Being a smartphone owner in an Apple-dominated world used to be tough. As a fairly early adopter of an Android device, I was always secretly jealous of the iPhone crowd, playing Angry Birds and showing off their apps, while I scoured the Android market, coming up with a much more modest selection.

Developers are more likely to create applications that are compatible with the market leaders, and this is proven when you look at the size of Apple's iTunes Store in comparison to Blackberry's App World, Nokia's Ovi Store and the Android Marketplace. But the mobile landscape is finally changing; the gap between Apple and their competitors has closed and it is now time for developers to reevaluate the market.

This is exactly what AllTheTopBananas.com have done, and last month marked the launch of their job seeking application for Android. The app has a wide range of features that can help you to search anytime, anywhere, which means that those normally wasted, 5 minutes here and there can now be used to find a job. Perfect!

The application lets you search over 200,000 jobs sourced from all over the web on your Android device, by simply entering your chosen search criteria. Typing is kept to a minimum as the app enables you to save your favourite searches, making repeating a search quick and easy.

One of my favourite features of the AllTheTopBananas app is the 'Live Search' which lets you see what other people are searching for in real-time. The results appear over the top of a map of the UK, and it can be quite addictive watching the different search criteria popping up and disappearing. If you want to conduct one of the searches that you see, then you can just tap the text to perform the search.

The job search notification feature lets the app work for you. Simply type in your search criteria and select the 'notify me of new matches' button. Whenever a new job is advertised that matches your search, even when the app is closed, it will appear in the main notification bar of your Android device. That means that even when you're finished searching, your app won't stop trying to find your perfect job.

Other features of the app include full integration with Twitter, Facebook and YouTube and access to current job seeking advice, so that you can still brush up on your interview techniques even on the journey there, as long as you aren't driving, of course.

The AllTheTopBananas Job Search application is available to download from the Android Marketplace for free, so why don't you try it out today?

Want to know what really grinds an employer's gears? FreeMyCV.com has been asking employers to name their biggest job application no-nos. Here are the top 5:

1.  Lengthy Covering Letters.

What we say: You're writing a covering letter, not the sequel to War and Peace, so our advice is keep it short and relevant to the job you are applying for.

What employers say: "Relevance is key when it comes to a covering letter, and a good application will closely reference details from the job advertised. Even a well written covering letter can be ruined by its length, so aim for no more than half a page of focused writing." 

2. 'Over-styling' a CV.

What we say: Nothing can irritate an employer more than over ambitious use of fonts and styling on a CV. It is important to relay the right message; adopt a sensible tone for your CV by choosing standard fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman and simple layouts. In the same way that you wouldn't write a work email in pink using Comic Sans, think about how your CV will be perceived when the employer receives it.

What employers say: "I once received a CV which was mounted on cardboard, it was cumbersome, completely irrelevant and just put me off before I'd read a word. There are far better ways to stand out than through unusual presentation gimmicks."

3.  Annotating a CV.

What we say: This is an oddly common occurrence for employers receiving CVs. Crossing out old mobile numbers or addresses and scrawling new ones will make a candidate look rushed or just plain lazy. If your details have changed, take the time to change them on screen and print a fresh copy. Your handwritten notes won't impress an employer.

What employers say: "One CV I was sent recently didn't have handwriting but it did use two styles of font; one standard and one that was meant to look like handwritten text. One example of this was next to the candidate's mobile number- the handwritten-style text read:  'If you like what you read, give me a call!'  Not only did it not add anything to the CV, but it actually took my attention away from the skills and experience on the page and gave me a bad feeling about the candidate."

4.  Keeping your CV too Brief.

What we say: Keeping your CV concise is something that is often advised when CV writing; anything longer than two pages could highlight that a CV has not been tailored to the job, and may mean the employer has to work hard to find the candidate's relevant experience. On the flip side, a CV with no elaboration, unexplained job roles and a lack of insight into a candidate's achievements will make it difficult for an employer to know whether the candidate is worth interviewing.

What employers say: "If a candidate doesn't want to tell me what I need to know, then it makes the decision really easy. A pile of CVs with clear, carefully eloborated points will always win over ones that leave me with a lot of questions. There is a fine line between being concise and too brief; make sure you say enough."

5. Irrelevant Hobbies.

What we say: A hobbies and interests section on your CV is not required, but if done correctly, may add value; especially if you haven't had much work experience. If you are going to include hobbies, keep them as relevant as you can, avoiding information like "I enjoy going clubbing with friends."

 What employers say: "An employer will never make a judgement based primarily on your hobbies, but it doesn't hurt to be selective. Think about the things you like to do and what impression that might give, if you can see any negative connotations surrounding your hobby of choice; leave it out."

