In a Highly Competitive Job Market, Mobile Technology Gives Job Seekers an Edge
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ April 2011 “Job Outlook Spring Update Survey,” employers expect to hire 21 percent more recent college graduates this year than in 2010. Graduating to a smartphone can help new college grads and career seekers optimize their search and respond quickly to potential employers.
Whether it’s trying to snag that first job or new career opportunity, U.S. Cellular has a lineup of smartphones including Android™-powered, BlackBerry® and Windows™ devices that provide the ability to research, respond and react to job leads anywhere and anytime. From now through June 9, the Samsung Gem™, U.S. Cellular’s latest Android-powered device, is free after a $100 mail-in-rebate, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab™, an Android-powered mobile tablet, is being offered at $199 after a $100 mail-in-rebate with a $54.99 monthly data plan.
All of U.S. Cellular’s cutting-edge devices are backed by the unique benefits of being a U.S. Cellular customer, like faster phone upgrades without continuously signing new contracts, and the company’s high-speed nationwide network, which has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier.
“Being able to communicate quickly with prospective employers shows your interest and professionalism,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Graduates who switch to U.S. Cellular can get the smartphone that makes their job search and application process more effective, and join the happiest customers in wireless.”
Employers are interacting with their job candidates more frequently through e-mail. Smartphones provide on-the-go access and allow users to receive, respond to and compose messages instantly. In addition, job seekers can download employment applications and get access to large databases of job listings, giving them the advantage of finding and applying for coveted opportunities faster. Here are some tips U.S. Cellular recommends for leveraging your smartphone to land a job:
- Job Finder Apps – Job seekers can take their search on the go by downloading an application that will help them find their next career opportunity sooner. Many applications help make it easy to sort, locate and filter thousands of openings based on individual preferences such as location, job title and company. Applications like Job Search™ list opportunities from popular job sites such as Monster® and CareerBuilder®, and include public and private companies. It also breaks down the search process into categories such as salary range, job type and proximity to the job hunter’s current location so he or she can easily sort through the thousands of positions that are specific to their location or preferred work area.
- Set up a mobile job search – Smartphone users can go to job aggregator sites like Indeed.com™ from their device, search by keyword for the positions they are targeting, enter the location and view the results. On the results page, they can sign up to receive updates.
- Google Docs™ – Google Docs is a Web-based word processing application that allows job hunters to upload their resume and cover letter templates to Google Docs from their home computer. Then, with Google Docs for Mobile, users can view and edit the same documents on-the-go from their smartphone.
- Apply from your smartphone – Once a lead has been found from a mobile job search, job seekers can instantly apply for it using their smartphone by downloading their resume from their Google Docs account and to their mobile phone. They can then click on the link to apply for the position and upload their resume from their smartphone.
The Samsung Gem is free after a mail-in-rebate with a data plan. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is $199.99 after a $100 mail-in-rebate with a $54.99 data plan. A new two-year agreement and activation fee may apply.
