There is an almost overwhelming number of job search sites, tools, and apps you can use to job search, but you don’t have to use any of them to get hired.
If you’re interested in a streamlined, back-to-basics job search, almost all you need is Google. Google has free tools and resources to help you with every step of the job search process and beyond.
Google Tools for Job Searching
You’ll be able to use Google to do everything you need to start a job search, write resumes and cover letters, send professional email messages, find job listings, apply for jobs,track your applications, and get ready to interview.
Here’s a recap of the free Google resources you can use to streamline your job search:
- Gmail: Email Account
- Google Drive: Documents and Spreadsheets
- Google Docs: Resumes and Cover Letters/ Information for Completing Job Applications
- Google Sheets: Job Application Tracker
- Google for Jobs: Access to Job Listings
- Google Search: Information About Companies for Interviews
Gmail
It’s important to have a professional email account to use for job searching. Gmail is one of the best known and easiest to use free email accounts available. You’ll need a Google account (which you’ll also need for some of the other tools). Once you set up your Google account, you can use it to sign into Gmail.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of Gmail:
Gmail Help: Tips and Tricks
These tips will help you learn how to read, organize, find, and send email messages.
How to Use Gmail: Get Started With Your New Gmail Account
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using your Gmail account.
Google Drive
You’ll need your Google account to access Google Drive. Google Drive provides access to Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Forms, and more. You’ll be able to create a resume using Google Docs and store a copy of it and the rest of your job search material on Drive for free. Your documents can be opened from any computer or from your smartphone for easy editing. You get a combined 15 GB of free storage space on Drive and Gmail, and if you need more, you can purchase it.
Here’s how to get started:
- How to Use Google Drive
Store your files securely and open or edit them from any device using Google Drive.
Google Docs
Resumes and Cover Letters
One of the most important components of a successful job search is your resume. Google Docs can be used to create a resume (and you can use a free template to get started), write a cover letter, and download copies as PDFs or Word documents when you need them to apply for jobs.
Writing a Resume and Cover Letter
Create a Resume and Cover Letter with Google Docs
This free Coursera project will show you how to create your own resume and cover letter from start to finish. In a video that plays in a split-screen with your work area, you’ll be walked through the process of creating your documents.
Google Docs Resume and Cover Letter Templates
Google Docs offers free resume and cover letter templates that job seekers can use as a starting point to create their own documents.
Google Template Gallery
Browse a selection of Google Docs resumes and business letter templates to use as a starting point for your own correspondence.
Downloading and Emailing Your Resume and Letters
Employers may request a PDF or Microsoft Word version of your resume and cover letter. If they do, here’s how to convert your documents. Also, review tips for sending a Google Doc file when you’re applying for jobs via email.
- How to a Convert a Google Doc to PDF
- Converting Google Docs to Microsoft Word
- How to Email a Google Doc
Job Applications
Do you want to make applying for jobs a little easier? Create a Google Doc file with all the information you need to fill out an application (work history, education, certifications, etc.). You’ll be able to copy and paste from your document into the job application when you apply online. It will save time when you’re typing and filling in the details of your employment history.
Tracking Your Employment History
Here’s a list of the information you’ll need to have ready when you apply for jobs:
Google Sheets
Tracking Job Applications
Google Sheets is a spreadsheet program you can use to track your job applications. You can start from scratch and create your own spreadsheet, or use The Muse’s free application tracker to get a headstart on the process.
Google for Jobs
Find Job Listings
One of the easiest ways to find job listings is to search Google for the type of job you’re interested in. You’ll get a list of available positions in your location at the top of the search results page. If you’re interested in a job in another location, add that to your search query. For example: “customer service representative Huntington NY.”
Here are some simple ways to use Google to find available jobs:
Jobs on Google Search
This site collects job postings from across the web so you can more easily connect to your next job.
Best Job Search Websites
A job website is one of the best and most efficient ways to search for and apply to dozens of opportunities. Here are 10 of them you can use to find job listings fast.
Google Search
Get Ready to Interview
One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to learn as much as possible about a company. Search Google by company name to learn as much as possible about the companies you are interviewing with. In addition to reviewing “All Results,” click the “News” tab at the top of the page to find out the latest information on a prospective employer.
You can also access free online resources to help practice for your upcoming interviews. Here are some resources that will help you prepare to make the best impression:
- Free Interview Practice Tools
- Top 10 Interview Questions and Example Answers
- Tips for Acing a Video Interview
Note: Stressed about interviewing? Check out these tips to quickly improve your interview skills.
