The job search can be overwhelming to begin with, and there are so many search and application options that it can be hard to keep track of everything. Luckily, I’ve found some handy tools that help with organization.

I just started using IngBoo and I am amazed at the time it saves. It aggregates listings from several top job search engines and gives you a list from each in one place to browse through as often as you’d like. To create your list, choose a search engine, then enter your chosen zip code and a keyword, and IngBoo provides you with a running list. You can also customize your delivery options by selecting how often you’d like IngBoo to update the list. I created searches for the keyword “public relations” on Monster, Yahoo! Hot Jobs, Craigslist, SimplyHired and CareerBuilder. If you’re interested in more than one industry or job type, you can create a separate search for each. The list of postings is thorough and easy to read, and I love that I don’t have to go to each of these separate websites. The only drawback is that you have to enter a zip code. This limitation could create a problem for someone who is open to moving anywhere after graduation and would like to monitor for job postings throughout the country. I’ve made up for that by picking my top cities and creating a search for each.

JibberJobber is a great complement to search engine activity. The site describes itself as a kind of customer relationship manager for the job search. Similar to LinkedIn, it offers a way to keep track of your contacts. But while LinkedIn only keeps track of connections on its own site, JibberJobber also lets you import your contacts from a business card scanner or your Gmail account and organize them all, kind of like one big spreadsheet. You can then see your contacts displayed in different diagrams and you can even see them displayed on a map. To keep track of job application documents, you can upload and organize all of your resumes, cover letters and reference lists. I think JibberJobber’s best feature is its interview tool. It offers a section for 30 second elevator pitches, “power statements” and interview questions and answers. This means goodbye to the paper flashcards that have been my interview prep tool for years, and that’s exciting. It also offers its own search function, which was not very useful- I typed in “public relations” and got listings for positions completely unrelated to that industry. JibberJobber’s only other drawback is that it doesn’t provide clear instructions for use, so I had to go through some trial and error.

So while finding and applying for jobs can be overwhelming, today’s technology certainly makes staying organized easier than ever before. Happy searching!

One of social media’s greatest features is its ability to bring people together from around the world. Coupled with advances in communication technology like smart phones and video chatting, people can be connected like never before. Each social network offers its own brand of communication opportunities- Facebook is great for sharing photos, Twitter offers the opportunity for people to share their ideas and find new connections through hashtagged conversations and scheduled chats, Pinterest is like a giant bulletin board for all your interests and LinkedIn offers a way to connect with others professionally.

But what about Google+? At first glance, this up and coming social network seems to be competing with Facebook. Similar to Facebook’s selective privacy settings, it lets you categorize your contacts into circles. And it’s great for sharing photos. But Google+ offers another service unmatched by any other social network- the hangout.

The Google+ hangout is a free video conferencing service. People can talk about whatever they want and share whatever they’re doing, like cooking or playing games. They can also share content. With the addition of apps, participants can watch YouTube videos together or share Google docs. While only 10 people can participate at a time, an unlimited number of people can watch with the live broadcast option, which allows the hangout to be broadcast on a Google+ page as well as a YouTube channel. And people can participate from anywhere with the Google+ app for smart phones.

This creates possibilities for connecting with family and friends for fun, as well as for connecting with colleagues for business. It’s like a webinar, a Skype call, a YouTube video and a Twitter chat combined into one. Because communication is streamed live, it lacks the limitation of a YouTube video which has to be recorded first and shared later. And unlike a Twitter chat, people aren’t limited to 140 characters per post, and they can see each other. In business settings, traditional video conferencing lacks the ability to record and broadcast later, but hangouts allow  those who missed an important meeting to catch up on the conversation at their convenience, from anywhere around the world.

So while Google+ may be smaller than the other social media giants, it has its own unique benefits that are definitely worth a try.