Russell Adams, AdMore Recruitment- Specialists in Retail and Hospitality Recruitment, Search & Selection, Talent Management and Career Development.

With the changes in accessible technology the way in which candidates can search for a new job has changed immeasurably in recent years. Fortunately, whether it be networking, applying for roles or getting advice, smartphone applications are making it easier and more convenient to conduct our job search. So which of the apps out there will really give an advantage in your job search?

Evernote – a fantastic App to help you organise your job search

This app allows you to collect and organise everything to do with your job search. It is very easy to use and you can store everything from online clippings, interview notes and contact information all in one organised and accessible places. Managing your job search and keeping track of opportunities and interviews and agencies etc. is a task in itself. This App allows you to set up different folders for companies you are interviewing with and is a great way to stay organised and focused.

Twitter – a great way to keep updated on what is happening in your target companies

Twitter is used differently depending on whether you are a business, an individual and whether it is a personal or a professional account. For candidates, Twitter can be used in a number of ways. First and foremost it is a great way to follow and keep on top of what is happening within the target companies you would like to work for. However do not underestimate the power Twitter has as a networking tool within your industry. You can easily engage with leaders and colleagues within your industry and raise your profile through intelligent comment and debate. If you are fortunate enough to be able to attend conferences and seminars within your industry, using twitter is a great way of engaging and communicating.

Business Secrets – great business advice from this App

This app provides great business advice and is organised under 18 easily accessible areas. It provides useful in to how companies operate.  It is somewhat generic but might help you to broaden your outlook.

Salary Checker – are you being paid the market rate?

This app was developed by a large multinational recruitment company but is one of a number of such apps available.  Most tend to focus on particular sectors but will allow you to understand the likely salary paid for the roles you are targeting. Although only a guide this can be helpful to understand where you are positioned in the market.  My advice would be to try and find a salary checker with a specific focus on your job function as this will give you the most accurate guidelines.

Foursquare – Is any of your network close by and do they have time to meet up?

This App really comes into its own once you have started to build a sizeable network.  Foursquare allows you to see the locations of your contacts and can help in organising ad hoc or chance meetings. If you are attending industry awards or conferences it allows you to understand who else in your network is present and can be used to gain time with people working for your target companies. The downside of foursquare is that it is currently only used by a minority of individuals and although this is on the increase it will only really come into its own once further penetration occurs.

Cardmunch – A great App that allows you to scan business cards.

During the course of your job search hopefully you will have the opportunity to meet lots of contacts and as a result you are likely to build up a collection of business cards. This App is great in that it allows the information on the card to connect to LinkedIn allowing you to connect and keep a clear track of people in your network.

Glass Door – provides insight into companies looking to hire and reviews of those companies.

To be honest the reviews of this App are mixed. Most agree that the principle and concept of this App is excellent but it doesn’t have a currency changer (dollars to sterling) and has not reached a level of penetration that makes it really useful yet.   I would suggest however this is one to watch. Having jobs, salaries and company reviews in one app is very powerful for job hunters and I am looking forward to some further development of this App.

LinkedIn – a great networking tool and way of keeping in touch.

As we all know LinkedIn continues to be a major social media platform used extensively by both Corporate Recruiters and agencies alike. LinkedIn is great for networking, recommendations and endorsements. The functionality of this App in my opinion still needs further work and it does tend to ‘freeze’. I am sure with the growth of LinkedIn they will continue to invest and make this a more user friendly App.

I hope this helps and please add your comments if you are using other Apps that support candidates in their job search.

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By Russell Adams, AdMore Recruitment- Specialists in Retail and Hospitality Recruitment, Search & Selection, Talent Management and Career Development.