Searching for a new job can be challenging if you’re not organized. As a hiring manager, it happens all the time. You call a potential job candidate, and they act like they have no idea who you are and know nothing about the organization they have applied to.

Needless to say, those candidates don’t make enough of an impression to move on to the next steps of the hiring process.

When you are job seeking, you may be applying to several companies in one day, just hoping for a call back. Disorganization can quickly leave job candidates being perceived as poorly prepared.

Maintaining an organized system to assist in tracking your job search is crucial to landing your next dream job.

Here are 7 organizational tips to consider when job seeking. Remember, the little details matter!

1. Create a job search tracking system. 

Consider developing a tracking system to help you keep track of all the jobs you have applied for. Instead of an Excel spreadsheet, consider my favorite job organization tool Huntr. This is a tool that job seekers can use to collect, track, and manage their job applications from across all platforms in one place.

It is simple to use, free and can be added as a Chrome Extension. This tool will help you constantly track your actions and progress.

2. Set up an email specifically for job seeking -This way, if a company emails you, it will not get lost amongst all other emails.

3. Make sure your voicemail is set up so employers can leave you a message.

Pro Tip: Don’t answer your phone if you aren’t ready to speak on an organization or a role you applied for. Let it go to voicemail, call back when you are prepared.

4. Save your resume with your first and last name.

 Especially when sending it to a recruiter or applying for a job.  Including your name in your resume’s file name is important. This way, recruiters and hiring managers would always know whose resume they are opening.

In addition, you probably have also targeted that resume for a specific role, so title it that role with your name (i.e. Mike Smith_ProjectManager).

5. Save the job descriptions you apply for.

Some organizations will take job descriptions down. You want to make sure you can reference the job description at all times.

The job description is key when preparing for an interview.

6. Leverage time blocking to manage your time.

 Block out specific days and times for your job search activities. Work to find a routine that aligns with your weekly schedule, energy levels, and job search goals.

7.  Utilize job search alerts/notifications

Job search websites like Indeed and LinkedIn allow you to search for a job and save the search parameters. The sites will then send you an email notification each time a job that matches those parameters is posted to their site.

By implementing effective organizational strategies and utilizing suitable tools tailored to your needs, you can transform your job search into a well-structured and efficient process.

With a streamlined approach, you’ll not only navigate the job market more smoothly but also maximize your time and resources, enabling you to focus on opportunities that align with your career goals.

So, whether it’s utilizing job search platforms, maintaining a centralized spreadsheet, or leveraging digital calendars and reminders, taking the time to organize your job search will enhance your chances of success and bring you one step closer to landing your dream job!

Written by: Kelly Grivner-Kelly 

Kelly is the Serving Spouses Program Manager at Hire Heroes USA. Kelly is married to her husband who is an Active Duty Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force. 

As a Military Spouse, Kelly has experienced the hardships that come along with finding meaningful employment and as a former client of Hire Heroes USA, Kelly has experienced firsthand the way Hire Heroes USA carries out its mission.  

Kelly leverages 8+ years of professional experience in the Human Resources and Business Management field. She received her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Kelly was heavily involved in the creation of the Hire Heroes USA Serving Spouses program from the very start. She currently oversees the Serving Spouses Program of specialized Transition Specialists, workshops, and webinars tailored toward the unique needs of military spouses.

Kelly enjoys mentoring veterans and spouses to determine their professional goals and then teach them how to posture themselves to achieve those goals. Since starting with Hire Heroes USA in 2016, she has helped 1000+ Veterans and Military Spouses find employment. 

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