon exceed that of the human population. Unbelievable, right?

Recently, at HIMSS, I encountered numerous people who were there to network about jobs in the industry. While speaking with many, I couldn’t help but notice that they were checking their smartphones often during our conversation. It became apparent that they were engaged in mobile networking at HIMSS as well. In fact, today’s job seekers are avidly using the following job related functions on their smartphones:

1. Search for jobs

2. Receive e-mail job alerts

3. Read about recruitment process and tips for interviewing

4. Apply for jobs

5. Share content on social networks such as Twitter

In the age of mobile technology, the job hunt is only a click away. The rise of mobile technology is changing the face of how job seekers conduct their search and how employers and recruiters are reaching out to top talent.

Savvy job seekers are using a number of mobile apps. I found three apps to be extraordinarily powerful for the job hunt and for meeting those people who have the jobs:

Hidden Jobs

This app provides you with job opportunities that are not posted on the company website. It tracks close to 2 million unadvertised jobs from companies that are growing and making headlines. In addition, if you are ever seeking a job at a particular organization, or within a geographic area, you must try Hidden Jobs.

LunchMeet

According to its site, LunchMeet is a great tool for talent hunters; job seekers; career development professionals; entrepreneurs; people who seek or offer free consultation over lunch or drinks; business school students; business development, sales, and marketing people; and anyone who is interested in strengthening and expanding their professional network.

Sonar

While this app is not necessarily a job search tool, it is the ultimate app to have while attending a conference. In fact, some job networkers at HIMSS found this app handy. Having Sonar enables like-minded individuals to easily connect while attending a conference, or within a certain geographic location. If I were in a networking frenzy, I would turn on my Sonar app and look for folks with similar interests. It is a great way to meet people you may have not known prior to arriving at the conference.

Let’s face it, mobile technology is changing the way people search for jobs and the way companies search for talent. It will only grow in popularity. Get a step ahead, or maybe, don’t get left behind. Take your job search mobile.

John Yurkschatt is project coordinator with Direct Consulting Associates.