How to Keep Track on Job Hunting

A binder can organize your job search data.

Looking for employment can become confusing, especially when a company calls you back several months later but you don't remember who the company is or what resume you sent. One method around this dilemma is by keeping track of your job hunt. This allows you to know at a glance the details of the position, the resume you sent and the requirements you need to highlight in the interview.

Things You'll Need

• 3-ring binder
• Paper
• 12 tab index dividers
• Post-its
• 12 table of contents sheets

Instructions

1. Buy a 3-ring binder notebook and paper. Pick up a pack of tab index dividers, post-its and table of content sheets. Set the notebook up. Place the table of contents sheet into the binder and write the month and year. Put the tab index beneath to divide the notebook into months.

2. Write the date and name of the company in the number "1" spot of the table of contents sheet. Staple the ad to the cover letter and put it behind the table of contents. Place the resume behind it. Attach a post-it to the bottom of the cover letter and write "1" inside the post-it to identify the company. Repeat the process with each new resume. Change months as needed.

3. Accept an interview date when offered. Write the interview date in the binder on the table of contents. Add the name of the interviewer, time and address of the interview location.

4. Look at the job requirements for the position. Review the resume you sent with the cover letter. Research the company website to learn more about the company and its products. Prepare several questions to ask the interviewer. Place the information into the binder behind the original number.

5. Attend the interview. Arrive 10 minutes early. Answer all questions truthfully. Work the information from your research into the interview. Thank the interviewer for her time before leaving. Write a thank you letter and send it.

6. Place the thank you letter into the binder behind the company number. Write down the name of the interviewer, a summary of the interview and information highlighted about the position from the interviewer. Repeat after each interview.

Tips & Warnings

• For a large volume of resumes, do a weekly diary instead of monthly.

References

• HR Careers: The Job Search Diary -- Organize Your Job Hunt
• Teacher's Career Edge; Keep Track of Your Job Search ; Candace Davies; January 2011
• MoneyWatch.com; LinkedIn's New Job Search Tool: How to Make the Most of It; Amy Levin-Epstein; August 2011