Job hunting with Windows Mobile

As a self-employed writer, I’m not looking for a full-time position in an office. But I am perpetually on the prowl for new freelance writing opportunities that I can do from the comfort of my living room couch.

With the job market so competitive these days, freelancers and full-time job seekers alike need every advantage we can get. Jumping on a hot job listing the day it’s posted could make the difference between getting your resume seen by a swamped hiring manager and having it hit the round file. Ditto for being 100 percent accessible to any recruiters, HR professionals, and hiring managers who want to contact us.

That’s why I’m relying on my Windows Mobile phone to help me take my job hunting show on the road. I may be at an all-day networking event or out of town at a professional gathering without a laptop, but that doesn’t mean I have to wait until I get home to fire off my resume. Likewise, unless I’m already in an interview, I want to be sure I’m able to talk with anyone who calls to offer me an interview or—better yet—a bona fide job.

My phone is an AT&T Pantech Matrix Pro, running Windows Mobile 6.1.

I never leave home without the latest digital version of my resume on my Windows Mobile phone. Besides having it on hand in case I spot a promising job listing on craigslist while waiting for an interviewer who’s late, it’s nice to have my digital CV at my fingertips should a colleague at a networking event say, “E-mail me your resume, and I’ll slip it under my boss’ nose.”

You can easily add your resume (or any other file) to your Windows Mobile phone by syncing it with your PC. If you’re using Windows Vista like I am, you’ll need to use the file management feature of Windows Mobile Device Center to transfer files from your PC to your phone. (If you’re using Windows XP or earlier, you’ll need to use ActiveSync.)

If you have yet to sync your phone with your PC, you may also want to sync your e-mail contacts so you have them handy when you’re on the move. Once you’re done synchronizing your phone, it's time to e-mail your resume:

Even if it’s not illegal where you live, it’s not safe to juggle a phone and steering wheel while driving. Besides, the last way you want to sound if a recruiter or hiring manager calls while you’re in the car (or out walking your dog, or home making your kids breakfast) is flustered. Better to go hands-free.

When I’m out for coffee with a friend or in the supermarket checkout line, I won’t answer my phone if it rings—unless it’s urgent. (I may be looking for work, but I’m not rude!) A call from a hiring manager qualifies as urgent in my book, so that’s one I don’t want to miss.

To make it as easy as possible to recognize all my urgent calls, I’ve set up a special ringtone on my phone for all my job-related contacts. After all, who wants to dig their phone out of their pocket or handbag if they don’t have to?

I assigned a ringtone that sounds like a receptionist’s phone to all my hot business contacts. When I hear that crisp “bring-bring!” I know I need to answer the phone—no matter what. To further organize my contacts, I’ve grouped the names of all my best job prospects into one category. Here’s how:

Want to see all your Business contacts at once?

These days, employers expect candidates to get their own directions to the interview. It’s all part of the selection process. If you can’t find your way to the office, how can the employer trust that you’ll be able to find a solution to the myriad problems they throw at you on a weekly basis?

Fortunately, my Windows Mobile phone is a great help with directions. To find out how to get to a contact’s office, you’ll first need to enter their street address into their profile on your phone. Once you’ve done that:

Good luck with your job search. And may your road to employment be swift and pothole-free!