Generally speaking, you’re not going to be applying to only one or two jobs at a time unless you feel absolutely certain that you are going to be successful in those applications, which will rarely ever happen for most positions. As a result, you’re going to have a lot of jobs to keep track of, and it might feel overwhelming remembering where you applied and when. We’re only human, we shouldn’t be expected to keep all of that knowledge in our heads on top of everything else we need to keep track of on a daily basis. It simply won’t happen, and you will forget to do things if you don’t get organized, which will result in lost opportunities.
Here are five good ways to ensure you are on top of your job searches, and following up with each potential employer in a swift and logical manner.
1. Keep an Application Log
There are a wide variety of digital tools available to keep track of information. Having a record of all your applications and their statuses can be very helpful to ensure you are on top of them. If you haven’t heard from a company for a while, your spreadsheet should allow you to reference when you applied, what website it was on, the job title, and a link to the job description. Extra points for copying the descriptions to secure them in case they get taken down.
These logs are not just useful for keeping track of your in-progress applications. If you get to the interview stage and more information becomes available (ie: the hiring manager’s name and contact information, salary, important dates, etc.), you can also introduce these into the spreadsheet.
While there are a lot of tools that allow you to organize your information, Google Drive and the Google suite of programs allow you to take your information with you. This can prove to be a very useful tool, especially if you get a call on the road.
2. Organize Your Inbox and Files
It’s great that you have started organizing your applications in your new files and spreadsheets, but you still have to keep them organized. You may have different resumes, portfolios, or cover letters for different jobs that you are applying to, which are easier to keep track of in their own folders. It is usually recommended to tailor your resume to each job description, so you may have a resume for each job you apply to. A system that keeps the resumes, cover letters and portfolios together for each job will let you see at a glance what was sent for each position.
Your email inbox is also important to keep track of, as you will likely have receipts and responses for several of your applications. Keeping them in multiple folders like “Applications” or “Interviews” can be very helpful for keeping track of your prospects.
3. Apply Through Company Career Pages
It is a good idea to apply directly to a company through its website, as it will frequently receive less traffic. Some larger companies opt not to post in generic search sites, as they wish to reduce the number of applicants to the select few who are actively seeking them out. This can work to your advantage, as you have fewer applicants vying for the position, while also opening up the possibility of an angle where you express your particular interest in their company.
4. Simplify Your Search
Sometimes you think you want to get any and all jobs out there, but it’s not about how many applications you can send out. Spending more time on fewer applications means that you get some higher quality exposure and make yourself much more marketable in the process.
5. Subscribe to Job Alerts on Job Search Sites and Recruitment Agencies
Job search sites and recruitment agencies are tailor-made to find you available positions that are relevant to you and what you are looking for. With a few simple keywords and filters, you can see every job on the website that fits the criteria.
However, these boards have more to offer than just providing you with a wealth of relevant applications whenever you may want them. You want to know the instant a job goes up so you can apply for it immediately. That’s why job sites have the option to alert you when a new job gets posted under your search criteria, so you can be sure that you are the first one applying to the position.
Trades Labour Corporation is one of these excellent recruitment agencies, allowing you to market yourself to a wide variety of potential employers in the trades who are looking for someone with your talents. We offer employment services in places like Auburn, Seattle, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and many more great locations. Create a profile today and find your employer match today!