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Searching for a job can feel overwhelming, but staying organized can help you stay focused and make the process more manageable. When you’re applying for multiple positions, keeping track of applications, resumes, and deadlines is crucial. Here are some simple tips to keep you organized throughout your job search.

 

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1. Set Up A Job Search Email

When you first begin job searching, you should set up a job search email specifically for everything related to your job search. If you use an existing email, important messages from employers can get lost among spam and promotions, and you might miss an opportunity.

When setting up a job search email, keep it simple and professional. The first letter of your first name, followed by your last name, is always a great place to start. If the name is unavailable, try adding your birth year at the end. Example: jdoe1990@example.com.

You can read more about job search emails here.

2. Create a Job Search Spreadsheet

A spreadsheet is a simple and effective tool to track all your job applications. Create columns for:

  • The company name
  • Position title
  • Application deadline
  • Date applied
  • Status (e.g., applied, interview scheduled, awaiting response)
  • Contact person (if applicable)

This format will give you a clear overview of where you stand with each application, helping you avoid confusion or missed opportunities.

3. Organize Your Resumes

Customizing your resume for each job is essential, but that means you may end up with multiple versions. This can lead to confusion if you don’t name your files properly. Create a folder on your computer dedicated to your job search, with subfolders for each company or position. Name your files in a way that makes them easy to identify, such as:

  • “Resume_CompanyName_Position”

This way, you’ll always know which version you sent and can quickly reference or update them if needed.

4. Set Up Job Alerts

Instead of manually searching for job postings every day, use job boards and company websites to set up job alerts. Most sites allow you to receive daily or weekly email updates about new openings that match your criteria. This saves time and ensures you don’t miss relevant opportunities.

5. Use a Calendar to Track Important Dates

Job searching comes with a lot of deadlines—application cutoffs, interview dates, follow-up reminders, etc. Use a calendar to keep track of these dates. Whether you prefer a digital calendar (like Google Calendar) or a physical planner, make sure to:

  • Set reminders for application deadlines
  • Block out time for interviews and preparation
  • Mark follow-up dates (usually one week after interviews)

This will ensure you never miss an important deadline.

6. Prioritize Your Applications

Not every job is equal in terms of fit or interest. While you might have multiple jobs in the works, some are naturally a higher priority than others. Prioritize the positions you’re most excited about or qualified for. Rank them in your spreadsheet or make a list of “high-priority” jobs. Focus your time and energy on these first, ensuring that you submit well-thought-out applications for the roles that matter most to you.

Keeping your job search materials organized will help you focus your time better, prevent mistakes, and make finding and landing the perfect job easier and quicker. Want a shortcut into the perfect job? Contact Tempstar Staffing to learn how we can help!