The 5 Best Free Apps to Help Your Job Hunt Now
Get the career edge on yourself.
photo credit: Sarah Natasha Photography
JOB HUNT.
There are few words that cause such considerable strain, anxiety, and YES! Heartache. Searching for the right job is as time consuming as searching for Mr. or Mrs. Right. But just as the dating world has gone the way of the app, so has the job search. And these 5 apps will help you land the career of your dreams instead of your career of right now.
We have faith in the system.
Good & Co.
Cost: Free
Let’s start at the beginning. Maybe you have NO IDEA what you want to do. The good news is, you can’t be stuck in a career rut, until you find yourself a career. Good & Co. wants to help you get there (to the career, not the rut.)
"Good news: you can’t be stuck in a career rut, until you find yourself a career."
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This app is designed to help you find a cultural company fit. What does that mean? It’s a personality quiz that asks you a series of questions based on measuring eight personality factors, including the academic, clinical, and organizational psychology gold standard ‘Big Five’ – the five basic building blocks of personality, supported by a wealth of empirical research reaching back many decades.
It’s like career day at school, but the counselor has been replaced by an app.
According to the Wall Street Journal, it’s a “personality test that raises the bar” and hopefully your salary when you find your niche and hit your career stride.
Resume Star
Cost: Free
Writing a resume doesn’t have to be difficult, but it is a crucial component of the job-seeking process.
Resume Star is credited as one of the easiest (and free!) resume builders on the app market. It is a precision targeted and professionally typeset resume-- which, two LA-recruiters will tell you is key to scoring the interview. (Find their tips on NAILING that interview here.)
You type in your information and Resume Star produces a clean, correctly formatted PDF that you can email, post, or print. It’s the first step in standing out.
Jobr.
Cost: Free
Swipe right on your career? That’s the idea with Jobr.
Jobr lets you advance your career by easily browsing for jobs and connecting with employers without the hassle of a formal job search. Engage with recruiters at top companies and only spend time on those interested in hiring you! Jobr shows you positions it thinks you’d be interesting and allows you to anonymously “Like” or “Pass.” If a hiring manager is interesting in you, Jobr makes the introduction and allows you to chat within the app. It works the same way for recruiters.
It’s a simple and informal way to get to weed out jobs that don’t make sense and chat through the ones that do.
BumbleBizz
Cost: Free, but Bumble does have plans to monetize their apps in the future
This one is from the genius of Whitney Wolfe. The Founder of Bumble wants to help you network, professionally. With Bizz, every swipe you make is an opportunity to expand your professional landscape and make empowered career moves.
BumbleBizz, like Bumble, will require the female users to initiate conversation. The app will exist within the Bumble framework and users will be able to move back and forth between dating on Bumble, career contacts on Bizz, or making friends on BumbleBFF. (Who needs to go outside!?)
This is one beehive that wants you connecting and making plans for your future-- in more ways than one.
Glassdoor
Cost: Free
Do you know what your earning potential is? Glassdoor job search not only gives you the latest job listing, it also provides applicants with an inside look at company reviews, salaries, benefits, and office photos by those who know the company from the inside out-- the employees.
It’s a comprehensive career community that gives you the edge on yourself.
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C&C Classifieds Nº54: Kind, Lululemon & Microsoft
Coming in hot.
Seeing as we're at Microsoft Campus this week for #CreateCultivateSEA it's only fitting that we've got a listing from a place consistently voted one of the top places to work among millennials. Want to count yourself amongst them? Check out our newest listings below!
Prominent Hospitality Company - Los Angeles, CA
Kind - Los Angeles, CA
Torrid - Los Angeles, CA
Microsoft - Seattle, WA
Lululemon - Seattle, WA
GrubHub - Chicago, IL
WANT MORE? SIGN UP FOR THE FULL LIST OF CLASSIFIEDS HERE.
Photo credit: Club Monaco
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What Up Real World: 5 Recent Grads On What’s Next
Does the anxiety ever end? YEP.
The panic hits! You are suddenly a second semester senior starting to realize, “Wait, I have to find a job! I need to start making money! I'm not sure what I want to do!” Totally normal. The Washington Post found "only 27% of college grads had a job that was closely related to their major." And though some grads work all of college to secure their dream jobs, most have no clue what field they even want to be in. Does the anxiety ever end?
