Every job application you complete is a chance to advance your career and improve your job satisfaction. That's why following up is so important when you are in the middle of a job search. You need to be able to contact a recruiter, say when you submitted your job application, and ask when you will know if you made it to the next step of the hiring process. If you do not keep tabs on the applications you've submitted, following up is difficult. Use these tips to track each job application and keep your job search materials organized.
A recent article in Insurance Business America indicates the job market is still tough, with applicants fighting their way through several rounds of applications to land decent jobs. If you have applied for multiple positions, the simplest way to track them is to keep a list. Include the name of the potential employer, the job title, the date you submitted your job application, and any other pertinent info. If the recruiter requests additional material, update your list with the information you sent and the date you sent it.
If you are using online job boards to search for employment, check to see if the sites you are using offer built-in tools for tracking applications and storing job-related documents. Many major job boards save every job application you've submitted, making it easy to determine when you need to follow up with recruiters. The biggest drawback to using these built-in tools is that you need a different profile for each site you use. Some tools also have limited functionality, so you may want to try other methods of keeping track of your applications.
Using a mobile app designed specifically for managing applications is another good way to stay organized during your job search. Apps such as ApplyMate track each job application you submit. They also let you schedule follow up phone calls to each recruiter, making it less likely you will forget to check the status of an application. Some mobile apps even let you sync these reminders to your phone or Web-based calendar. These functions make it easier to stay organized when you are submitting multiple applications over a short period. These apps are also very helpful if you are receiving unemployment compensation and need to document your efforts to find a job.
Searching for a job is stressful, especially if you have been out of work for several months. Staying organized will help you reduce stress and follow up with recruiters at the appropriate times. If a simple list doesn't work for you, try using a job board's built-in tracking tools or downloading an application manager on your tablet or mobile phone. All three methods make it easy to track each job application and avoid applying for the same job more than once.
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)
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