If you don’t already have the LinkedIn app downloaded to your phone, you should definitely add that to the mix of your favorite mobile applications. The mobile version of LinkedIn allows you to job search on the go, find new connections and conveniently send and respond to direct messages when you’re away from your computer.
But LinkedIn isn’t the only career-related app that you should have on your mobile device. In fact, there are a number of mobile apps worth checking out as you move forward in your job search and think about your future career development. Here are just a few –and the good news is that they’re all free to download!
Blind –Workplace Community: This community of over 3.2 million professionals worldwide is a public forum for insights, feedback, and company cultural improvements. So if you want to know more about a company with which you might have an interview, this app could make for an excellent research tool. Nearly 5,000 of its users have given this free-to-download app a combined 4.5-star rating, but note that their in-app purchases are featured after downloading.
Job Interview Prep Questions: With a 4.6-star rating in the Apple App Store, this app is a confidence builder for job applicants who want to review potential interview questions in an effort to consider their possible responses during actual interviews. Questions like “Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you overcame it” or “Describe a difficult work situation/project and how you overcame it” will help you reflect on answers that any hiring manager would deem favorable.
PathSource Resume: If you need to revamp your resume, this app allows you to view sample resumes for a variety of jobs in addition to 20 resume templates, although some premium templates require an in-app purchase as does access to the app’s “complete job search solution.” Once you create your perfect resume, you can also export it as a PDF for free. The app’s nearly 33,000 users have given it a 4.9-star rating.
JobFlare for Job Search: This free mobile app is comprised of six 90-second brain games that measure key indicators of job success, including memory and attention to detail as well as math and verbal abilities. The app will also notify you of open positions via your in-app Job Inbox. However, it’s important to note that this app does not focus on the hospitality industry, but rather on fields like marketing, tech, and finance. So if you’re looking for a job in hotel marketing, IT, or revenue management, the games can help keep you sharp for your next interview. There is also a website at http://jobflare.com.
Speeko – Public Speaking Coach: Speaking during a job interview is, of course, not the same as making a presentation in front of a group of colleagues or clients. But both require a certain amount of eloquence and vocal confidence in order to be convincing. This app features a voice recorder and an AI or Artificial Intelligence Speaking Coach that will provide feedback on how quickly you speak, how dynamic you sound, and how many fillers like “um” and “ah” you use. The app then recommends lessons and exercises from its coaching library to help you improve your speaking techniques.
Paycheck Calculator: If you’re living and working in the U.S., this app is great for figuring out what your take-home pay would be under a variety of circumstances such as if you increase your 401K contribution, Health Savings Account (HSA) deductions, the addition of a bonus or a commission as well as overtime pay. The app uses IRS-provided formulas based on 2020 tax brackets and also accounts for a variety of federal deductions such as social security in addition to state and local taxes, once you input your location.
Work Hours & Pay Calculator: If you earn hourly wages, this app is perfect for tracking your daily, weekly and monthly hours worked and the pay that you will earn for those hours. You can add variations that will change your pay rate such as overtime, night and weekend shifts and if your position allows for tipping, also add estimated tips for each day worked. The app allows you to forecast the amount of your next paycheck so that you can better manage your personal budget.
Shapr: Don’t limit your professional networking to LinkedIn. This, too, is a viable app for connecting with professionals in your chosen career field who may also have similar interests and objectives to yours. Once you create a personal profile, to which you can also add your social media handles, the app will send you a daily list of contact suggestions. Swipe right on those you’re interested in building a connection with and if he or she does the same, you can start communicating instantly. Yes, this app functions very similarly to Tindr for business professionals.