Five Sites to Help Your Phone Find Your Next Job

It seems you can't watch TV or drive a mile these days without being bombarded with phone ads. And they all promise to change the quality of your life by adding more megapixels and apps to your already divided attention. So, you give in and buy it. Now, you've just plunked down $100 or more on that new iPhone and are now beholden to the two-year carrier contract--at least get the most out of your phone by making it work for you. When is a phone not a phone? When it can land you a job.

According to job site Beyond.com 77% of job seekers use mobile search applications when applying and searching for jobs. Using your phone's bells and whistles to search for work has the advantages of accessibility, convenience, and the ability to click on a link and initiate a phone call to the hiring manager all in one place can't be underestimated.

Most websites (including the major job boards) are now easier to use on your phone as they are optimized for mobile phone browsing. Often there's not even any additional work you need to do on your end. Simply enter the normal web address and the device will translate the URL into a mobile-friendly format.

Here are 5 websites and apps to help you get the job you want all from your phone:

• Linkedin Mobile

• Twitter App

• Indeed.com Mobile

• Monster Mobile Apps

• CareerBuilder Apps

To find our more, you also can check out our new eBook "Click to Get Hired: Three Secrets to an Online Job Search" now available exclusively at Amazon and free for a limited time.

Until next time,

www.clicktogethired.com

Five Ways to Save Money During Your Job Search

Next Monday, April 15th, is tax day for the more than 130 million Americans who will pay either federal or state income tax this year. This is a good day for those owed a refund--not so for those who must pay before the April 15th deadline or incur penalties. 

Whatever your tax obligation is this year, the stress of paying is keenly felt if you are currently out of work or soon to be.

But, you don't have to spend much to effectively search for your next well-paying job.

Here are 5 ways you can save your money and receive free resources to help speed your search:

• Get Free Internet. You need the internet to search for work, but don't overpay for your internet service. Free internet service is becoming more widespread at local and national shops and restaurants. A few places to look:
• Free WiFi search
• Starbucks. This coffee chain has thousands of locations nationwide that offer free high-speed internet in their cafes. Good for the larger cities where Starbucks is mostly found.
• McDonald's. This fast-food giant is everywhere and most of their locations now provide free internet. This is ideal for job seekers in smaller or more rural locals where Starbucks can't be found.
• Public Libraries. Your local public library offers free internet--use it.
• Community colleges. Many cities have community college campuses that offer free internet for residents of that area.
• Workforce Centers. These government-supported centers not only provide free Internet, but also free career services like resume writing and job placement.
   
• Free resume writing.
• Workforce Centers. These government-supported centers not only provide free Internet, but also free career services like resume writing and job placement.  
• Resume writing tutorial. Free online course on how to write an effective resume--with examples.

• Free document creation software. Don't spend extra money on Microsoft Word if you don't have it already on your computer. There are many other alternatives that work just as well.
• Google Docs. Online--nothing to download. You can even save files in Word format.
• Open Office. Free software that operates exactly like Microsoft Office.
  
  
• Free Tax Filing. Don't pay $35-50 or a significant cut of your refund to a tax preparer or tool like Turbo Tax when the IRS lets you file for free.
• IRS Free File

• Free checking account. When you receive your tax refund, use this resource to find no-fee accounts to deposit the money.
• Bankrate

To find our more, you also can check out our new eBook "Click to Get Hired: Three Secrets to an Online Job Search" now available exclusively at Amazon and free to borrow for Amazon Prime members.

Until next time,

www.clicktogethired.com

Could Old-School News be Your Next Job Lead?

How many of us started our Monday morning by opening the daily paper? Did you hear the crinkle of the newsprint as it smudged on your fingertips and were you startled by the damp smell because it was delivered pre-dawn and has been waiting on the sidewalk loaded with dew?

My guess is no. With newspaper readership declining every day, the once ubiquitous daily ritual is now a nostalgic memory as most of us begin our day at work viewing the news online.

But, don't count your newspaper out just yet. If you've struggled recently to find a job or look for a new position better fitting your skill set, take 45 minutes out of your day today to try an old-school approach to your job search that could make the difference.

See, with most of us actively searching on the major job boards like Monster and CareerBuilder, we tend to forget that our communities are continuing to publish new job listings that are local to the area. These local markets know their audiences best and you'll often find jobs listed here you won't see anywhere else. Small companies shine here as they don't have the marketing dollars to post on the national job boards. And the best part is many of these listings and newspapers are online. You don't have to have anything delivered. Just open your browser.

Here are 4 resources you can use today to search local job listings from newspapers:

• Yahoo Newspaper Directory These are links to the 20+ major market newspapers Yahoo pulls its news feeds from. Use this as a starting point as it represents most of the large metropolitan areas within the US.   
• Newspapers from all 50 States For smaller markets, use this directory. You can find a link to virtually any newspaper in the US here.
• Online Newspapers For additional searching, use this directory of solely online newspapers. You might find some hidden gems here.
• Online Newspaper Search Finally, use this library directory to search most newspapers by keyword all in one convenient place. 

