You've heard it before: we prefer to do business with those we know, like, and trust. It makes sense, and I was reminded of it again recently when I recommended JibberJobber (JibberJobber.com), as I often do, to participants in a career search workshop. It's even listed as a resource in my book Nourish Your Career.
JibberJobber, for those of you who may not know, is a career management tool created by Jason Alba. It's a robust program you can use to track, organize, and manage your job search, career, business, and even life. (Actually, I now refer to it as a life management tool.) You'll find tons of articles and videos on the site, showing how to get the most out of this powerful tool, so I'll just say a bit about why I like it and recommend it.
If you use the site well (and consistently) you will be able to create a user-friendly and usable database of those in your network -- from close friends and colleagues to a hiring manager or recruiter with whom you've only spoken once -- and add notes, contact info, and even action items (e.g.,"Call Steve on 5/1 to follow up") so important details don't fall through the cracks. You can easily track which jobs you've applied to, what the next steps are, and create entries for companies on your interest list so you can research and connect with them. (Why limit yourself to posted jobs?)
I love the flexibility of this system. The ability to tag, store, and sort/organize your data in multiple ways means you can fine-tune it to fit you and your style. And, most importantly, it offers the ability to access the information when and how you need it! Those of you who are used to working with CRMs will find JibberJobber is a flexible, user-centered CRM -- and much more.
There are so many ways you can use this tool that I could write a series of posts just on JibberJobber (and may). For now, because I still talk to folks who have not heard about it, I just wanted to spread the word so you can use it to better manage your career, job search, business, and life. Jason shared on a recent webinar that he even tracks his car's service, related expenses, and maintenance schedule via JibberJobber (brilliant! and the reason I now refer to it as a life management tool).
Most of the features are included with the Regular (free) account. There are a few (e.g., the ability to add more than 500 contacts or use Email2Log) which are part of the Premium (paid) account. You can start with the free account and upgrade to Premium (just $60 a year) if you find that makes sense for you. What's great is that even if you upgrade and then decide you no longer need the Premium features, you won't lose the information and records you've stored in your account. To me, this one is huge! Most other services delete your Premium records and files if you downgrade from their higher level accounts.
Now, back to the Trust statement I mentioned in the beginning. With all the data you can store in this online system (names, contact info, notes, journal entries, and more), I would normally encourage folks to think very carefully before they decide what and how much information to add to such a tool. I have known Jason for a few years and because I fully trust him, I can confidently recommend JibberJobber as a valuable resource my clients, colleagues, and others can use to effectively manage their career, business, and life, without worrying about the valuable information they choose to store and track there.
Almost every time I log on (or get on a call or webinar to hear about making the most of JibberJobber) I find a new way to make it work for me and allow me to better serve my clients and others in my circle. As someone who loves sharing resources, I couldn't help letting you know about it, too. Have fun exploring it!
As it happens, I'm writing this post as JibberJobber turns 8. On behalf of all of us who have benefitted from this great resource, a very happy 8th Birthday (May 2014)! Jason, thank you for creating JJ, for your generosity, and for being an advocate of those in job search, the careers community, and all who cross paths with you.
Shahrzad is a holistic career counselor, trainer, speaker, and author of Nourish Your Career. If you'd like to work with her to nourish your career and life, contact her at shahrzad[at]careerconsultmd.com or visit www.careerconsultmd.com