The Voice of Job Seekers

Mark Anthony Dyson ★ Career Writer ★ Speaker ★ Thinker ★ Award-winning Blog & Podcast! ★ "The Job Scam Report" on Substack! ★ I hack and reimagine the modern job search!

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by Mark Anthony Dyson

16 Must Haves for Job Seekers to Use a Job Search Mobile App

16 Must Haves for Job Seekers to Use a Job Search Mobile App

Job Search Mobile App

I originally wrote this article originally published on Come Recommended!

It is not too much to ask that a job search mobile app be simple to navigate and to engage. Right? And you know what, I want it all in the beta version. I understand there are kinks to work out as your team works on development, and I’m not asking for perfection, but job seekers don’t have time to depend on a job search mobile app with large files to download and 20 minutes to set up a profile. Nor should they ever have to touch a laptop or a tablet to use it.

Oh, how I long for an app I can court regularly! As a career consultant, I want to recommend a mobile app I have some affection toward. My clients don’t mention any they use. I would love to for them to use [insert your app name here]!

I don’t need perfection, but I do desire at least hope that we can be together for a short time

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I looked at several mobile apps recently and decided there are common things that all good ones must have:

  1. An easy but memorable name to remember. By producing an app for my phone, I have 40+ apps on my iPhone as I did when I was an Android user. If the name of the app does not have a memorable job/career/employment name associated with it, then it will continue to float without an oar on screen. Granted there are apps with other names unrelated, but they spent years building their brand before apps existed. Beyond is one of those companies that get a pass, and 45 million users can’t be wrong.
  2. Use LinkedIn to log in and build my profile. Please don’t make me spend 20 minutes filling out a profile. Let me use LinkedIn to log initially in and aggregate the profile to your app. Yeah, use Facebook to log in quickly, but LinkedIn is better for a favorable and insightful profile. Well, at least, my profile is… I admit, many users profile summaries and headline stink.
  3. Charge me up to $3.99 for NO ads and a couple of perks. Ads are annoying and a nuisance. It certainly doesn’t make the functionality better. Lord forbid, it should interrupt my workflow. If I pay more, I would want a seamless and robust experience, and you can surprise me. Again, I’m not looking to spend but a few minutes at a time.
  4. Your app can text me leads but as an option. Send me job leads via text with a link to the description, leading back to the app and NOT the browser. I know that is asking for a lot, but if I go through the browser it may or may not be easy to log in. Again, save me time and effort. I am only using you passively now until you deliver some results.
  5. Just ask me once about a survey. If you want to make it an “option” in my profile, I don’t mind. Otherwise, don’t ask me every time I log in or out. The more you ask, the more I defer.
  6. Allow me to update as needed through my LinkedIn profile. I may change jobs, add accomplishments, or change my contact information. Auto-updating helps me in my job search, as your app could be the one that is always current. Job seekers don’t need a handout here, but they’ve created profiles on numerous job boards, have likely tested out numerous apps, making it difficult to keep track of them all.
  7. I want a “opt-out” box to not receive your newsletter.

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    There are other users who can’t wait to receive it. I don’t want to be asked every time I log in.

