This Tech Tuesday we’re examining the devices that are essential to your job search. Job seeking can be a long, difficult process, an almost 9-5 occupation in itself. Make it easier with technology!
Searching for a job is extremely time consuming. It’s important to stay ahead of fellow candidate competition to ensure no opportunity is missed. Technology can enable you to move faster and more efficiently, so you can continue marketing yourself, searching and applying for jobs, and scheduling interviews. This is where being connected will set you apart. So it turns out your parents were wrong, those countless hours of being online weren’t in vain!
Spending money on tech when unemployed might seem like the last thing you want to do, but this equipment may decide your next job offer! Here’s our five essential devices for job seekers:
The latest smartphone:
If you’re going to an interview, pulling out the latest smartphone is impressive gesture. This might sound superfluous, but the latest must-have device will potentially spark conversation with the interviewer, and will demonstrate how tech-savvy you are! Smartphones are the modern day equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife. Being able to use a smartphone to stay up-to-date with emails and job applications on the go could be the decisive factor for employers. You could discover a job vacancy via mobile you would have otherwise missed!
So go on, treat yourself to an iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy Alpha. Think of it as an investment. Also it’ll change the way you interact with media, and you can start tweeting in style!
Battery extender:
External battery chargers may seem as the last thing on your ‘to buy’ list, but don’t underrate their usefulness. If you constantly use your smartphone and portable devices, you’ll be well-aware of questionable battery life of modern devices. With a quality portable battery charger, you will never miss any important calls again!
Look to sites like Amazon for positively-reviewed battery extenders before purchasing. There are continually great deals on these portable devices, so shop smart and to choose the best option! Personally speaking, I have used a battery extender for day-long events and they have been a life-saver for continuing productivity.
If you continuously travel with tech, this is a must-have accessory. A good example of a quality battery extender is RAVPower Battery Extenders for not only your smartphone, but your other USB powered devices!
External hard drive:
Buy an external hard drive! This advice doesn’t just apply to a job search but to life. As our society becomes more reliant on technology for important documents, it’s vital to have backup versions of documents available. Hard drives may seem pricey, but there is nothing worse than losing a computer’s worth of important files, documents and pictures. Starting your CV from scratch after a hard drive failure is never fun, believe me.
Back up your data for peace of mind. Transferring files between computers is also relatively easy using these devices. We recommended the Transcend Military-Grade Shock Resistance Hard Drive (shown above), so if you drop it, you can feel confident you won’t lose the data!
Also, for extra security, grab a USB flash drive!
Mac & PC (plus even a tablet):
You probably have some kind of computer at your disposable, but is it the right kind of system for you?
Depending on your industry defines whether a Mac or PC is suited to your needs. Macs are great for media and design jobs, for example, while PCs are great for programming and IT jobs. This should be your central hub for your job search, so replying to emails and job searching on this machine should be fast. If your machine is rapidly declining in speed, it might be time to upgrade.
If you have extra disposable income, you can also consider purchasing a tablet. This may seem like a expensive addition, but if your career is very visual-based, being able to present your content in slides on a tablet is an impressive way of showcasing your work.
Smartwatches! (maybe):
Smartwatches, The latest gimmick to hit consumer wallets! Admittedly this isn’t vital to everyone’s job search, but it could make a huge impression on employers to show you want the latest conceptual technology! Wearable technology could improve your job search by increasing your exposure to jobs, either on social media or via emails!
The same rule is applied to all conceptual-based technology. For example, if you attend an interview for a tech-based company wearing Google Glass you will make a lasting impression! Staying ahead with new technology shows your up-to-date and open to new innovations!
What devices do you use in your job search? Let us know in the comments!
