Organising Job Application Tips

[sharusan]

Organising your job application process can make the entire experience much smoother and less stressful. Here’s a simple guide which I use, by using calendars and Excel sheets to help you stay on top of your applications:

1. Create a Calendar: Start by setting up a digital or physical calendar dedicated solely to your job search. Use this calendar to mark important dates such as application deadlines, interviews, and networking events. Colour code different types of activities to easily distinguish them.

2. Break Down the Process: Divide your job application process into manageable steps such as researching companies, tailoring resumes and cover letters, submitting applications, and following up. Assign specific dates or time frames for each step to ensure you stay on track.

3. Excel Spreadsheet for Tracking: Excel sheets are excellent tools for tracking your job applications. Create columns for essential information such as the company name, position applied for, application status, deadline, contact person, and any additional notes. Update this spreadsheet regularly as you progress through the application process.

4. Set Reminders: Utilise reminders on your calendar or phone to alert you about upcoming deadlines, interviews, or follow-up tasks. This ensures you don’t miss any important opportunities or forget to follow up with potential employers.

5. Stay Organised: Keep all your application materials, including resumes, cover letters, and portfolio samples, organised in folders on your computer. This makes it easy to access them when needed and ensures you can quickly customise application materials for different positions. I would recommend storing it on your phone, so you can apply for jobs on the go.

6. Review and Reflect: Always review your calendar and Excel spreadsheet to assess your progress and identify any areas for improvement. Reflect on your experiences, such as which job search strategies were most effective and which areas you may need to dedicate more time and effort to.

By implementing these simple organising strategies using calendars and Excel sheets, you’ll feel more in control of your job search and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Good luck!

[Kat]

This is great! I’ve always been a great oganiser, and like having stuff sorted out. Can definitely spend more time reviewing and updating my progress

[Silver]

These are really good tips, thank you for sharing!

[Patrick]

Getting organised is SOOOO important!

Filing things in folders and using spreadsheets to track applications etc is the way to go - I have to say that (although I’m not currently applying for jobs!) folders and spreadsheets are power tools for me, enabling me to keep on top of things.

The other power tip I have is about keeping track of important events (meetings, interviews, calls, emails etc) in a calendar, and using reminders to ensure that you don’t miss anything. Got a Zoom call at 11:00 on Tuesday next week? Put it in your calendar, with the link and meeting details, and set a reminder for 10 minutes before the meeting is due to start! That way it’s harder to forget it.

[jaramillopaula12]

Wow, this is exactly what I needed! Definitely going to give this a try and hopefully make the process a lot less overwhelming. Thanks for sharing!

[Kat]

Fully agree! My calendar is full of these random reminders

[Michelle]

I use notion, todoist and calendar to keep things organized, and it has helped me a lot.

[carmennjg]

Wow, this guide is super helpful! I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed with my job search lately, so I think setting up a dedicated calendar and using Excel sheets to track everything could really help me stay on top of things. Do you have any tips for staying motivated and focused throughout the process?

[Cbealby17]

These are such great tips, I imagine it can get stressful when you have multiple applications running at the same time, Especially when trying to manage Uni work and life at the same time !