With the national unemployment rate at 9.5 percent and no clear end in sight for the slumping economy, the job hunt isn't easy. Whether you're out of work, seeking opportunities or simply want to be prepared for a potential layoff, there are some creative ways you can use technology to your advantage in this search.
What are some ways you recommend people take advantage of tech in the job search?
1) I recommend starting the search by branding yourself. You can do this by creating your own blog or website. This technique is also budget-friendly.
2) Then, you can follow your dream job's recruiter on Twitter in order to keep yourself up-to-date on opportunities and open positions.
a. But here's a little tidbit: Be sure to clean up digital dirt by google searching yourself, setting Facebook privacy settings, and making sure that all past Tweets are suitable for the eyes of a future employer.
3) Traveling for interviews is tough, but you can use video calling to seize every opportunity. For example, if there is an opportunity in California you want to pursue, but you're based in New York City, you can still be a viable candidate for the job by interviewing face-to-face via Skype video call. All you need is a webcam, like the new Buddycam, internet connection, and free download of Skype.
Some people are even looking to video calling in order to prep themselves for any interview. For example, 360JobInterview is a team of experts who have reviewed thousands of resumes and met with hundreds of candidates via Skype video calls, in order to give tips and tricks on everything from polished delivery to poised hand gestures.
4) In the meantime, social network yourself. Use sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Wiggio, and Twitter to reconnect with co-workers or classmates, or to research companies. LinkedIn also lets its users write recommendations for others so former supervisors, colleagues, and classmates can all boost your cause. Meanwhile, something like Wiggio helps everyone from alumni groups to professional or special interest groups come together to share job listings and edit each other's resumes.
www.linkedin.com; www.wiggio.com
5) Take advantage of sites that allow you to post your resume (i.e. Monster, Yahoo! HotJobs, CraigsList, CareerBuilder, and SimplyHired)
6) And of course, make sure you're fully equipped with gadgets on-the-go. Invest in a good smartphone, netbook, Wifi finder, and portable power source so you can check e-mails, respond to queries quickly, and research job options anywhere.
Verizon enV Touch smartphone: www.verizonwireless.com
Drobo back-up storage: www.drobo.com
Aspire netbook: www.acer.com
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