Guest author Rae Steinbach shares her insight into how you can use apps and tools to enhance your hunt for a new job.
Applying to jobs can be a time-consuming process. That’s why job search apps are very useful. Like with other on-demand app development services, these programs are made to make the job search go more smoothly. They allow applicants to find potential jobs and submit applications with maximum efficiency. The more jobs you can apply to, the greater the odds of getting hired.
That said, taking full advantage of these apps requires understanding how to tailor your application and overall job search methods to a mobile app format. If you’re considering using this type of system to look for your next professional role, keep the following key tips in mind.
Concision is Key
Simply put, a smartphone screen is much smaller than a computer screen. Thus, you need to make sure your resume is designed to offer a potential employer as much useful information as possible in a straightforward manner.
Focus on the qualifications you have that are most likely to impress a hiring manager. With a traditional resume, you may include general information about your overall traits as an employee, like “hard working,” “fast learner,” and the like. But with a job search app, you’ll be more successful if you narrow your resume down to your most valuable skills, experience, and credentials.
Don’t Neglect Professionalism
Did you know that approximately 76% of executives say they would not contact an applicant if their resume contained as little as one or two typing errors? Obviously, professionalism matters.
That’s important to remember when applying to jobs via a mobile app. It’s easy to make errors or neglect professionalism when typing on a mobile phone. However, doing so can ruin your chances of scoring the ideal job. Make sure you’re still carefully reading and editing all text in your application to ensure it’s accurate, grammatically correct, and error-free.
Include Keywords to Optimize Your Results
As more employers look for applicants via the internet and apps, the importance of including the right keywords in your resume and application has risen substantially. The algorithms driving these digital job listings match potential employees with potential employers primarily by identifying these keywords. Thus, it’s important to research which words and phrases are most relevant for the types of jobs you’re interested in.
Although the specific keywords you should use will vary depending on your field and desired position, including your professional title (both current and past), industry-specific qualifications (for example, “LEED certified”), and relevant tools you’re familiar with in your profile will help you attract more attention from the right hiring managers.
Invest in a Quality Photo
The rise of online and app-based job markets has resulted in another trend: the rising importance of a professional photo for your profile.
Your photo can impact the first impression you make on an employer in the digital world. Thus, it’s important to treat the photo with the same degree of professionalism that you would treat a job interview.
Dress like you would for an interview, and look friendly. Avoid poor lighting, blurriness, or any other qualities that might make the image you forward appear less-than-professional. You may even consider hiring someone to take your picture. It’s an investment that can pay off in the long run.
Be Proactive
Sometimes a job search app will allow you to chat with an HR representative from a potential employer if you’ve shown mutual interest. This is an instance in which it pays to be a little aggressive.
After all, surveys show that the vast majority of online job applicants don’t get interviews. Hiring managers have to sift through a large volume of applications to find the ideal fit. This makes it easy to overlook applicants who may be qualified for a given role. Be proactive, and engage with the hiring manager or HR rep directly, letting them know why you’re interested in a particular job.
Again, job search apps definitely streamline the process of finding and applying for positions. You simply need to understand how to use them most effectively. These tips will help you stand out from the crowd.
Rae Steinbach is a graduate of Tufts University with a combined International Relations and Chinese degree. After spending time living and working abroad in China, she returned to NYC to pursue her career and continue curating quality content. Rae is passionate about travel, food, and writing, of course.
