Keeping organised when applying for jobs

Have you ever been left in an uncomfortable position when a hiring manager calls but you can’t remember the job vacancy you applied to?

With the job market being more competitive than ever for job-seekers, you may find that you are applying to multiple vacancies to give you the best opportunity of securing a new role. When applying for jobs it can be all too easy to lose track of which roles you have already applied for and next steps.

To avoid this and to help ensure you present yourself professionally, here are some tips for keeping organized when applying for jobs.

Keep a list of where you have applied

One of the simplest ways of staying organized is to keep a list of all the job applications you have already made. That way you can easily refer to your notes when you are contacted about a role. Be sure to summarize the main points of the duties of the job including a link to the original advert so you are able to cover them in your conversation outlining why you have the right skills they are looking for.

List posts you want to apply to in the future

Life sometimes gets in the way of your application process. You may find your dream job on the way to work whilst scrolling on your phone or perhaps the application process is too long, and you just don’t have the time immediately. Don’t dismiss these opportunities. Similarly, don’t rush an application. Save the link or email it to yourself and add to a list of applications you want to apply to at a later stage. That way you can dedicate some time where you can fully focus on the application.

Track incomplete applications

Some application processes are longer than others and often employers will give job seekers an opportunity to pause an application to return to it later. If you don’t manage to complete an application, it is important to make a note of where you left off including the company name, website address, and a closing date so you don’t miss the deadline.

Note the version of your CV you sent

Some of the most successful candidates are those who tailor their CV to the job specification. You may want to add relevant keywords or promote one area of expertise over another depending on what you are applying for. In this instance, you should always make a note of the version of the CV you sent to avoid any confusion further along the process. This also applies to any covering notes or additional material you provide.

Keep a log of communications with contacts

It is always good practice to note down any communication you have during the application process. It is likely you will be in contact with multiple people as a job seeker and it will be difficult to remember all the conversations you have had so after any call write a brief summary of what you spoke about and when you should expect to receive an update on your application. Make a note of the contact name and the date and time you spoke with them. Do the same for any email correspondence. If you are then chasing feedback on an application, you can refer to your notes beforehand to know exactly what has been spoken about previously so you don’t repeat yourself and continue to present yourself as professionally as possible.

These are just a few tips that will hopefully help to keep you organized in your job search. It is a good idea to try to keep this information in one central location. As part of TPP’s Employability Support Hub, we have created a free downloadable job application tracker that will help you keep track of your applications.