Searching for a new job is stressful. You might send out 100 resumes before you find the perfect job. Make it easier on yourself by keeping your applications in order and easy to find. Did you know you can track job applications in Evernote?
If you haven’t heard of Evernote or thought it was only a note-taking app, it is time to brush up on what this tool can do. In this article, we will cover how to keep track of all the job applications you have submitted during your job search.
Benefits of Using Evernote
- Online access means your job search can happen anywhere
- Everything is in one place – no need to open many files
- Search for job keywords to find past applications
- Track the status of a job application
- Check if you’ve applied to a company before and if so, which job.
The following steps will help you get set up to start tracking.
Create a Job Notebook
Your first step will be to create a notebook for all your job applications. Title this notebook “Job Applications” and add any letter or numbering system, if you use one.
Don’t create a stack or separate notebooks for each company or job type. Keep it simple and use Evernote’s powerful search function.
You Might Also Enjoy: How to Organize Evernote Notebooks for Ultimate Productivity
Job Application Tracking Template
For every job you apply to, use the same template. This will make it easier as you move forward to know exactly what you sent and what is a part of each job.
Title your template “Job Application Template” and save it in your “Job Applications” notebook. Create a shortcut to this note so you can use it over and over.
Keep a clean (empty) template and don’t copy from a job application note that you have previously filled out. Why?
If you re-use (copy from) a job template that already has content from another job, you may accidentally forget to remove old information.
It would be tragic to follow up with a hiring manager that never posted the job in question because you forgot to remove their contact information in the new note.
That won’t be you, though. Because you now have a template you can use.
Job Tracker Template
Quickly check the status of your job applications and never forget to follow up again!
Evernote Plus, Pro, or Business User? Create a template and avoid the problem altogether!
How to Use the Job Application Tracker Template
The template may seem super simple, but that is the point. It is important not to over complicate and allow you to get right to the point.
Fill in the details
Find a job you want to apply for? Copy the job description, title, date the job closes and other details into your tracker. Don’t rely on the job link. Job postings get removed and expire. The link may not work by the time the hiring manager starts reaching out to people for interviews. This is especially important when preparing for interviews.
Read This: 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Job
Attach application files
This process is, after all, a job application tracker. Add your applications!
Evernote makes a simple note a multimedia opportunity. If you created a custom resume for the job, and you should, you can attach it into the note.
Attach your completed application. If an online application allows you to “print” a version at the end, print it to a PDF or image file and attach it here. This will help you if you get a callback. Plus, it never hurts to have more information.
Set application status
This is an important part of the process, as it lets you know where each application left off. You won’t wonder: “Did I follow up on this one already or was that the other project manager position?”
The trick to success is to make the status quick to read and easy to understand. Always include a date for the last time you did anything with the job application.
For example:
04.15.2018 – Submitted Job Application and Resume
This tells you that on April 15th you applied for the job. More importantly, it tells you that you haven’t done anything with that job since.
Let’s say the job application closed on April 30th and it is now May 7th. If you haven’t heard anything, it might be time to reach out and follow up – let them know you are still interested in the job. After you do this, you would add another line that says as much.
04.15.2018 – Submitted Job Application and Resume
05.07.2018 – Sent email to the hiring manager to saying I’m still interested (See attached)
If the hiring manager responds, you can include anything important then.
04.15.2018 – Submitted Job Application and Resume
05.07.2018 – Sent email to the hiring manager to saying I’m still interested (See attached)
05.10.2018 – Hiring Manager said they will start interviews by the end of the month and to follow up then.
Track job applications in Evernote until the final status reads one of the following:
06.02.2018 – Position Filled
Or, better yet:
06.02.2018 – Position Filled – BY ME! 🙂
Photo Credit: Jesus Kiteque on Unsplash
