Application Tracker
When you’re applying for jobs, it’s easy to lose track of where you’ve sent your CV, what stage you’re at with each application, and when you need to follow up. An application tracker solves this problem.
Why Track Your Applications?
- Never miss a follow-up - Know exactly when to chase companies
- Spot patterns - See which approaches are working
- Stay organized - Remember details for interviews
- Reduce stress - No more “where did I apply?” panic
What to Track
Create a spreadsheet (Excel, Google Sheets) with these columns:
- Date Applied - When you sent the application
- Company Name - The company you’re applying to
- Role Title - The exact job title
- Job Link - URL to the original posting
- Platform - Where you found it (LinkedIn, Indeed, company website)
- Status - Applied, Screening, Interview, Offer, Rejected
- Salary - If mentioned in the posting
- Contact Person - Name of any recruiter or hiring manager
- Next Action - What you need to do next
- Follow-up Date - When to send a follow-up email
- Notes - Any useful info about the role or company
Example Tracker
Here’s a simple example of how your tracker might look:
| Date | Company | Role | Status | Next Action | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/03 | TechCorp | Junior Dev | Interview | Prepare for tech interview | 05/03 |
| 02/03 | DataSoft | Data Analyst | Applied | Wait | 09/03 |
| 03/03 | WebAgency | Frontend Dev | Rejected | - | - |
Tips for Using Your Tracker
Update Regularly
Add new applications the same day you apply. Update status changes immediately.
Follow Up Strategically
Wait 1-2 weeks after applying before following up. Add follow-up dates to your calendar so you don’t forget.
Note Everything (In a Separate Document)
Your spreadsheet is for high-level tracking. For detailed notes – interview questions asked, things you learned about the company, follow-up conversations – keep a separate document for each application. A simple Word doc or Google Doc named after the company works well. Link to it from the Notes column in your spreadsheet so everything stays connected.
Review Weekly
Spend 15 minutes each week reviewing your tracker. What’s working? Which applications need attention?
Free Templates
- Google Sheets Job Search Tracker - Create a copy of a free template
- Notion Job Tracker - Many free job hunt templates available
The Key Habit
The tracker only works if you use it consistently. Make it part of your daily routine - perhaps at the end of each day, spend 5 minutes updating where you applied.