Tips On How to Organize Your Job Search

Did you know only 30% of job seekers are actively looking for new positions? You may not be in a rush to find a job, but being disorganized about your job search can extend even the laxest timelines. 

Applying to jobs continuously can be time-consuming and confusing. Did you apply for that job already? When did you apply to that company last? What information do I still need to do? 

That’s why you need to know how to organize your job search. Keep reading and we’ll show you how. 

Benefits of Organizing Your Job Search Action Plan 

The average job search lasts about five months. If you apply to several jobs a day for at least five days a week over five months…you have a lot of applications to keep track of. This is where being organized can be extremely helpful. 

Some of the benefits of organizing your job search include: 

Maximize Time and Efficiency 

Have you ever been filling out an extremely long application only to find out when you try to submit that you’ve already applied for this role? By organizing the search, you maximize your time and efficiency. You no longer waste time trying to figure out if or when you applied and can streamline the entire process. 

Learn From Mistakes 

Answering the pre-screening questions can sometimes be a lesson. If you have an organized plan for the job search, you can keep track of those answers too. Then you can figure out how to make them better for the next application. 

Strong Interviews 

Being organized will definitely strengthen your interview capabilities. You’ll have each application documented, so you can easily check back when you get an interview request and refresh your memory. This is the first step in researching the company and will demonstrate that you are excited for the opportunity. 

How to Organize Your Job Search

To begin, you can use whatever tools or supplies you’d like to organize the job search. Maybe you’d prefer to use a pen and paper over a spreadsheet. Whatever works for you is going to be the best option, because you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Now, for the organization tips: 

#1: Update Your Resume 

The first thing you want to do is update your resume. You can’t have a streamlined and efficient job search if you are constantly looking for an updated resume. Or if you have to continuously go add information you forgot to include. Although, you do need to remember to tailor your resume to different jobs to get through the Applicant Tracking System. 

Once you are very clear on what you want to target, then you can update. Be sure you gather any recent information that is missing, such as training or certifications. If you are overwhelmed by the thought of doing this, we can help! Learn more about our resume services and see real client resume samples here. 

#2: Be Clear On the Basics 

You want to define the types of jobs you want to apply for and the industry. If you are interested in several, that’s okay! But by breaking it down to a specific job type, you make sure you have a focused job search. This will go a long way in achieving success. 

#3: Track Progress 

Be sure to track your progress throughout the job search. Whether you create a paper sheet or use an online version, you want to include the following information about each application:

• The job title 
• The company’s name
• A link to the job description
• The date you applied
• Document any assessments completed
• Document if you sent a cover letter
• Document which resume version you sent to the company 

Ensuring you have this information for every application will help you to avoid costly mistakes. There are a lot of free project management tools that would be great for managing this, such as Asana. 

#4: Create a Schedule 

It’s easy to get caught up in the job search and spend all your time applying for roles. While it’s good you want to apply to as many as possible, it’s important you don’t overdo it and burn out. If the job search lasts for several months, that could lead to discouragement quickly. 

So, set a plan for your job search. Start by creating a goal for the number of applications you’ll send out daily (3-5) and determine how many days a week you’ll do this. Then follow the schedule! 

#5: Use a Checklist 

You want to make sure you include all relevant information before you submit an application. You also want to make sure you have everything ready to go before beginning the job search Creating checklists ensures you don’t miss a step. It’s also a way to increase your productivity and manage your time more effectively. 

#6: Expand Your Network 

Your job search is an excellent time to build your network. When searching for jobs, you can identify key people in the company or industry to connect with. This will help you out in the long run. Many job opportunities come from a referral, so networking is an invaluable tool.