Tips for organizing your job application tracking

Develop a spreadsheet for job applications

A worksheet is an easy and efficient way of tracking your job applications if you are proficient in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or similar software. A spreadsheet can help you maintain a log of which organizations you applied to when you forwarded your application, what resources you sent, and other vital aspects of the application procedure. It does not have to be stylish, and how thorough you want it is entirely up to you. However, the following are the most important sections to include;

• Organization Name, where you are applying for the job.
• Contact - Your corporation's point of contact; most likely the person to whom you acknowledged your cover letters, like an HR Representative or an Office Manager.
• Email - Recruiter or HR manager's email address, or contact details.
• Date Applied - The date on which you sent or emailed your job application.
• Application Summary - things you included in your application were a cover letter, resume, and any extra materials, such as a portfolio or reference record.
• Interview - The date and time of your interview.
• Follow-up. Sending a thank-you email or letter.
• Status - Whether you were turned down, offered the position, or invited for a second interview.

Make a job application chart

Don't worry if you aren't comfortable using excel then you may generate a basic chart in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any other tool. Construct a table in your Word document to maintain a log of vital data, dates, and timelines related to your job search. Simply add a table and select the number of sections depending on the number of groups you would like to monitor (business name, contact details, date applied) and the number of rows relying on the percentage of roles for which you are applying.

Along with the standard categories mentioned above, here are some other items you could perhaps add if you're feeling particularly ambitious;

• Application timeframe
• Possible beginning date
• Where did you find the job posting
• Details about the company, such as its place, amount of workers, size, latest events.
• Names and contact details of any network associations at the corporation. 
• Projected chance of obtaining the job.
• Your priority for the role in relation to other jobs.

Utilize Google Drive and Calendar

If you enjoy staying organized online, Google is a good place to start. If you have a Gmail account, you can employ Google Drive to develop, save, and export worksheets and paper records such as your cover letter and resume. You can also sync with Google Calendar to remain ahead of vital dates.

Create job alerts

Many job boards have a job notification system that informs you when new jobs are available that fit your preferences. After you sign up, the application will generate job postings through email, allowing you to browse for job vacancies in your domain without having to go via each job search. If you decide to apply for one of the jobs advertised you receive, you could use details in the text as a beginning point for tracking your application.

Employ your preferred job search website  

Investigate your favorite job search site; you'll almost certainly discover a built-in way to track prospective job interests and submitted applications. Several job search websites, such as Monster and LinkedIn, have built-in techniques for keeping track of your job applications. Numerous websites provide free or low-cost job application management software that is particularly configured for job seekers who require guidance coordinating their job applications. These tools assist you in keeping track of job prospects, activities, memos, events, and contact details pertaining to your search. Even though the disadvantage of using a site-specific approach is that you would have to maintain a record of different lists on various websites, it's not a poor alternative if you have a favorite job search site.

Take advantage of an app

Identify using a mobile app to organize your job application tracking if you devote more time on your mobile device or iPad than on your laptop. Download a couple of mobile apps to help you structure your job application process on your computer or smartphone.

Gain benefits from the smartphone

Ensure to utilize your cellphone as is for job application tracking management - for instance, include your memos or download a worksheet app and keep a log of your data there. You can also put alerts and your schedule to keep track of upcoming due dates, interviews, and other crucial dates and times.

Keep a notebook

If you prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, buy a notepad and allocate it to your job application tracking process. Countless people still prefer to maintain records the regular way. Because technology can be burdensome at times, use a notebook to organize your job search if you prefer a more concrete strategy. In addition to managing your job applications, you can employ it to write a cover letter, gather information during interviews, and document anything else that pops up while job searching, collaboration, and interviewing.

Optimize the job application tracking process

There are numerous options to keep a log of your job search, but there are also strategies to reduce the mental workload in the first place. Working on a plan to streamline your job application tracking process will bring benefits. Concentrate on quality than quantity; also apply to valid positions for which you are eligible, and make every job application count by customizing each cover letter and modifying and proofreading your resume.

If you are unsure of how to make a job application tracking spreadsheet, then use our Job application tracker.