10 Simple Methods for Organizing Your Job Search
A spreadsheet is an easy and efficient method to keep track of your job applications if you're comfortable with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or a comparable tool.
A spreadsheet may help you keep track of which firms you applied to, when you filed your application, what papers you sent, and other crucial aspects of the application process.
It doesn't have to be fancy, and how comprehensive you go is all up to you. However, the following are the most important columns to include:
In Word, create a Job Application Table.In Word, create a Job Application Table
Don't worry if Excel isn't your cup of tea. A basic table may be created in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any word processor.
Create a table in your word processing application to keep track of crucial information, dates, and deadlines related to your job hunt.
Simply enter a table and choose the number of columns depending on the number of categories you want to monitor (business name, contact information, date applied, and so on) and the number of rows based on the number of jobs you're looking for.
In addition to the core categories given above, here are some extra things you could wish to include if you're feeling very ambitious:
Application deadline Possibly starting date
Where did you find the job posting?
Make use of Google Drive and Calendar.
Make use of Google Drive and Calendar
Google is an excellent tool for staying organized online. If you have a Gmail account, you may use Google Drive to create, store, and export spreadsheets as well as written documents such as your cover letter and résumé. You may also connect it to Google Calendar to keep track of crucial dates.
Create Job Alerts
Most employment sites provide job alert systems that tell you when new job postings that match your interests become available. After you join up, the system will give you job postings through email, allowing you to look for employment vacancies in your field without having to go through every job search engine.
If you decide to apply for one of the job advertisements you get, you may utilize the information in the message to help you maintain track of your application.
Make use of a Job Search Organizer Website.
Make use of a Job Search Organizer Website
There are several websites that provide free or low-cost job search management solutions created exclusively for job seekers who require aid organizing their applications.
JibberJobber, for example, is likely the most well-known choice and a wonderful resource for keeping organized.
While Huntr offers a consolidated location for organizing your job hunt. It assists you in keeping track of opportunities, tasks, notes, events, and contacts related to your search. The browser extension enables you to store jobs from any job search site with a single click, and the mobile app allows you to follow your search while on the road.
Make Use of Your Favorite Job Search Website
Investigate your preferred job search site; you'll almost certainly discover a built-in solution to keep track of possible job interests and filed applications.
Many job search websites, such as Monster, CareerBuilder, and LinkedIn, have built-in capabilities for tracking your applications. Although the disadvantage of adopting a site-specific strategy is that you may have to keep track of many lists on different sites, it's not a terrible choice if you have a preferred job search site.
Utilize an App
Consider utilizing a mobile app to arrange your job hunt if you spend more time on your phone or tablet than on your PC. Download a mobile app (or two) on your smartphone or tablet to help you arrange your job hunt.
Here is a selection of the finest job search management applications for smartphones and tablets.
Make Use of Your Smartphone
Make Use of Your Smartphone
Consider utilizing your smartphone "as is" for organizing - for example, utilize your notes or download a spreadsheet app and keep track of your information there. You may also utilize alarms, notifications, and your calendar to keep track of upcoming deadlines, interviews, and other crucial dates and times.
Make use of a notebook.
If you like to do things the old-fashioned way, acquire a notepad and commit it to your job hunt. Many folks still prefer to keep track the old-fashioned manner.
Because technology may be difficult at times, utilize a notepad to organize your job search if you prefer a more concrete alternative. In addition to keeping track of your applications, you may use it to compose a cover letter, take notes during interviews, and document anything else that comes up during job hunting, networking, and interviewing.
Simplify Your Lookup
Clearly, there are several methods to keep track of your job hunt, but there are also ways to reduce the mental overhead in the first place. Making an effort to streamline your job search can pay dividends.
Concentrate on quality rather than quantity: only apply to real opportunities for which you are qualified, and make each application count by customizing each cover letter and updating and reviewing your resume.