Online job search tools: Search Management

ne of the really hard things about a job search that goes on for more than a couple of days is managing the huge amount of information you generate and receive.

If you're hitting this job search pavement running:

• You research employers, managers, potential colleagues.
• You send out networking emails, tweets, blog posts.
• You create or have a professional create a resume and letter that you tailor for each application.
• You use it to apply online, by email, occasionally in person.
• You meet people at networking events.
• You follow up on EVERYTHING.

Now, who was that guy you met at last month's Business After Hours? You know, the one who said he knew what's- her-name? You wrote it down on the back of his business card. Have you washed that shirt?

If that's what's happening, you need a search management tool. Some people are fine using Outlook, OneNote, or even a three-ring binder once they realize they can't count on their memory in a project this size.

Most of us need significantly more help. Here are a few ideas:

JibberJobber.com : Online management for your job search and career. Jason Alba, of "I'm on LinkedIn, Now What?" fame, created a search management system when he found himself suddenly without a job. He's made it available free for the rest of us at JibberJobber.com.Organize and manage your job search. Track personal and professional relationships. Track target companies. Track jobs you apply to.
And when you land your great job, it turns into your professional relationship management tool. You can subscribe to more features for $5 per month and premium features for $9.95 per month.

CareerShift.com won the 2009 Career Innovator Award at the Career Directors International Conference.
Search, select and store online job listings and get up-to-date contact information, including e-mail addresses, for millions of companies. Access in-depth information about contacts and companies posting jobs.  Record, save and store your correspondence history records automatically. Create personal marketing campaigns, including unlimited resumes and cover letters easily, and save them to access, print or e-mail. Manage your confidential CareerShift account securely from any computer 24/7, to update and maintain your organized and recorded job search. The site offers a free 24-hour trial, then $29.95 per month with a 10% discount if you buy a three-month subscription.

Worksolver.com :  Organize your web of people, companies, files, job postings and activities. Find the six degrees of separation between your contacts or uncover hidden opportunities by using Worksolver’s tree-like representation of your network. It offers contact grouping, keyword searching, ratings and rankings, report and entity printing as well as direct linking to websites and e-mail. Driving directions are coming soon. There is a 30-day free trial. Three months of service is $24.95, and six months is $39.95.