Do Unemployed People Need to Have Blackberries?

If you suddenly become unemployed, a rush of emotions starts to swirl in your mind. You might experience panic, depression, anger, grief, or in some cases relief. If you received a severance package and you planned on freelancing anyway, you might actually be happy. However, most people will need to find another job as soon as possible. Either way, if you are unemployed, a personal digital assistant such as a Blackberry or iPhone is essential to have.

With hundreds of thousands of people unemployed, it's essential to be connected at all times. A job seeker would be at an advantage if he or she can respond to an interview requests minutes after receiving an email. A potential employer would be impressed if you replied to a request for a phone or in person interview immediately. The cost of the device and monthly service is small compared to the impression you will make on hiring managers.

With the popularity of owning a Blackberry, iPhone or other mobile email device at an all time high, hiring managers may expect an immediate response to an interview request. I know that I would if I was scheduling interviews.

A blackberry or iPhone will also give you access to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other networking websites. You never know if a job opportunity will be posted on your Twitter friends' timeline. If you are actively working your LinkedIn contacts, you may receive a lead through that channel and will be able to reply right away.

I personally know a Wall Street investment banker who was laid off in 2008 from his job that he had for 18 years. After the layoff, he still commuted to Manhattan every day to network with contacts in the banking industry. He made sure to have at least two appointments a day with former colleagues or other people he met through networking.

He would meet people for coffee or lunch or possibly even pay a visit to their offices. He believed that being out there near the people who could hire would be the best way to find a new job. How could this job seeker have functioned in the field without having access to his email? He would sometimes set up appointments on the spot if a contact replied to him via email.

Thankfully, this person has found a new job eight months after being laid off. I am sure he owes some of his success to his Blackberry and the availability and instant access it gave him in his job search.

If you have to cut back on luxuries when you are laid off, then I agree that is a good idea. However, personal mobile email is not a luxury nowadays, it's a necessity!