The job hunt isn't an easy one. We know that. Applying to all the available positions and keeping track of their status can become quite intimidating. Luckily, we have Mashable.com on our side taking a look at all the emerging technologies that will help us keep organized and on top of things.
(Image taken from http://mashable.com/2012/01/10/startwire/)
“Most job sites are based around job discovery,” Chris Forman, CEO of StartWire, told Mashable. “StartWire is different because it is based around job search organization and is the only site that provides automatic updates on the status of job applications.”
Users can sign into StartWire using their LinkedIn or Facebook accounts. To find out the status of a job application, click “Track a New Application” and forward the confirmation email you received after applying to a company to apps@startwire.com. StartWire will then organize your applications in one spot and label each one as “active application,” “stalled application” or “no longer in the running.” (Excerpt taken from Bissram, V. (2012) "Find the status of job applications and improve your search from employment on StartWire" Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2012/01/10/startwire/)
To learn more about StartWire, connect to Mashable.com's article here: http://mashable.com/2012/01/10/startwire/ or connect to StartWire's main site: www.startwire.com
Mashable.com is great in keeping up with the latest tech trends. In 2011, author, Dan Schawbel, compiled a short list on the five most clever ways to find a job using social media. Below you'll discover his five recommendations along with excerpts taken from the original article. To read more, connect to http://mashable.com/2011/06/19/get-job-using-social-media/
"People get jobs through other people, not computers." These websites are great ways to facilitate connections with the people that the companies offering job opportunities.
LinkedIn.com- "LinkedIn gives you access to hiring managers through your close connections....LinkedIn forces us all to do more research on employees and companies before interviews. All of their information is online, so it’s created an expectation that you’re doing your homework."
BranchOut.com - Much like InTheDoor.com, BranchOut utilizes your Facebook social graph. The main difference is that you access BranchOut from within your Facebook profile, and it gives you more of a professional identity.
2. Augmented Reality and Job Search Apps
"People are starting to use mobile applications to see job openings near them and apply with just a few touches of an iPhone or Android. In fact 20% of job seekers use their smartphone in their search for a job, reports LinkUp. “Augmented reality” blurs the line between what’s real and what’s computer-generated by enhancing what we see, hear, feel and smell. If you have an iPhone, you should download the “Layar” application. Once installed, click on “Layars” from the bottom menu and search for “JobAmp Mobile.” When you use this layar, you will be able to see all the companies near your current location and what positions are open at them. This information is very useful if you see a company you’re interested in when walking around your city."
Out of the list of four job apps Schawbel listed, three seem beneficial for psychology grads on the job hunt:
CareerBliss (Free). It has company reviews, salary information, and about three million job listings.
Good Job (Fee-based). Organize your job search by tracking jobs from multiple sites, contacts, interview schedules, resumes and more.
3. Building Online Influence
"In today’s world, not only do you need strong hard and soft skills, but you need to develop online influence. When two candidates look the same on paper and are both good communicators, the differentiator will be their online influence. Online influence is measured in how many connections you have, who those connections are (and how influential they are), who and how many people are sharing your content and backlinking to your website and more. Klout.com, a site that measures online influence and gives you a “Klout score,” is becoming increasingly popular with employers. If you have a high Klout score, it can help you get hired over the next person."
As clinical professionals, building an online presence is great, but always keep in mind professional guidelines and boundaries.
4. Multimedia vs Paper Resume
"A recent OfficeTeam survey noted that 36% of companies think that it’s at least somewhat likely resumes will eventually be replaced by profiles on social and business networking sites. More and more professionals are using creative ways to promote themselves online."
Slideshare.net - Build a powerful and professional powerpoint presentation and share it on various social networks with Slideshare. Here is an example of a "not-so-traditional" resume.
QR Codes - QR Code, or quick response codes, are shareable and innovative ways to direct an employer to your professional website. Take a look at this example.
Viral Videos - Create professional videos and link them to YouTube for promotion. You can also create a video resume to showcase your personality/skills to potential employers. Check out this resume feature. (Remember, keep it professional and appropriate to your field).
Creative Websites - Be creative with website development. Take a look this applicant's creative website using his full name as the website domain name.
5. Become an Advertisment (No, Really)
Take a look at Alec Brownstein's self promotion in 2010. He used Google AdWords to advertise his skills to the specific companies and executives. The executives found his advertisement when they Googled themselves and were impressed with his creativity. You can do the same by using Facebook social ads, Google AdWords, blog advertisements, and LinkedIn Ads. Remember to be specific and clearly identify your expertise.
HOW TO: Use Advanced Twitter Search to Find a Job.
