The job hunt can be a long and painful process with lots of paperwork. It is essential to keep organized during your job search. Follow these three tips to help you stay organized:
1. Save jobs of interest: When you find a job of interest on the Simply Hired site, click the save button. It is easier to save the jobs that you are interested in at that moment than to find them later.
2. Folders: For every application you submit, you should be tailoring your cover letter and resume to the job. Keeping track of all the paperwork can be difficult. The easiest way to handle it is through folders on your computer.
- Start by creating a folder called "Job Search".
- For every application you submit, create a sub folder with the company name.
- In the company specific folder paste your tailored resume, cover letter and a copy of the job description.
Some companies will pull a job description once they have received a large volume of applications. By copying the job description, you are prepared for when they request an interview.
3. Status Tracking: When you submit multiple applications, it is essential to keep a record of the details. We recommend keeping a simple log in a spreadsheet or even on paper. Below is a sample log.
|
Company Name |
Job Title |
Submission Date |
Contacts |
Company research |
|
Example Inc. |
Island Caretaker |
8/22/12 |
|
|
As soon as you find a company of interest, write down the company name and job title in your log. Since the majority of hires come from referrals, it is essential to research if you have any contacts at the organization. Make a note of any contacts in the company and reach out to them ASAP.
Before you engage in any interview, you need to have a basic understanding of the company and their values. A lack of knowledge about a company is a red flag for most employers. Include any website links or facts about the company from your research on your log so you can refer to them in future.
By following these tips, you should be prepared when you receive the email or phone call for an interview. Do you have any other job search organization tips? Share them in the comments below.