Maybe.
Fast-forward.
You are a recent post-grad in your new position. That old familiar panic starts to set in: “How do I feel about my job? Where do I see myself going? Do I even like what I am doing?” In a poll published by the Huff Post it was found "nearly 80% of workers in their 20s, said they want to change career paths." So if you aren't exactly loving your first job...it is completely normal.
The transition from college into 'the real world' is a learning experience. As a recent college grad myself, I thought who better people to ask than my friends? We're all in the same boat. So I spoke with 5 post-college grads to help us get a clear picture of what the beginning of their journey looks like and where they see themselves going in the future. It's nice to know all 5 grads have their own goals set, but are waiting to see where their paths take them-- one step at a time.
Emily K.
Last month I graduated from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. I studied Public Relations and minored in Communications in the Entertainment Industry. Just a few days after graduation, I began my job at Viewpoint, which is a public relations firm located in Beverly Hills. I’m currently working as a Talent Publicity Assistant. The job is exactly what it sounds like. I’ve been working at Viewpoint for about a month now, and every day brings something new. It’s hard to say exactly where I want to end up career-wise, but I could definitely see myself sticking to this path and eventually becoming a publicist. I could also see myself going down other paths in the entertainment industry. Only time will tell!
Zoe S.
I recently graduated from Lehigh University with a double major in sociology and women's studies with a minor in public healthy. Naturally, I had no idea what I wanted to do with that discipline, nor did I have any clue what skill set beyond college it prepared me for. As I proceeded through my college years, I got more and more confused with my own personal expectations post college. I did not know what I wanted to do. I could not envision where I belonged in this massive industry that is carved out for post-grad college kids. All I knew was that I wanted to be in a field that allowed me to interact with people. I love people; talking to different people, connecting with people, learning from as many people as I could. Yes, I would describe myself as a "people person," which to some might be a cop out, but for me it's my truth. I ended up being hired at this amazing company called ChowNow in which people are the focus of the business. We help business set up their online ordering, which may not sound so glamorous or stereotypically lucrative for a recent college grad, but that is false. Not only is it an amazing place to work with an incredible culture that cultivates strong, incredibly ambitious people, but, everyday, it is my mission as an account coordinator to interact with people. I never imagined finding a job that satisfied both my creativity and desire to belong to the growing "trendish" industry, while simultaneously allowing me to exercise my love of people, but, needless to say, I found the job that is absolutely perfect for me. Now, I have no idea where I'll be in 5 years from now or where I'm going in terms of big picture, but I know that I'm one step closer to figuring that out, and that is just alright for me.
Mackenzie H.
After recently graduating from The George Washington University I am now working as a Recruiting Coordinator at Publicis Health. Publicis Health is the third largest advertising network in the world, and first largest health network! I'm passionate about people and their careers, as a recruiting coordinator I pay an integral part of the Talent Acquisition process. Even though I'm just starting out, I see myself working hard to lead a Talent Acquisition team to facilitate growth and change within a health-based organization.
Nina B.
I just recently graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Elementary Education. For the summer I am working with a non-profit whose goal is to promote literacy for children coming from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and LAUSD schools. In August I will be starting a job as a teachers assistant in a second grade classroom. However, next year I hope to have a classroom of my own and eventually go back to school to receive my masters in Special Education. My future is very undecided, but for now that is the plan.
Emily P.
I just recently graduated from the University of Michigan. I am now moving to Austin to start my career at Facebook as an SMB Account Manager. I have always been fascinated with the interconnectivity of organizations through the shared purpose of helping others in their communities. I see Facebook as the perfect place to jumpstart my career as it is a platform for connecting people and organizations on a worldwide scale. I hope to continue to strengthen my knowledge of change management, practical development skills and positive leadership practices while gaining invaluable experience from the incredible people I will have the chance to work with. My ultimate goal is to strive for impactful change that has the ability make a difference on multiple levels - helping communities join together to change lives through corporate social responsibility.
Every person starts somewhere. Each person has their own individual journey. Hopefully the experiences shared by these recent college grads can help the rest of us feel a bit more at ease and accepting of our unknown paths.
