Five free Android job search apps

Jack Wallen highlights five free Android apps that just might help you find your next job.

Let's face it -- at some point, you're going to have the unlikely task of searching for a new job. When this reality rears its ugly head, you'll want to be able to search while you're at your desktop and while you're on the go. In order to do that, you need the right apps for your smartphone. The Android platform has plenty of apps for that purpose. But which ones are the cream of the crop? I've gone through the list of available apps to find out which jobs search apps offer a superior user experience. Here are my results.

1. Job Search, Indeed Jobs

The Job Search app has an incredibly easy-to-use mobile front end for the Indeed.com job search engine. With this handy app, you can search any job field in any country. Just type in a search string, enter a location (Figure A), and tap the Search button.

Figure A

 

Job Search running on a Verizon-branded Samsung Galaxy S4.

With the results of the search, you can either email the job to yourself (or a friend), view the job (Figure B), or save the job. In order to save the job, you have to have a free Indeed.com account.

Figure B

Acting on a job search is simple.

To log into your account, tap the My Jobs button (after you run a search) or tap the Sign in button from the main window. Once you've authenticated, you can save searches, post your resume (via file upload), or post a new resume. 

2. LinkedIn

The LinkedIn app is not only a great way to search for jobs on your Android phone, it's also one of the best job networking tools you'll ever use. While you're sharing your status updates with your LinkedIn followers (Figure C), you can search for, save, and apply for jobs -- plus get insights from industry leaders.

Figure C

The main LinkedIn page on the Android platform.

The method of job application will depend on the job you're applying for. Some jobs will require you to apply on the company web site, whereas others offer an easier “Apply” button directly from the job listing.

The LinkedIn interface is quite easy to use. It has a handy dashboard panel (Figure D) where you can gain quick access to groups, people, jobs, companies, news, and more.

Figure D

Slide the screen to the right to view your LinkedIn dashboard.

3. Job Search, Simply Hired

The Job Search app by Simply Hired, Inc. claims to have the world's largest job search engine (a claim made by many). Even if it isn't the world's largest, it does have quite a collection of available jobs -- and the Simply Hired app is the best means of accessing these jobs.

From the app's main window (Figure E), enter your search string plus the city and tap the Search all US Jobs button.

Figure E

The Simply Hired Job Search main window.

Once you've found a listing you like, you can save, email, or apply (Figure F). The Apply button will open up a web browser and take you to either the Simply Hired job page or the company job application page.

Figure F

If you'd rather apply for the job on your desktop, email the job to yourself.

The one caveat to Job Search by Simply Hired is that you can't apply for jobs in-app. Outside of that one issue, the application has an incredibly simple interface and works quite well to help you locate possible employment opportunities.

4. Jobs

The Jobs app by CareerBuilder also makes the claim to have the largest job data base in the United States. From my experience, the CareerBuilder app does have one of the slickest interfaces of all the job apps you'll find (Figure G). With this tool, you can search jobs, search recommended jobs, save jobs, apply for jobs, post multiple resumes, get notifications, and sign up for a CareerBuilder account.

Figure G

The Jobs app main window.

Once you've done a search, you can then apply for a job with a single tap (Figure H).

Figure H

You can also save a job to your CareerBuilder account.

Naturally, you can't apply for a job with the app unless you have a resume uploaded to your account. You can't create a resume from within the app, but you can upload a resume either from a file on your device or from a Dropbox account. One very nice feature of the CareerBuilder app resume section is the ability to post multiple resumes to different job titles.

5. Proven Job Search - Craigslist

The Proven Job Search - Craigslist app is actually a front-end for the Craigslist, Simply Hired, and Beyond Jobs job search services. Don't let the stigma of Craigslist fool you, Proven Job Search is a great way of finding location-based jobs from more than one job site. With this app, you can search for jobs, filter jobs, get expert advice, search for tips, add favorites, view your “Applied to” jobs, and manage resumes/cover letters (Figure I).

Figure I

The Proven “dashboard” in action.

This particular entry in the job search category does allow you to create a new resume in-app (Figure J). You can even export your resume when you're done.

Figure J

Creating a resume with Proven is quite easy.

The Proven Job Search app has one of the easiest resume creators of all the apps on this list. Although you're typing on a smartphone keyboard, you can still have a resume up and posted in no time.

The search for your next job doesn't have to be an insufferable pain. Mobilize your search with any one of these handy Android smartphone apps. Hopefully, your search won't take long, and you'll be working your dream job in no time.

What other job search apps do you recommend? Share your experience in the discussion thread below.