  8. Allow me to connect with like-minded people if I want to. I don’t want LIONs like LinkedIn, nor do I want random suggestions. I want to connect with people like me with similar career interests. Keep in mind everyone is not cool with that option so don’t force users.
  9. Give me volunteer opportunities with companies that would welcome me. Although it’s unrealistic to expect a job opportunity, it would help to give me the experience I desire or need. I don’t mind being vetted, but I do mind being teased.
  10. Allow me to customize notifications the way I like. Timing, as well as the type of notifications, is essential to my phone’s functionality. I doubt 20 percent of all notifications offer prevalent information. It’s just more noise and unnecessary.
  11. If employers post jobs, have them post the salary range for the position. I know this a controversial undertaking, but it’s a game. It’s lame. Many of my colleagues will agree. Your app will be famous tomorrow. Come on. I dare you.
  12. Forget the resume template or the resume period. The profile from my LinkedIn page should be good enough initially for an employer. If it helps, the ability to leave a short introduction video would be cool if it were simple (and a competitive edge to those who do or don’t). At least, the employer could get to know me better. Most of us will have a mobile app version of our resume (and if you don’t you must), but why to complicate things. Besides, most people have lousy resumes.
  13. Don’t be like the big popular job boards. Don’t inundate me with data and promises. Just provide another simple option that I may choose you to help me either find additional insights to the 2016 job search, connect me with people, groups, or places related to my career. Be creative, I’d like to hear your perspective too.
  14. Come and get your third party cousins. When I sign up for job boards, provide information, it’s like serving the family Thanksgiving meal where people I never met come to my email box. Yeah, I know you want to make money, but if you offer for free, make it clear you have no control over your what third party clients for your mobile app will do. It’s crazy at times. Not only do they want to come eat, but presumptuously bring Tupperware to take leftovers home.
  15. Don’t try to hijack my operation system. Nice and quiet. I want to forget you as I do other things.  Maybe I want to play my game, or see what’s on Snapchat or Facebook. I need you not to take advantage of my 16G unit. I’ll delete you if you do. I will tell my friends not to bother with you.
  16. Make unsubscribe no contact. When I’m gone, I don’t want to hear from your cousins. When I didn’t call dates back, I didn’t want to hear from their friends (in most cases) because I lump all of you together. When you’re not useful, your cousins contacting me is useless.

Podcasts, audio interviews, and webinars are welcome. Yes, make it available through your mobile app. You produce the show or event if you want the upper hand in the competition. Remember, I’m on the go frequently! Inform me while I’m traveling to contract, temporary, or networking gigs.

How about career blog? How about a career ebook? Don’t forget helpful content for the user.

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Remember you are providing 1/25 of what a job seeker needs, and an app doesn’t help with an overall authentic and persuasive presentation. In most cases, a useful app is a gateway with annoying gatekeepers.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

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Filed Under: Job Search apps, Job Search Innovation, Job Search Technology, Jobseekers Tagged With: mobile app, Mobile Technology

by Mark Anthony Dyson

The Basics of Using Job Search Apps

The Basics of Using Job Search Apps
http://traffic.libsyn.com/thevoiceofjobseekers/thevoiceofjobseekers117.mp3

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For this show, we have looked at a job search app and decided to give an overview of what to expect using it, and give some thoughts to consider it as part of your job search. Staci Parker (@StaciParker2) is a friend, a certified resume writer with a lot of experience helping job seekers. Her perspective is very valuable in this role.

Have you used a job search app yet? You can tell me about your experience in one of three ways:

  1. Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822
  2. Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen and leave a message
  3. Send email feedback to mark@thevoiceofjobseekers.com

What job search app are you using-

Let me tell you a little about Stacie Parker. She is a CPRW, Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) and a Certified Coach. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Philosophy in Organization Development Psychology.

    • All job search apps require complete profile before use. There’s no way to skip that process to search
    • Identity theft is a concern so the user must be careful. Research must be done so the app can be trusted
    • Gmail may be a good choice to use for the profile in case you disengage from the app you can use the privacy filters for non-contact
    • Mobile job search apps will use data and potentially hijack the phone’s operating system such as an Android or an iOS
    • A job search app is likely to have a job board feel such as the Switch App
    • Good question would be is the job availability matches the Department of Labor studies showing the careers with the most opportunities
    • Switch app did not allow access to the phone’s web browser, nor was there a web browser version. The popular ones do have a browser and mobile version
    • Everyone should have a resume that is mobile ready to upload or email someone
    • Google Drive and Dropbox are excellent tools to have. Dropbox will provide a link if you want to sent someone a resume
    • Usage of mobile for job search apps will depend on age. A job search app are likely to find a larger audience under forty

Need help with your career goals, directions, or efforts? Do you need coaching or instruction? I am here for it!Also, join our Linkedin community! You’ll enjoy some of the insights shared by community members and other career pros!

I would still like to help self-published career professionals promote their books. If you’re interested, find more info here.

For the first time in 1 1/2 years, I am opening to career professionals to write guest articles. If you’re interested, you can go here for further topics and directions to submit.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

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Filed Under: Job Search, Job Search apps, Job Search Innovation, Job Search Technology Tagged With: Job Search

by Mark Anthony Dyson

How to Use Blab or Periscope for Your Job Search

How to Use Blab or Periscope for Your Job Search
http://traffic.libsyn.com/thevoiceofjobseekers/thevoiceofjobseekers102.mp3

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Just don’t think of Blab or Periscope only as a means of entertainment or to watch someone else use it to sell you stuff. Become an active participant to embellish your brand or as a strategic part of your job search. Jessica Miller-Merrell suggests that job seekers use it to connect with employers, share about your day, and even for informational interviews.

