TLDR: Prentus is the most useful job search tool in my kit. It cuts out a lot of the extra work that causes friction and/or frustration for me, and makes the job search if not enjoyable, at least a lot easier!
As a junior software developer, I've had to go on multiple hunts for a new role when the last contract expired, downsizing occurred, etc., etc. Most of the time, that process is utterly excruciating. I've used other platforms (like CareerScore) in the past, but Prentus has been my go-to for years, now. It has a substantial feature-set and the quick + friendly customer support is awesome.
How does the app help me?
The Chrome extension quickly grabs all of the relevant data from a given job (on LinkedIn, Indeed, AngelList, etc.) and stores it for me to view later. Sometimes I try a "quantity over quality" (200 applications in a week?) approach, and sometimes the opposite (careful research on a company, a thoughtful cover letter, coffee meetings with current engineers, etc.). Either way, after banging out numerous applications, I frankly don't remember who are what I've done. It's blur. And I need a nap + an ice cream.
Prentus allows me to go to my account and quickly + accurately review these applications. Some of the use cases that I frequently use the app + extension for:
- Want to set a reminder to send a follow-up, "thank you" message, or for that first screener interview? You can do it in the app.
- Want to perform data analysis? Find out whether you're applying as often, or as much as you think you are? See how many of those applications are actually getting accepted, or advanced to later interview rounds? See if the new resume you started using last month is performing better or worse compared to your old one? You can do it in the app.
- Want to set To-Do tasks for yourself for all of this and more via either a Trello or calendar-styled view? You can do it in the app.
There are even a bunch of options and resources on the app that allow you to interact and collaborate with fellow grads of your bootcamp (if you've signed up for Prentus via your boot camp).
And if you run into a potential bug, they get back to you *exceptionally* fast - either with a clarification on how to do what you wanted to do, or a promised fix within the week.