Over the past 5 years, advances in technology have made it almost impossible for many professionals to completely "unplug" themselves from work responsibilities. Though they may have left the office physically, they may not have the luxury of ignoring that work email until the morning. The evolution of mobile devices and technology has proceeded at such a pace in the last decade that it seems almost unthinkable that there was ever a time when people used other media-based channels for information access.

Smartphones, laptops and tablets are now so ingrained into 21st century society that those who don't have access to consumer technology are in many ways restricted in how they can manage work/life activities. If we accept that this scenario is not just part of everyday life, but the driving force behind it, then it becomes obvious that embracing the advantages of mobility is the logical next step for individuals that want to be aware of every potential job opportunity. 

Making connections
For those people who are actively searching for a new position, the ability to peruse potential openings or even access company information 24/7 is invaluable. Jobs in all sectors are in such high demand, and in this world of instant access, it's crucial for job seekers to be able to find and act on opportunities as quickly as possible. At the same time, employers and human resources professionals are well aware that a candidate is extremely likely to have a mobile device close at hand, whatever the location.

For those looking to find work or make a career change, the interconnected candidate is extremely likely to have a considerable advantage over those who don't see the technology as a tool or resource. Studies have also shown that in the last 12 months, the number of people searching for jobs via mobile devices has increased from 2.3 million to 9.3 million, with industry analysts predicting that this technology will be the primary source of internet access by 2015.

According to the Pew Research Center, 45 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds now use a smartphone as their primary computer, a statistic that highlights how important understanding the concept of connectivity is. Further, if we consider that, according to WCPO Cincinnati, almost 77 percent of job seekers are not only using a mobile device to apply for jobs online, but also as the channel for job notifications or listings, then employers need to make sure that they are delivering their message efficiently.

Considering the fact that the innovative iPhone was first released in 2007, then the evolution of mobile technology from merely a communication device to an all-in-one user interface in less than six years is nothing short of astonishing. With that in mind, candidates need to know that opportunities will likely be delivered directly into the palm of the hand, while companies must ensure that the information technology delivering these positions is user-friendly and capable of tapping into the browsing experience that has become part of our 21st century work/life management technique.