Job searching has never been fun but there are a lot of great resources available that can make finding a great job from your couch easier than ever.
Keep reading as we run down some of the most helpful websites and best job apps to help you find employment that fits your life, your career, and your goals.
Start writing your resume.
Often, the first thing you do as part of your job search is writing your resume!
Sometimes though, it’s not as easy as it sounds. It’s difficult to start from scratch, if you don’t have an old resume to update, or if your old resume hasn’t been updated in a few years.
Plus, as time passes so do resume fads. For example, Times New Roman used to be a staple font—a classy default that everyone used. It’s rare now to find a resume written in Times New Roman, and those that are, look a little old fashioned.
That’s why it can be helpful to start with a template. There are a few different services online that do all of the styling and formatting for you, so all you have to do is input your contact information and work history. Try out one of these:
Resume.com
This is an easy, free online tool that helps you build your resume from the ground up. Once you create an account (or sign in using Google), the easy-to-use resume builder asks you questions as you fill out each section of your resume. You can pick and choose the sections that you want to include—summary, education, skills, etc. – and they even provide suggestions to help you get started on writing based on the job title you input.
For example, when I’m filling out my work experience as a Warehouse Associate, the resume builder offers me a number of suggestions that I can use or edit. It makes writing your resume much easier!
In addition to the number of different templates available, they also provide a small library of example resumes to help you get started. Those samples can jog your memory about the things you typically work on and your previous achievements.
Google Docs
This is another great resource—and one you’re likely to already have! If you prefer to write your resume on your own, but want some help formatting, Google Docs is a perfect resource.
The Google Docs template gallery has a range of options to help you get started. Simply select the one that looks best for you and start inserting your own information over the existing text. Just remember—don’t leave any of the placeholder text on the page when you send it out!
Using Job Apps For Easy Searching
Resume ready? Let’s find some jobs! Using the right job apps, it’s not too hard. And there are a lot of different resources right in the palm of your hand—on your phone.
Bluecrew
Obviously, we would put Bluecrew first. But more importantly, it does make job searching a lot easier!
We have one of the only platforms where after passing just one interview you have access to lots of different jobs from different employers. You can simply accept the jobs you want. That’s right, you don’t have to apply individually or wait for someone to call you—just hit “Accept” and the job is yours.
In addition, our interviews have gone remote, so you can now do every part of the sign-up process from the app. So if you’re looking for hourly jobs, there’s no simpler way to find a new job than Bluecrew. Just download the app to get started—you don’t even need a resume.
Not familiar with LinkedIn? That’s okay. It’s a social network that’s focused on job searching and career growth. And it has a few key features that can be helpful for hourly job seekers.
First, you can search and apply for jobs directly on LinkedIn. You fill out your LinkedIn profile just as you would a resume, so you can use it to apply for jobs! You can search by job title, skill, or company, and find positions near you. And now, when a prospective employer searches for you on Google (they do that sometimes) your LinkedIn profile will be one of the first things to pop up.
Plus, since LinkedIn is really a social networking platform, you can also find out more about the company and the people who work there on the company page. It’s a great way to learn more when you’re deciding whether or not to apply!
Glassdoor
This is where you go for first-hand reviews of employers. Real-life workers go to Glassdoor to rate their company and talk about their experience. Companies can also add to their profile to show more about who they are, what their company culture is like, and what makes them a great place to work. They can post jobs on Glassdoor as well.
This site can help you find opportunities and learn more about the companies you’re thinking about working for. Often, others will even post about their interview experience and what types of questions they were asked. This can be a big help before an interview, so be sure to check it out.
Just remember—anybody can leave comments, so don’t take everything at face value. Use a critical eye and look for trends across multiple posts or from people in jobs similar to the one you would have.
Starting On The Right Foot
You got the job and you’re ready to get started, but how do you impress on your first day?
One of the simplest things to do to start off on the right foot is show up early. Get your plan ready the night before—know how you’re getting there, what you need to do to be ready, and even what you’re wearing (double-check for any uniform notes in the job description like a need for steel-toed boots or a jacket if you’re headed to a cold storage facility).
In addition, check out the trustiest app of all—Google Maps—and calculate your travel time. When you’re looking on a desktop computer, you can even put in the time you’re planning to depart to check out typical travel time with traffic.
It turns out, all the resources you need to find a great new role can be found from the comfort of your couch. So there’s no time like the present to start searching.
Ready to get started on one of the best job apps? Download Bluecrew today.