When sending out job applications a systematic approach to job search helps. These are tips that I personally use to optimize and organize the process.
Here are 10 tips on how to organize your job hunting:
1. Set a goal for a specific number of job applications each week (i.e. 2 job applications per week).
2. Schedule a specific time (i.e. Sunday evening at 6 p.m.) for writing and sending out job applications.
3. Have stamps and envelopes in a drawer ready to use.
4. Use a binder to organize your job applications.
5. Print out a copy of the job application (and put in binder – Section A).
6. Print out a copy of the job listing (and put in binder – Section B).
7. Print out a copy of the reply (and put in binder – Section C).
8. Use a calendar to keep track of job interviews.
9. Keep track of sent job applications in an Excel-file (and use it as a “Table Of Contents” for your binder, if you wish).
10. Review your progress weekly and monthly.
Extra tips:
1. Use an online calendar (i.e. Google Calendar) or you the mobile phone’s calendar to keep track of job interviews.
2. Use a secure autofill form to quickly and easily fill out electronic recruitment forms.
3. Use a free PDF-writer (i.e. CutePDF or DoPDF) to professionally convert your job applications, resumes, etc. to PDF files in order to easily attach to e-mails or electronic recruitment forms - for free.
4. Organize your job applications by having a specific folder on your computer named “Job Applications” with subfolders, and do the same in your e-mail.
