Once upon a time, the biggest tech problem for job seekers was a lack of options. After we exhausted our typewriter, word processor and fax machine, the availability of innovative tools pretty much dried up.
Today’s job seeker is faced with the opposite predicament. There is an infinite list of tools at our disposal, making it hard to know where to begin. This article will cover the top 10 must-have tools you need to take your job search to the next level.
The Startwire Tracker: Startwire is a pretty slick online service that allows you to search for new opportunities and track where they have applied. Google Chrome users have a leg up with Startwire as there is an easily installed extension in the Chrome Store to help you directly search and apply for jobs with the click of a button. There is some setup required and a small learning curve but the tool has some interesting features and is absolutely worth checking out.
Google Maps: You’ve probably used Google Maps to get where you’re going, but have you used it in your job search? Beyond getting directions to an interview, that is. Google Maps search works the same as Google’s standard search with the exception that the results are displayed differently. About 80 percent of jobs aren’t advertised, so you should be spending a good portion of your search researching specific companies that would interest you. That’s where Google Maps comes in. Simply go to Google Maps and conduct a search for company types that interest you. If you live in Portsmouth, NH, and want to work for a software company, try typing “software companies near Portsmouth, NH.” The results might surprise you.
Twitter Lists: Some people love Twitter, some people hate it. Regardless of where you stand, Twitter Lists can be a huge help in your search. After creating a Twitter account, you can go to the menu under your name and see the option for Lists. It allows you to create specialized feeds with specific user profiles. If you have identified 10 companies you’d like to work for, create a new Twitter List and add the corporate user accounts for those 10 companies. Now when you opt to view that list, all you’ll see is up-to-date info on hot topics related to those organizations — many of which are employment opportunities.
AlertBox – Firefox Extension: For Mozilla Firefox users, AlertBox allows you to track changes to specific web pages. As you identify companies that interest you, tell AlertBox to track changes to their career and news pages. This will ensure you’re up to date on the latest jobs and press releases for the businesses that interest you the most.
Indeed.com: Indeed is far from a secret weapon and has become the most popular job aggregator in the world. But few people are aware that they can elect to follow employer pages on Indeed. As you find companies you’re interested in, go to their Indeed.com company page and select to follow them. This will give you updates when new jobs are published to their account and when new reviews are added.
YouTube: We’ve all watched our share of cat videos on YouTube (come on, admit it). What you may not realize is that YouTube is one of the world’s greatest quick reference resources. Some 99.9 percent of job seekers are at least slightly concerned about a lack of knowledge or experience in a certain area. While watching YouTube videos isn’t the same as quantifiable, real-world experience, it does allow you to become familiar with just about any topic under the sun. Potential employers will respect the fact you’re taking the initiative to learn and improve your knowledge.
LinkedIn: There’s no shortage of articles and advice on LinkedIn, but I’m going to focus on one tiny best practice: searching for individuals who have been recently hired.
Let’s say you’re a financial controller looking for work. Try running a local area search for other financial controllers. As you page through your results you’ll likely encounter people who started their job within the last one to two months. The odds are good that their previous employers could have a search (advertised or not) currently under way for their replacement.
LinkedIn Labs Resume Builder: While on the topic of LinkedIn, LinkedIn Labs has a pretty cool resume building tool. While the tool currently doesn’t allow you to edit your resume, it does give you a good starting point and keeps your employment story in sync. I recommend using the Resume Builder to start, exporting to PDF, and customizing it for the specific job you’re applying to. To find it, search for LinkedIn Resume Builder and you’ll be on your way.
Seeglassdoor Chrome Extension: Seeglassdoor is a crisp, clean Chrome extension that gives you insight into any company’s profile and rating on Glass Door. After you install the tool at the Chrome Store, click the button while on any company’s website and you’ll get instant info in a pop up window.
A word of warning: If you’re new to Glass Door, take the reviews with a grain of salt. While poor or positive reviews may give you something to investigate further, they shouldn’t singularly influence your decision to work with an organization.
Stationary, a pen, and postage: Perhaps the most high-tech of all of these tools is the good old hand-written thank-you note. A lost art in the age of digital communication, writing a concise, personal note illustrates that you’re a thorough, thoughtful professional who makes an extra effort to make a good impression.
For those of you shaking your heads thinking, “I can’t do that; my penmanship is terrible,” take the time and write slower. It will all come back to you and the effort will pay off.
Jason Alexander is managing partner of BANK W Holdings, Alexander Technology Group, KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting, The Nagler Group, Sales Search Partners, which has a local office at Pease International Tradeport in Portsmouth.
About Alexander Technology Group
Alexander Technology Group is the leading provider of technology staffing and recruiting services across Greater Boston and New Hampshire. Since 2007, Alexander Technology Group has provided qualified technology professionals, on a temporary and direct-hire basis, to thousands of organizations throughout the local market.
Learn more and search jobs at https://atg.stage.bankwstaffing.com
About BANKW Staffing
Through its portfolio companies, KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting, Alexander Technology Group, The Nagler Group, Sales Search Partners, and KNF&T Staffing Resources, BANKW Staffing, LLC is the leading regional provider of temporary and direct-hire staffing services in the areas of finance, accounting, information technology, office and administration, legal, human resources, and sales.
BANKW Staffing companies have received over 100 awards for rapid growth, business excellence, and workplace quality. Recognition includes Inc. 500, Boston Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” and Business NH Magazine’s “Business of the Year”.
Learn More – https://stage.bankwstaffing.com
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