How to keep track of job applications

Seeking employment may take longer than expected, and you might apply for many jobs than you anticipated. It's essential to maintain accurate documentation of your attempts and make a list of job applications so you don't duplicate your activities or overlook what and where you have applied for. Collecting data is not a fascinating work, but it is an essential component of the job search procedure. Establish a system that performs for you and is simple to connect and modify since it is significant to keep it updated.

What is a job application tracker?

A job application tracker is a valuable tool that can assist you to stay organized and on right track throughout your job hunt, from job application to interview preparations and everything in between. Keeping track of your job search success is a great way to remain organized. It will assist you in measuring your development and downfalls, and determining how to best invest your time and resources.

Why it's valuable to maintain a log of job applications

You may believe that managing records isn't required, particularly if you only intend to qualify for some jobs. However, the reality of today's job market is that job seekers are applying for tens, if not hundreds, of jobs before landing a new role. You might consider yourself submitting multiple versions of your resume or curriculum vitae. Until you're may be selected for a job interview. If a hiring manager or prospective employer locates you, being unready may cause you to be dropped from their list. If it's been a long time and you can't remember which company or job you applied for, it may make you appear inappropriate and irresponsible.

Additional advantages of keeping job application records

If you're feeling discouraged by your lack of advancement, your job application tracking structure may be able to offer credible proof of your attempts and encourage you. You can also utilize it to recognize dynamics and patterns that will help you enhance your job search abilities, such as whether you are more successful with a specific edition of your resume. It can also help you applaud networking contacts who have provided you with job leads or mentioned you to someone.

Tips for job application tracking

You can keep track of your search on paper or a virtual machine. There are even choices for using your smartphone, or generate a spreadsheet to organize data, such as by date applied or sequentially, making it easier to discover specific applications. If you keep paper documents, be systematic and arrange them in a centralized location such as a file or folder. Keep things trimmed or stapled together so that a job listing doesn't get separated from your file.

What should you keep track of?

You must make note of everything you apply for, such as the

Job Title

For what position or role you have applied.

Corporation name

If your job hunt is wide, add some information regarding the kind of job or sector.

Contact details

Add the name of the contact person(s), mailing address, email account, and contact details used across the method.

Job application system

Whether you submit your application through an online process, email, or postal mail?

Job-status column

There could be three alternatives in this column, yes, no, or haven’t heard anything back. It's critical to include a 'never heard back' option; or else, it can appear and feel like an enormous volume of rejections. Also, mark no if your application was specifically turned down.

Tracking the progress of an application

It allows you to stay on top of where you are in the recruiting procedure. The basic steps are used, including a phone screen and an interview. Because every company's recruitment team is unique, this section must be tailored to every position.

Job lead source

Did you discover about the role via a recommendation, an online job listing, a hiring organization, a corporate website, or an advertisement? Attach a record of the job posting, if it is eliminated after the application deadline.

Materials sent

Provide information about the edition of your resume you emailed or submitted, the cover letter, and any additional materials that may be required, like documents and job samples.

Date applied

Date on which you applied for the position.

Interview information

Add the time, venue, interviewer's name, and any other data you have to recall for the interview.

Date of the scheduled follow-up

Every application's outcome includes an appointment for an interview, an appeal for more data, rejection, or a job offer.

Create a 'Notes' section to outline anything fascinating or vital you would like to keep in mind as you move through the job search process. For instance, a coffee date you had with a corporate employee or a question you wish to follow up on after the interview. There is no correct or incorrect method to use the spreadsheet or job application tracker - customize it to suit your needs. You can employ colors to aid you to visualize tasks efficiently, or you can have job positions arranged by application date or status. Upgrade your documents with any new details, and then go over them to determine the next move for every application. Take charge of your job search by putting the spreadsheet to perform for you.

If you don't want to create a job application tracking spreadsheet, then try our Job application tracking tool.