Are you a recent grad in a job that you're MEH... about? Or maybe you LOVE what you're doing. We'd love to hear from you either way... Hit us in the comments below.
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C&C Classifieds Nº45: The Infatuation, Chatbooks, Lovely Bride & More
Be kind to yourself. Apply today.
You want options? We've got options! On this week's listings we've got lucky number 45! If you're looking for a job or maybe you're in the mood for a fall move... check out the below. And if your job plans do involve a move, check out these tips on how to apply for out-of-state jobs in 2017.
THE INFATUATION, NEW YORK, NY
CHATBOOKS, PROVO, UT
LOVELY BRIDE, SEATTLE, WA
LA CROIX, MIAMI, FL
PRESSED JUICERY, LOS ANGELES, CA
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This Crazy Statistic Will Change the Way You Apply to Jobs
You can handle the truth.
photo credit: Julia Robbs Photography
DISCLAIMER: This is not meant to discourage you, but to give you perspective when you’re applying to jobs. If you use this to your advantage, this crazy statistic will change the way you apply to jobs (for the better).
According to Glass Door, each corporate job opening attracts an average of 250 resumes. Of these candidates, four to six will be called for an interview and only one will be offered the job.
This means that only 5% of candidates will get a call back, and only .4% of applicants will receive the job offer.
What this means for you:
This means that you have to keep things in perspective. We all have easy access to online job postings, so it’s common to feel discouraged when you find a job that sounds perfect, only to get no response about your application. The problem is that even if you’re completely qualified and would be a great candidate for the position, you may get passed over due to the sheer volume of candidates applying.
Hello, think about what it would be like if you had to sift through 250 resumes! Often it is only one or two people on the receiving end of job applications, so it’s important to remember that while it’s as simple as clicking a mouse to apply, there are real humans on the other end going through your application.
**REMEMBER: There are real humans on the other end sifting through your (and countless others') job applications.**
How you can use these numbers to your advantage:
Don’t apply for every single position you qualify for. Recruiters call this tactic “spray and pray,” and it’s not a tactic that anyone in the hiring industry would recommend. Contrary to popular belief, applying to more jobs is not better. The quality of each application you submit is much more important than the quantity. It’s much better to apply to a few jobs that you really want, and focus on customizing your resume and cover letter to each position than to cast wide net and apply to a lot of jobs with the same resume and cover letter.
Your resume and cover letter serve as your opportunity to rope people in and explain exactly why you’re the perfect candidate for the position. If you’re not giving concrete details and bearing your soul about why you want this specific role and why you’ll do great at it, you won’t be able to become part of that .4% who are offered a job.
When you use the same general resume and cover letter to apply to a plethora of jobs, recruiters and hiring managers can tell. By using terms such as “your company” instead of actually writing out the company name, or not referencing specific aspects of the company and/or job description, it becomes transparent that you’re using that resume and cover letter to apply everywhere.
PRO TIP: When writing a cover letter NEVER use the phrase 'your company.'
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What’s wrong with that? It gives off the notion that you’re too lazy to customize your documents, and that you don’t care about the company which you’re applying for. Make sure you show the hiring manager and/or recruiter who you really are and pour your soul into each application. It may be a pain at the time, but your effort will show through and benefit you.
How you can get around this crazy statistic:
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your connections. According to studies done by Glass Door, referrals are associated with a 2.6 to 6.6 percent higher chance of an accepted job offer. Reach out to recruiters, friends, and industry professionals to put the word out there that you’re looking for a position. Often people won't know that you’re in the market for a new role, and if they don’t know, they can’t help you. It’s a very small world, and you never know who might have an industry connection or information on an upcoming availability.
__________
It sounds daunting, but this crazy statistic will change the way you apply to jobs, and it can actually help you in your job search. Knowledge is power, and being aware of the job market will give you the ability to make your application the best it can be and use all of your resources to their greatest potential. Good luck!