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As a regular cinema goer I am always pleased when the Orange ad that "humourously" reminds us to turn off our phones before a film, finally gives up the ghost, and is replaced by a new one. Finally something new to watch 100 times a month. (Yes, I go to the cinema a lot.) There is only so many times you can laugh through gritted teeth at the idea of Orange  subtitling a French movie, or an animated blue bird telling you that it should've won an Oscar.

The latest Orange cinema advertisement jokes about the concept of allowing ten minute "mobile phone breaks" during movies so that people can make that all important call. One woman exclaims with glee that she has just purchased curtains. The advertisement is funny (for a change) mostly because it pokes fun at modern human behaviour; we are glued to our technology at every given point; and for good reason.

I'm writing this article on a train, all around me I can hear people making very personal calls, the man opposite me has a Blackberry and an iPhone and has been switching between them all journey. I am writing this article whilst nursing my online banking syndrome- it's a terrible disease I have which involves me checking my cash flow situation about ten times a day. And I'm on a train without wireless. Oh the joys of mobile internet.

Smartphones are getting smarter and we are getting busier. I long for my commute so that I can check my emails, organise my life and continue to work without wasting a second of my day. And my phone doesn't just allow me to work more, but it could even help me to find a new job.

There are job seeking apps, like the All The Top Bananas job search app, that allow you to search and apply for the latest vacancies, on the move. Your app can notify you of any new vacancies, so that you'll never miss that perfect job. If you are on your way to an interview, you can browse the advice section on the bus there and make sure you are well prepared.  You can save searches and minimise keystrokes so that you only have to tap one button to search. And the best bit? You can browse, whenever, wherever you like and you can be certain that your current boss, or the man sitting behind you on the train, won't know what you are doing. It is compact, discreet job seeking.

The All The Top Bananas job search app is available to download on iPhone and Android. So why not take a look at how it can help you today?

1. Control your nerves

If you are going for an interview it is only natural that you will feel nervous. Being scrutinised by a potential new employer can be daunting, but what is important to remember is that nerves can act as a barrier to your success.

Nerves can manifest in a variety of ways but one of the main things to overcome is the nervous silence. Candidates that become withdrawn and quiet, answering the bare minimum and leaving uncomfortable silences will be regarded as unenthusiastic and an employer may mistake your nerves for disinterest in the role.

2. Know what you are applying for and where

This is an extremely common early stumbling block for an applicant. Employers often ask questions regarding why you want to work at the company, or they may ask what you think the job role involves, and it is these questions that require you to have done your homework.

Studying the job ad often doesn't give much away. You must remember that there are other tools at your disposal. The company website; you can find out what projects they have recently undertaken, learn what goals are important to the business, see if they have any recruitment videos or press material. Google is your friend, and you can often find a wealth of information if you care to look.

I recently sat in on an interview where a candidate had done the leg work, and it was impressive. They had researched the company, researched the project, researched the industry and this candidate shone out of all of the others. Those who could only recite the jargon in the job ad paled in comparison and really let themselves down.

3. Always ask a question

When an interviewer asks if you have any questions the worst thing you can possibly do is say 'No.' This is a candidate's opportunity to show enthusiasm and understanding for the role, and those that ask insightful questions can really steal the show at interview.

Prepare questions in advance. Even a question as simple as asking what facilities are available for parking will show an interviewer that you can see yourself working there, and this is one of the most positive impressions a candidate can hope to leave. A lack of questioning will make a candidate seem less engaged.

4. Make yourself heard

No matter what style or approach your interviewer takes, the one thing they want is to hear what you have to say. Try to avoid giving short answers, elaborate fully and use all opportunities you have to express interest and enthusiasm for the role. Give examples and make reference to aspects of your CV to show where your previous experience would help you advance in this job.

I have sat in on interviews where the interviewer did most of the talking and while that can throw a candidate off, there is always an opportunity to sell yourself. Even in the closing moments when you are thanking the interviewer for their time, you can still add a few closing remarks to convince them of your passion for the job and company.

5. Dress appropriately for the job

It is important when going for an interview to dress appropriately. Candidates often range from the very smart- full suit and tie, to the oddly causal- jeans and trainers, but the casual dressers are always going to be compared to those who are more suitably attired. Often a happy medium can be found by aiming for a shirt/blouse and smart trousers/skirt (not too short).

There may be exceptions to the rule of smart, and it is also key to remember the company when choosing your outfit. One of my colleagues once ran a high street retail company and she would be the first to reject those who hadn't embraced the fashionable nature of the role at hand.