Tips for Staying Organized and Maximizing your Job Search
Simple as it may seem, creating a system that is organized and methodical will help you save a lot of time in your job search. It can also help you to make more informed decisions, be better prepared for interviews, and discuss salary.
Developing a Job Application Tracker
In addition to the many benefits of using a Job Application Tracker, it can also feel good to check off your applications and SEE the work you put in! Consider a system that you know works for you, something you’ve used successfully in another area of your life - like for finances or grocery shopping. This should be a format that you know is proven to work for you. Perhaps a spreadsheet? Downloaded template? Wipe off board? Post-it note system? Good old fashioned notebook? Then, think of the items below like a menu. Choose the items that feel important to you, and create your own job application tracker. Fill out your tracker as you go - and once you have an interview, or need to compare two jobs, or refer back to a salary range - you have all the information easily accessible.
Company/Organization- Job Title/Position
- FTE (1.0 full time, part time, etc)
- Date Applied
- Status of Application
- Priority
- Application Closing Date
- Link to Application
- Salary range
- Location
- Response Status
- Notes
- Anything else you find useful
Checklists
Using a checklist is another great way to stay organized. Here are some suggestions, for both one-time and on-going tasks.
One-Time Tasks
- Set up a separate and professional sounding email address
- Set up a LinkedIn profile
- Clear your voicemail messages
- Contact/obtain references
- Connect with an accountability buddy
- Determine if you have the tech you need for a video interview (on a computer if possible), or what transport you might need for an in-person interview
On-Going Tasks
- Keep a list of websites (jobs listing sites or specific companies you are interested in) to revisit as you search for jobs
- Sign up for email alerts (many job search sites will allow you to create customized email alerts when an opening arises)
- Create a list of search terms (for example, instead of just searching ‘tutor’, you might also search ‘reading coach’, and ‘student support specialist’, etc.)
- Expand your search parameters. Searching for something part-time? Try searching ‘temp’ or ‘contract’ instead. This can be a good way to diversify your job search.
Found a Job Posting You’re Excited About? Make sure to…
- When using any type of job search website, be sure to cross reference the job posting with the company’s website, to make sure it’s legitimate. While there is a possibility that a company has posted a job on a job board and not on their own website, regardless can be a helpful step if you are unsure of the legitimacy of the posting.
- Before spending time applying, check the listing and application closing dates.
- Regardless of the job post closing date, check the job posting again right before applying. Do this directly on the company’s website if possible. Some companies take posts down early if they’ve had a lot of applicants. It’s worth checking before spending your valuable time.
- Once you’ve applied for a job, save the job description as a PDF. Job postings are often removed and a copy of the posting will come in extremely handy when it’s time to review the job description for interview prep, compare the job side by side with similar employment opportunities, or negotiate salary.