By Pearlie Davis

Get the competitive edge you deserve!

When it comes to finding a new job, we need all the help we can get! Today’s job market is competitive, so any edge or advice you can get as far as setting yourself apart is beneficial. These days the job hunt almost entirely takes place online, unlike 10-years ago when we looked to cold calling and newspaper advertisements for job listings.

A modern-day search demands tech-savviness—like using keyword phrases in your resume to show recruiters and human resources departments that you fit the role and have the experience needed to fill the position you’re applying for. A job hunt also requires a familiarity with social networking on sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook, which can help you connect with the right people and broadcast your instant availability on the job market.

Thanks to the array of job hunting apps available for smart phones, you can look for a job from almost anywhere. Check out the following 10 job hunting apps that can help you write your resume and cover letter, learn valuable interview tips, network with folks in your industry, organize your portfolio, and get the professional attention you deserve.

1. SparkHire (Free – for iPhone)

Before I go for any interview at any dream job, I look to SparkHire , a video resume, interviewing and job board mobile app that I can use on my T Mobile Galaxy S3 when I’m having a coffee at the local café. My current employer even used this app to pre-screen candidates for the position I applied for by using the app to present multiple text-based questions to each applicant. I was able to give my answers in a short, video format so that the hiring manager could sort through and select candidates for in person interviews.

2. ResumeMaker On-the-Go (Free – for Android)

Resume a little outdated? Never written a cover letter in your life? Good news; the handy ResumeMaker On-the-Go app features tips and step-by-step instructions to help you craft an attention grabbing resume (in a good way) right on your smart phone.

3. LinkUp – Job Search Engine (Free – for Android)

The LinkUp Job Search Engine app lets users to search job listings by openings by category, company, keyword, or location and apply to the job of your choice discreetly and professionally.

4. LinkedIn (Free – for iPhone)

This app offers a mobile option to the online social networking platform for making business connections. LinkedIn is an excellent source for job hunters for making connections with recruiters and hiring managers, getting recommendations from old bosses and colleagues, and putting your experience front and center for head hunters who are interested in your specific set of skills.

5. Best Resume Tips (Free – for Android)

Best Resume Tips is a mobile app that offers both new and veteran resume writers tips, advice, and step-by-step instructions for putting together an impressive resume, cover letter, and professional portfolio.

6. Evernote (Free – for iPhone)

If you need to put together a portfolio and don’t know where to start, Evernote can help you collect and organize everything from notes to personal recommendations, online clippings to photos, and interview notes to reference contacts into a single view system where you can edit and access it as you need it.

7. LunchMeet (Free – for iPhone)

You can get a lot done over lunch hour. That’s why LunchMeet is a great app for job hunters if they’re looking to connect with people in their industry. This app uses your LinkedIn account to geo-target relevant industry contacts who are open to setting up a lunch meet up to discuss career opportunities.

8. JobJuice ($14.99 – for iPhone)

JobJuice will clear up any hesitations and fears you have concerning marketing yourself via social media. You can use this app to connect with industry professionals, market your own personal brand, research and target key companies, and connect with hiring managers and industry head hunters.

9. Pocket Resume ($2.99 – for iPhone & Android)

It’s like having a resume writer in your pocket. The Pocket Resume app does the heavy lifting for you by scanning your LinkedIn profile and exporting the essentials to create a PDF resume. This way you can tailor resumes to specific positions.

10. RealTweets Job Networking (Free – for Android)

Imagine learning about your dream job in 140 characters or less! With RealTweets you can get your daily dose of relevant job search news via relevant tweets as they appear in real-time.

About the author: Pearlie Davis is a staff writer for GoingCellular, a popular site that provides cell phone news, commentary, and reviews.