The ICT Job Hunter Blog

Cell phones have moved on immeasurably since the days when they were the size of a house brick and nothing more than a device for talking on.  Even the most basic models nowadays contain a whole range of features which can help job searchers to stay organized when they are on the go, and of course those like Apple’s iPhone are packed with superb gadgetry and allow you to download some useful job search applications.

Job seekers who are unemployed tend to spend more of their time conducting their job search from home.  With all their important information stored on a computer and easy access to the Internet, they have everything they need at their fingertips.  If you already have a job though, making sure that you are contactable, that you don’t miss any important communications or opportunities, that you are able to respond promptly and that you don’t fall into the trap of using your office computer for your job search activities can be a bit more tricky.  Especially with a cell phone which allows you to access the Internet, however, you can stay on top of everything and really boost your chances of finding that perfect position.  Choose a WiFi enabled handset and you can even do all of your online tasks without any extra cost.    

In this and my next few posts, I am going to look at some of the more important features that you might have on your cell phone and how they can help to keep you on track.  Today though, I just want to start with a few general tips on buying and using cell phones for job search purposes.

1. If you are currently in work and your employer has provided you with a cell phone for business purposes, never use this for your job search.  For one thing, your employer is not going to want to have to pay any call charges that you rack up, and for another, if he decides to check out any of the numbers which appear on your cell phone statement, you could find yourself in hot water.  In addition, your business phone is company property and you never know when you might be asked to hand it back or lend it to another employee.  The last thing you need is for one of your colleagues or your boss to start picking up calls or messages from prospective employers.
2. If you are considering buying a new cell phone, then think carefully about the range of functionality which will be most useful to you in your job search.  Do you just need the basic tools such as a calendar and a reminders function, or do you want to be able to access your e-mail or browse the Internet on the go too?  Remember that you don’t need to buy an expensive top-of-the-range handset, but often spending just a few extra dollars will mean that you get much better value for your money.
3. Think carefully too about which service provider you want to use and the plan which will best suit your needs and your pocket.  For example, are you likely to need more free talk time or more Internet access?  Shop around and find out what different service providers have to offer.
4. These days, the cell phones that we use say as much about us as the briefcase that we carry and the suit that we wear, so make sure that yours fits with your professional image.  Once again, it does not have to be the most expensive or the latest model, but do make sure that it doesn’t look old and battered.
5. There is nothing worse than being in the middle of an important business call and your cell phone battery dying.  Always make sure that your battery is kept topped up and invest in a car charger so that you can top up when you are out and about.
6. Make sure that you take advantage of any new updates for your cell phone.  These might come from the manufacturer or from your service provider, but whichever way, they are designed so that you get the most out of your phone in terms of functionality and security.
7. Never use your cell phone when you are driving, and not even on hands free.  Having a conversation with a prospective employer needs all of your attention and will probably also require you to take notes as you speak, and you cannot do that and drive safely too.  If the call is so important that it cannot be left to go to voicemail, then pull over safely to take it.  Remember too that on hands free, the person at the other end of the line can still hear that you are on the road and may question your judgment if he knows that you are trying to talk and drive at the same time.

In tomorrow’s post, I will come back to some of the common features to be found on cell phones and how these can help you with your job search activities.