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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How 3 Harvard Women Regained Their Confidence Post Graduation
Climbing the ivy isn't the easiest on your ego.
photo credit: Lily Glass Photography
A week before starting college, I came across a quote that said, “Going to Harvard convinces everyone that you’re special, and you that you’re not.” When I read it, I wasn’t nervous because I had the hubris of a girl who didn’t apply to any safety schools and graduated at the top of her class. Less than two months later, I got my first midterm test grade, a D in Linguistics, and called home crying. I had been knocked down several pegs and my confidence took a significant hit. In the 10+ years since, my confidence has slowly returned, and I was curious to see how other women have dealt with losing confidence and gaining it back. I asked three of my closest friends from Harvard about the different ways they’re regaining their confidence since college and how it can apply to your careers.
HOW DID ATTENDING HARVARD ERODE YOUR CONFIDENCE?
Going to Harvard was a truly humbling experience. As one friend put it, “Harvard reinforced the ‘impostor syndrome’ that many women suffer from.” She asked herself questions such as, “Did I get in because I'm Hispanic? Did I really take full advantage of everything Harvard had to offer?” Beyond these feelings were the daily difficulties that came with trying to succeed in such a rigorous environment. One friend described the high expectations as, “Succeeding was the baseline. There were fewer opportunities to excel and do something praiseworthy.” My friend, Allyson, felt that no matter how hard she worked and how much she studied, she couldn’t catch up. She likened it to feeling as if some people were starting ten meters ahead of her in a race based on the higher levels of preparation they had received in high school.
HOW HAVE YOU REGAINED YOUR CONFIDENCE?
Many of these situations translate to the workplace, and are well documented in articles on women’s confidence. However, I am more interested in how we can continue to improve our self-assurance when faced with demanding environments.
Allyson is an eternal optimist and adventure seeker who has done business development at Disney Parks and Resorts and is now a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. She is also the co-founder and CEO of easyBiodata, an online dating platform for the Indian community. She says she felt emboldened in college when she was successful in areas where other people weren’t. She says she “didn’t even know about Wall Street before college,” but she heard speakers such as Carla Harris and was inspired to try to enter the industry. She was hungry to get internships as early as her sophomore year. Her professional success with securing great internships much earlier than most people brought back some of the confidence that was rattled in her freshman year.
Another friend is an opera aficionado, fishing fanatic, and startup and technology ninja with 10 years of experience in ecommerce and pet tech. She has found ways to build her confidence in everyday life. She feels powerful when she “uses critical thinking in areas that are not her expertise.” This could be anything from managing her own finances to making medical decisions for her parents. She knows she can find the information she needs and pull together the right people and resources to get the best possible outcomes. She stresses that it is important to “take a step back to get perspective on how far you’ve climbed, and give yourself credit for victories. Maybe your professor [or boss] won’t give you a pat on the back, but you can sure give yourself one!”
"Take a step back to get perspective on how far you’ve climbed, and give yourself credit for victories."
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My third friend is a tri-lingual artist, soccer player, and new mother who has worked in the consulting, public health, and software industries. Her confidence is influenced by both her professional and everyday life. She says her confidence changes based on the people she is surrounded by, including when she has a boss who believes in her and her abilities. It also improves when she participates in activities that make her feel strong and excited.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN IN HIGH PRESSURE JOBS?
What I found most encouraging in my conversations with these three women is that they never suggested shying away from tough situations. Two of them went back to Harvard for their MBAs, even knowing how difficult it would be. The other friend left a successful career in retail ecommerce to join a startup with a whole new set of obstacles to overcome. Their advice for women in high pressure environments boiled down to three things:
1. Continue to step up and take on challenging roles. “Heading into unknown territory lets you test your wings. Don’t be afraid to step out into scary places because you never know what you can do. Don’t be discouraged from trying, even if you don’t succeed at first.”
2. “Form relationships with everyone you can at your company from the mailroom worker to the CEO. People respect the effort and it will make you more efficient and productive.” Having that full perspective of your business will empower you even when you feel like you may not have all the answers on your own.
3. “Seek out mentors and supervisors who believe in you and want to give you opportunities.” During those times when your self-assurance may wane, it helps to have someone you admire to remind you that you’re great, and create opportunities for you to stretch yourself and grow.
I am excited to put their advice into action, and look forward to showing off some of that pre-Harvard swagger at the earliest opportunity!
Florence Evina-Ze is a business strategist with experience at McKinsey, DevaCurl, and Deloitte. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School and likes writing about the intersection of beauty and business on her blog, beautyflo.co.