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When you’re searching for a new job, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, if you invest a little time into organization, not only can you simplify the process, but you can potentially find a new job faster. Here’s why and some tips on getting and staying organized during your job search.

Why Organization Matters to Your Job Search

When you’re looking for a new job, you’re submitting your application to numerous openings, contacting recruiting and hiring managers, scheduling interviews, following up, doing research, and so much more. It’s a lot of information and in order to make the most of it, you need to be organized.

Otherwise, you could potentially miss a deadline to apply to your dream job or forget to follow up with a promising opening you interviewed for. This makes the whole process less productive and harder to manage. It can also impede your ability to find a new job.

Tips for Getting Organized

Create a spreadsheet or document to organize details.

Whether you love Excel or prefer to work in Word, create a system that will make your job search easier. You can even use an old-fashioned pen and notebook if that appeals to you most.

Whatever you use, make sure to:

• List the company name where you applied, their information, and contact details
• Include the contact person you applied to, when you applied, or the due date for an application
• Detail when you interviewed or a date for an upcoming interview
• Cover follow-up information, such as if you sent a follow-up email and when

Schedule in networking.

Every week, you should be networking. However, if you don’t love doing it, then create a schedule and stick to it. For instance, commit to attending one networking event in person each week and one online weekly. This way, it’s less overwhelming and more manageable with specific time set aside for this critical job search task.

Focus on quality not quantity.

When you are applying to jobs, focus more on those positions that are a good fit for you rather than the number of applications you submit. If you’re applying to countless jobs, whether they’re a great fit or not, you’re not going to get the results you’re looking for or the job you want. Instead, it’s best to take the time and invest the effort to tailor your resume and customize your cover letter to each job that is truly an excellent fit for you.

Keep your spreadsheet or list updated.

As you make progress with your job search, make sure you’re updating your information. Write down the number of new jobs you applied to, leads you discovered, and follow-ups you sent. When you have all this down on paper or in an online organization system, it’s easier to track and assess your job search progress.

Do you need help finding your next great job?

Turn to OneSource Staffing Solutions. As a leading employment agency, we can connect you with rewarding jobs that are often in the hidden job market so you land a role you love. Ready to find out more? Contact us today.