How to Leverage Your Smartphone for the Job Search

How to Leverage Your Smartphone for the Job Search How to Leverage Your Smartphone for the Job Search Get ‘smart’ about your job search to turn your downtime into valuable job-search time.Have you noticed how just about everything in our world has gone mobile? You can deposit your checks without going to the bank, chat face-to-face with loved ones far away, and read books and magazines on-the-go without harming a single tree. Even the most brick-and-mortar businesses have developed mobile websites (and perhaps an app or two) to compete in today’s market.As job seekers, it’s important to embrace the mobile job search or get lost among the competition. Here are five tips to make the most of your smartphone for the job search.Search and vet job listingsIf you’re using a website to search for job listings, download its accompanying app so you can access and vet job postings on-the-go. For instance, Ladders’ app, ” Ladders by Ladders,” allows job seekers to identify job matches on-the-go, discover new job opportunities and retrieve information on your competition. Instead of searching by keyword, this app delivers tailored matches based on your profile, experience and career goals. The listings refresh every time you open the app, ensuring you’re looking at the newest job posts.Beat the 72-hour windowA recent study by Ladders found that the longer you wait to apply to a job, the less likely it is to receive a call back. If you are a good fit for a role, apply to the position within the first 72 hours of the job’s posting. Your smart phone is a great way to help you stay ahead of this 72-hour deadline.Research your networkYou can also access your social networks like Facebook  and LinkedIn  to determine if you know someone from a target employer. Use these apps on your smartphone to do the research and reach out to your connections. Your contact can provide valuable insight in to the company, helping you determine if the job is worth an application. Additionally, studies have shown you’re 10 times more likely to land an interview when your app lication is accompanied by an employee referral.Begin the application processYou can save yourself a lot of time by sifting through opportunities while on-the-go and flagging the ones that merit an application. You can then craft the perfect cover letter and tweak your resume appropriately when you’re in front of a computer. Additionally, many positions allow you to begin the application process by passing along your profile. In fact, with Ladders app you can save the position for later or tap an icon to “like” the position, which immediately sends an alert to the hiring manager with your profile.Be resume-readyBring your important job-search documents wherever you go. Use services like iCloud or Dropbox to store your resume, references or portfolio of work on multiple devices, including your smartphone or tablet. If a recruiter reaches out requesting your resume in the middle of the day, you can respond right away. You no longer have to wait until you’re back at home and in front of a computer.Take advantage of your smart devices to search on-the-go and during the workday, and never miss a beat in your job search.