To find our more, you also can check out our new eBook "Click to Get Hired: Three Secrets to an Online Job Search" now available exclusively at Amazon and free to borrow for Amazon Prime members.

Until next time,

www.clicktogethired.com

4 Gov. Sites to Aid Your Job Search

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Today, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that only 88,000 jobs had been created in March (as opposed to over 200,000 in February) and the US unemployment rate was virtually unchanged at 7.6 %. Not exactly the kind of growth we'd like to see going into the summer months.

But don't let the news discourage your job search today: there are some bright spots. Jobs in construction, professional services, and healthcare have seen moderate growth in the last 12 months and continue to climb upwards. You might think the US government is doing little to effect job growth, especially if you are looking for work now or about to be. But while there are no newsworthy stimulus packages right now, there are several websites the US government and state agencies operate that can help you find a job online today.

 The benefit of these government job boards is that they are off the beaten path as most job seekers first search the major job boards like Monster and CareerBuilder. This means your application becomes more visible. Also, these are non-profit state and US agencies with local support you can call and meet with in-person. Many provide resume-writing and job placement assistance free of charge. They are not out to make a profit, but are supported by your tax dollars.

Here are four of the best government sites to expand your current job search:

• Career One Stop.  A central job hub site operated by the US Department of Labor.

• America's Job Bank. Links to state Workforce Development Centers where you can search locally for jobs and receive resume and workforce placement assistance
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•  USA Jobs. USAJobs is the official job site of the United States Federal Government. It's your one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information.
  
•  Vet Success. The purpose of this web site is to present information about the services that the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program provides to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

To find our more, you also can check out our new eBook "Click to Get Hired: Three Secrets to an Online Job Search" now available exclusively at Amazon and free to borrow for Amazon Prime members.

Until next time,

www.clicktogethired.com

5 Ways to Use Your Professional Association As a Key to Your Job Search

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Every April, like clockwork, the dark blue envelope arrives in the mail. It always comes before the tax deadline and for me it signals a new professional year. Why? Its the renewal notice to my professional association. I can't remember the last time I went to an association meeting, but as I begrudgingly make out the check (which is tax deductible) I'm reminded that my association does more than host lunch and learn get-togethers. They are a pretty good job resource too.

If you are in the HR, accounting, legal, administrative, etc. fields and belong to an association, then the in-person networking is a real asset. But I'll share with you 5 ways you can use your association membership to your advantage if you are currently looking for work or will be soon.

• Search your association job board. Your association most likely has an online job board. These listings usually include contact and insider info you won't find on the big job boards. 
• Get a member list. Ask for a list of members and contact for referrals and or inquires about new positions.
• Read your association's publications and newsletters. Take a  look at these publications and see who's advertising in them--that's who you need to be contacting for a job. Find the company on LinkedIn and you might be surprised that you're connected to someone there already.
• Ask the editor if they can spotlight you in a future article. Ask to be featured in a member profile--editors are always looking for content for their publications and you can use the exposure to talk about your specific experience and/or skills.
• Follow your association by Twitter, Facebook etc. to stay informed of news. Follow and 'like' your association on the social media sites so you are the first to know of any new job openings, or companies looking to expand.

To find our more, you also can check out our new eBook "Click to Get Hired: Three Secrets to an Online Job Search" now available exclusively at Amazon and free to borrow for Amazon Prime members.

Until next time,

www.clicktogethired.com

LinkedIn Unchained: Four New Ways to Use LinkedIn To Get the Job You Want

If you've built a profile on Monster or CareerBuilder, then you probably also have patched together one on LinkedIn. Why should you use LinkedIn? Because LinkedIn's more than 200 million users represents professionals and businesses who are committed to hiring qualified candidates--not just the headhunter or recruiter fluff you see on many of the large job boards. It's the Facebook for professionals.

You might be using LinkedIn solely for searching for available jobs and the Jobs search bar is the most obvious place to do this. But, this blog isn't about the obvious: here are four new ways you can turn LinkedIn on its head, unlock its potential, and find jobs where no one else is looking.

LinkedIn Unchained: Four New Ways to Use LinkedIn To Get the Job You Want (www.clicktogethired.com)

• Quick Resume. Within your Profile, click on :"Edit Profile" and then, "Export to PDF." This will give a PDF rendering of your profile in a resume-style format. While this doesn't replace a resume, it can be a good tool to email connections and contacts letting them know about your qualifications
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• Company Search. Click on the "Companies" link. From here you can search companies you are interested in or who may be hiring. Performing this search you can also, follow the company to stay informed of new job openings, check out posted jobs,  and see how you may be connected to the company
  
  
• Search by Skills. Click on the "Skills & Expertise" link. From here you can add new skills to your profile, see the growth trends for your skill sets, view companies hiring for this particular skill, and also related professionals who've also added this skill
  
  
• Search by Update. Click on the "Update" drop down from the general search bar. Enter what kind of job you're looking for here. This is great undiscovered place to view posts by users looking for candidates outside the normal Jobs link. 

You also can check out our new eBook "Click to Get Hired: Three Secrets to an Online Job Search" now available exclusively at Amazon and free to borrow for Amazon Prime members.

Until next time,

www.clicktogethired.com