You may have to apply to hundreds of job openings before an interview leads to a permanent position. A job search log helps you keep track of where you have applied, whom you contacted or spoke with, what position each company is offering and what materials you’ve sent them.
As a certified electronic career coach and a job and career transition coach, I have found that a job search log makes the job hunt more efficient and focused. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment; you have a record of what you achieved each day and an incentive to match each day’s efforts.
You can quickly create a log by printing an extra copy of each cover email or letter you send and keeping it in a folder, filed alphabetically by the company name. Make sure all cover emails and letters include:
(a) The name of the company where you are applying
(b) The name of the position you’re applying for
On your copy, make a note of any contact information for the company that doesn’t appear in the cover letter or email—for example, the company phone number. Update your notes each time you receive a communication from the company or send them more information.
If you have more than one resume, make sure you note which resume went to each company—or staple a copy of the resume to your copy of the cover email or letter.
Always print online applications before you hit the final send button. If you are invited in for an interview, you will want a reminder of what information the company has and what they might ask for.
If you have difficulty creating this log for yourself, Robin’s Resumes® has solutions. Contact us for affiliate links which may help you with tracking.
Your job search log can make your job search more targeted and efficient. For example, if you find that one segment of your industry responds most favorably to your resumes, you may want to focus your job search on that segment. If you find that your resume is not drawing the responses you hoped for, contact me right away. Together we can make sure that your resume and cover letter/email are doing you justice.