Have you started using Blab or Periscope yet? Would you use it to connect with employers? I would love to know what you think. As always, there are several ways to share your thoughts on the question or this show’s interview:

1) Leave a voice mail or text message at 708-365-9822. Let me know if I can share it on future shows

2) Email me: mark@thevoiceofjobseekers.com
3) Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com and press the “Send Voicemail” button to leave a message online

Those of you who are career professionals can receive the additional bonus by leaving your blog on the message, and I will link to it.

 

Let me share a little bit about Jessica Miller-Merrell (@jmillermerrell). She is the founder of the Forbes 100 Top Career Website Blogging4Jobs (and podcast) and the publisher of The Recruiters Lounge. Her media features include Forbes, Fortune, and Entrepreneur Magazines as well as many other media outlets. She is the CEO and founder of Xceptional HR and writes a lot about HR technology.

The Voice of Job Seekers-Episode 102BP

She recently wrote about using Blab or Periscope for your job search, and I asked her to discuss the “why” and strategies anyone can use:

  • What are the purpose and goal are helpful strategies in using video through Blab or Periscope
  • Jessica said that lighting, fresh face, and make-up are important elements in connecting with recruiters and hiring managers
  • You don’t have to target one particular subject as you can talk about your mantra for today, or taking people on your journey with Blab or Periscope
  • Video interviewing is more commonplace now, so people have to become more comfortable with cameras
  • Video also unveils the voices in the back of our heads in how it shows what we perceive as negative (hair, facial expressions, etc.). Blab and Periscope can help with the need for practice
  • You want to use these tools to be comfortable and collective enough to “Wow” the hiring manager
  • Jessica said we don’t have to be experts but provide a platform to be noticed and not necessarily perfect
  • Think about your industry and how it uses video. How can you contribute in a special way?
  • You can  use Periscope or Blab as a way of introducing yourself or as a demo. Are you in the hospitality industry? Do you interface with customers? This will demonstrate your strengths
  • Companies can’t train great personalities so using these tools in an opportunity to demonstrate when a resume or other career marketing tools can’t
  • You can use Periscope or Blab as a tool for informational interviews (or business conversations). Have a show where you put companies in the spotlight and ask them about their hiring process, what positions they’re hiring for, etc
  • More companies are beginning to use Periscope and Blab to connect with potential candidates
  • Live recording audio or video is scary for employers because they can’t take it back. Jessica shares her experience with employers using social networks tools
    Do you need help with resume writing or career direction? Do you need coaching or instruction?I can help.

Also, join our Linkedin community! You’ll enjoy some of the insights shared by community members and other career pros!

I would still like to help self-published career professionals promote their books. If you’re interested, find more info here.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

  • Mail
  • |
  • Web
  • |
  • Twitter
  • |
  • Facebook
  • |
  • LinkedIn
  • |
  • More Posts(760)

Filed Under: Blab, Job Search, Job Search Innovation, Job Search Technology, Periscope, Video Tagged With: Blab or Periscope

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I moderated a panel on Wealth Management for executives by Black Enterprise Magazine in October 2023 in Miami.

I was interviewed on Scripps News show, “The Why!” 4/13/2023

I talked with John Tarnoff and Kerry Hannon of “The Second Act” podcast about job searching after 50 in October 2022.

I was on “The Career Confidante” podcast to talk about “boomerang employees” and “job fishing” in June 2022.

Making Job Search a Lifestyle With “Dr. Dawn Graham on Careers,” SiriusXM Ch. 132, Wharton School of Business May 2021

In May 2020, I talked with LinkedIn’s Senior News Editor Andrew Seaman on “#GetHired” Live.”

Beverly Jones, host of the NPR podcast “Jazzed About Work,” invited me back to talk job scams, job search trends, and AI tools in April 2024

WOUB Digital · Episode 183 : Job search expert Mark Dyson says beware of scams, know AI & keep learning

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