Securing a new position in the market can be tough, particularly when it comes to those tiresome hours you will put into tracking and following up on job applications. As with any effort, this long-game takes some structure to organize and requires a level of patience as well as active communication. Therefore, in this guide you will see how to track your job applications ideally — and follow up the right way with tips that work.

Why Tracking Job Applications is Essential

Tracking your job applications is crucial for several reasons:

1. Organization: Keeping track of what you’ve applied for can reduce confusion and make certain that no hard deadlines are missed;
2. Tailored Follow-Ups: Once you know what the application contains, this allows for your follow-ups to be personalized and show that your interest is serious.
3. By tracking where you’ve applied to and notated about the position, organization or recruiter — it allows for a little self reflection of looking at what jobs are getting your attention (important because these have stood out in some way), identifying any patterns that might be appearing as well make changes going forward.
4. Track your progress: The tracking system keeps you accountable on a regular basis for the job search, thereby ensuring continuous action and engagement with possibilities.

How to Create an Application Tracking System

1. Choose Your Tracking Method

There are various methods for tracking job applications, and the best choice depends on your preferences and comfort level. Here are a few options:

• Excel (Google Sheet): A quaint but effective method to keep a track of applications is through Excel, or in the case of google users- Google sheets. Columns to include: Company Name, Job Title, Application Date [S], Status Update(s), Follow-Up Notes.
• Jobsearch Apps: You may also wish to use any job search app (like Jobscan, JibberJobber or Huntr) the you find out there. Some of the newer platforms come with features tailored built for job hunters such as saving your favorite job specs and setting reminders to follow up.
• Bullet Journal. if you are old-fashioned like me and enjoy crossing things off on a paper list, bullet journals could be the way to go. Set aside an area with all the necessary tools, and a way to track them (as in which jobs you applied for whe & when; what contact info has already been added etc.)

2. Create a Tracking Template

Whether you’re using a spreadsheet, an app, or a journal, your tracking system should include the following essential fields:

• Company: Name of the ‘proposal’ to which you are applying
• Job Title: The title for the position that you are applying.
• Date of Application: when you apply
• Title: Status (e.g. Applied, Interviewing, Rejected Offer Received)
• Follow-Up Date: The date you are telling yourself that you will follow up if they haven’t gotten back to you.
• Emails: If you have any relevant information, such as the position applied for, person spoken to or feedback received.

3. Update Regularly

Update Regularly

Get in the habit of updating your tracking system. Immediately after you submit an application, log into your details. Also, after any touchpoint (interviews, follow-ups), make sure to update the status and notes as per. It will keep you up to date and organized.

Following Up on Job Applications

Following up on job applications is a crucial step in the job search process. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Know When to Follow Up

Timing is essential when it comes to following up. Here are some general guidelines:

• Post-Application: Allow 1–2 weeks of the application submission for follow up. Email applications must be postmarked July 22, 2019 so the employer has time to review them.
• Post-Interview: Whether it goes well or not, send a thank you note with 24 hours of your interview. If a week has gone by since the date you were told they would be in touch, it is acceptable to send them an e-mail and ask for information.

2. Crafting Your Follow-Up Message

Your follow-up message should be concise, professional, and courteous. Here’s a template to help you get started:

Subject Line: Follow-Up on Job Application

Email Body:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Hope this message finds you in all your wonders? I am writing in regards to my application for the [Job Title] position I applied on [Application Date]. I am thrilled with the chance to work at [Company Name], and offer my skills in/on/for[specific project, team or value add of company]!

I would like to know if there are any news on my application. Thanks you so much for your time.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn profile (optional)]
[Your Contact Information]

3. Use Multiple Channels

If you can, nurse your project close to the customer and follow up through other channels in addition to email. Another example might be of sending a brief chat with the recruiter you connected on LinkedIn. But, keep it always professional and respectful.

4. Be Patient

The overall process of follow-up is important but so too, too patience. Employers often have to sift through a lot of applications and it might take them awhile before they can review all the application carefully. Do not spam your leads with incessant follow-up messages because this could have a deleterious affect.

Managing Rejections

Rejections are a natural part of the job search process. Here’s how to handle them gracefully:

1. Reflect on Feedback

Thinking over the feedback after recieving a rejection. Find ways to better your resume, cover letter or how you present yourself in the interview next time!

2. Stay Positive

Being rejected can be depressing, but keeping a positive attitude is important. Keep in mind that each rejection gets you one step closer to your ideal opportunity.

3. Continue Networking

Leverage Dismissals as a Way to Build Your Network But it might be a good idea to send the hiring manager thank yous for considering, and interest in future opportunities. The same is true in the case where this will leave doors open for potential future roles.

Last Minute Resolutions for Better Job Applications

Personalize Your Apps: Explain how your skill set and experience make you the right person for that job. A great way to prepare your resume is to focus on aspects of experiences and skills that are relevant based off the job description.

Do Your Research About the Company: Brush up on its culture and values. Learn to use this information in interviews and follow-ups.

Prepare for Interviews: If you get an interview, make sure to prepare yourself well by searching common The first thing as soon as possible is start preparing and practice how would be your responses on them.

Establish Job Search Goals: Develop precise objectives for your job search, whether it means sending a specific number of applications every week or setting up networking contacts.

Be organized – use your tracking system and see what progress you have made so far. This way, you keep the job search train moving along and don’t fall completely off-track.

Conclusion

Meanwhile, you really have to follow-up and track your job applications as part of the overall strategy that is going to work for you. You can increase your probability of getting interview calls and finally the desired job by having a good tracking mechanism in place and well-crafted follow-ups. Be frank and to the point with potential employers but teach your students that it is not just brainpower, college degrees or publications that matter — much of labor market competition ultimately turns on stamina, discipline (read: careful submission), organization and forward-moving will.

Remain loyal to your job search, and ask for help from mentors or networking contacts if necessary. With the best strategy here you are going to do well in finding out where the perfect opportunity is.