Job seeking has gone mobile. I'm sure most people must have that memo by now, but what does it mean for job seekers and how can you use mobile job search apps to your advantage? Here are some of the basics to keep you at the top of your game:

1. Job Seeking on-the-go

So what's so great about job seeking on your mobile? Well frankly, what isn't? It's discreet; you only have to shield your mobile screen from prying eyes, which makes it a lot easier to do some sneaky job hunting on the sly. It's convenient; mobile apps use the power of your mobile data plan, meaning you are no longer confined to a computer or a train with Wi-Fi.

Best of all? It allows you to break up your oh so boring job hunting into manageable bite-sized chunks of time, so you don't go completely crackers. If you have a spare five minutes here and there, just tap, and away you go! If you're job hunting in those tiny nuances of time where you wouldn't normally be doing anything, it feels like a win; because we all know how exhausting job hunting can be, when you'd rather be doing ANYTHING else.

2. Save your Searches.

"So instead of having to get my head around jobs websites on computers, which can be confusing and unclear at the best of times, I now have the added trial of doing it in miniature; am I missing something here?!"

Yes, indeed angry job seeker, you are missing something. Everything to be exact. Mobile job search applications have streamlined the job seeking process so that a user will only be faced with things they truly need, namely, the job search. And what's more, the ability to save your searches means that you can keep your keystrokes to a minimum, just set up your criteria, and tap once to repeat. Simple.

3. Stay Ahead with Job Alerts

One of the key advantages to mobile job search has to be the ability to receive new jobs to your mobile. Different applications will handle this differently, whether offering you a 'push' notification service, which will make new jobs appear in your notification bar, jobs by email or perhaps even jobs via text; but the outcome is the same, you get the info you need as soon as it's available. If you're dream job gets posted, you'll be the first to know, putting you in a great position to prepare to apply.

4. Stay Smart with In-App Advice.

A good job search application will not only have created an all-singing, all-dancing job search for their users to enjoy, but they will also have added handy little features such as mobile job seeking advice. Use the mobile job advice section to ensure you feel confident about nailing that interview. If you're going to write a job application when you get home from work, why not browse the article on job applications whilst waiting for your bus?

5. The Cost of Job Hunting

"All this app business sounds expensive. I've just shelled out a small fortune for this whizzy 'Smart' phone and now you want me to spend even more money so I can find a new job?!"

The great news is, you can save all your pocket money for [insert popular paid for app here]. Job search apps like allthetopbananas.com are completely free to download and use, the only thing you will truly need to get started is a working mobile internet connection, so your app can find those all-important vacancies online.

Download a job search app today and go mobile!

Job Search Links:

For Android
For iPhone

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?

This YouTube video is a really valuable resource for job seekers. Elaine Hewens is an experienced professional in career development and recruitment coaching and training. In this 5 minute video interview you can hear her thoughts surrounding the impact of social media on job seeking. 

 If you've yet to get to grips with LinkedIn, and how it can help you in the jobs market, then have a listen below: