5 Ways to Improve Your Mobile Job Search
More than ever, job seekers are using mobile devices to search for new positions and stay updated on the latest opportunities. Whether you are hunting for an entry-level role or a CEO leadership role, technology has likely changed the way you land your next gig. Keep reading for tips on how to format your professional resume so that it is mobile-friendly when that perfect opportunity arises.
With that in mind, here are five tips to help you boost the power and success rate of your mobile job search:
1. Leverage Social Media
Use Twitter to search for jobs, follow target companies, and stay abreast of industry-related updates. It’s a great way to ensure you’re always connected — and that you receive alerts on job openings before the general public does.
Hashtags such as #Careers or # JobOpening allow you to research jobs in general. In the event that you have a specialty area that interests you, use something like #TechJobs or #ProjectManagementJobs for a more targeted search.
Bonus Tip: Be sure to Google yourself regularly to find out if your Internet presence is sending the appropriate message to prospective employers. Stay on top of any social media comments about you or from you, photos of yourself, and blog or wall posts that may present an unfavorable impression of you.
2. Use LinkedIn to Stay Relevant and Visible
A study from Jobvite found that 94 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates. As a job seeker, it is your job to use LinkedIn – especially its convenient mobile app – to keep in touch with your professional community, engage in group discussions, and view potential job opportunities.
Keep your LinkedIn profile current. Use an attention-grabbing headline to reel in readers. Although your professional resume is generally succinct and achievement-oriented, your LinkedIn profile gives you much more real estate. Here, you can highlight your soft skills, personality, leadership philosophies, community interests, hobbies, publications, and/or coursework. Include a professional headshot and be sure to fully complete the “summary” and “skills” sections to enhance your profile view rate.
SmartphoneBoost your visibility by using LinkedIn regularly. Connect with recruiters, comment on posts, share relevant content with your network, and follow industry influencers. Investing a few minutes each week on LinkedIn can yield major returns.
3. Keep Mobile-Friendly Copies of Your Resume and Cover Letter
Typically, PDF files are mobile-friendly and compatible across multiple platforms. It’s a good idea to keep PDF versions of your professional resume and cover letters on hand. Use mobile-friendly fonts like Calibri, Verdana, and Cambria, and make sure there are copies of these documents that you can access on or from your phone. This will allow you to easily share your professional resume and cover letter no matter where you are.
(Remember, of course, that your modern resume and cover letter should be tailored for each position. Don’t just keep generic “mobile” resumes and cover letters. Treat them the same way you would treat your desktop resume and cover letters — just make sure they’re mobile-friendly.)
Bonus Tip: Create a professional email signature for use on your phone and remove the generic “sent from my phone” message. Include your first and last name, email address, phone number, and maybe even your LinkedIn URL. This will show your attention to detail and make it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to respond to your inquiries. Note these concepts apply whether you are writing a Supply Chain Manager resume or Sales and Business Development resume, it is still the same.
4. Use a Secure Network
Though nothing is 100 percent safe, using a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing public Wi-Fi will provide you with an extra layer of security when you are transmitting sensitive or confidential employment information. When using shared public Wi-Fi, the VPN will diminish the risk of others viewing or gaining access to your information by protecting your IP address.
5. Email a Thank-You Note
Now that most – if not all – employers use digital platforms to streamline their hiring processes, it is totally acceptable to email your thank-you notes. Within 24 hours of being interviewed or contacted about a potential job opportunity, you should send an email note to thank the recruiter or hiring manager. Doing so will reinforce the strength of your candidacy and express your appreciation for their time.
Remember that employers hire people who can solve problems, improve processes, drive revenue, and save money. The thank-you note is an excellent opportunity to briefly revisit the specific qualifications that make you the perfect fit for the position.
The mobile job search isn’t drastically different from your typical Internet job hunt. However, there are some things you definitely need to consider in order to make your mobile job search easier and more successful. Make sure your critical documents are mobile-friendly, secure your Internet connection, and make use of mobile apps, and you’ll become a mobile career hunt expert in no time.
If you need help with writing an executive resume, LinkedIn profile or cover letter for a senior leadership role feel free to contact our online resume preparation service at info@resumesbyjoyce.com or 1-888-607-7793.
