How to Track Your Job Search | Traditional vs Digital Methods

19 June

3 min read

You’re looking for a job.

You probably check job ads all the time and have been sending out resumes and cover letters daily.

Now, you've finally found a job listing that seems perfect for you, but the company name rings a bell. Did you apply here before and get turned down? Or is it one of those companies with a horrible work culture?

You simply can’t recall, so you’re doubting whether you should apply at all.

With job tracking, your job hunt doesn’t have to be this complicated.

Job tracking is the solution that takes your entire job search process from overwhelming to convenient and easy to follow. And, in this article, we’ll show you how you can use it to take your job search to the next level today!

What Is Job Tracking?

Job tracking is a systematic process of organizing, monitoring, and managing job applications. As a job-seeker, you're supposed to keep track of different aspects of your job search, like the positions you applied for, the stage each job application is at, upcoming deadlines, and any follow-up tasks.

Effective job tracking gives you an overview of your job search journey and ensures you don't miss out on any opportunities or overlook important steps in the application process.

Typically, job tracking can be done manually, through spreadsheets and notepads, or digital methods like the Novorésumé Job Tracker.

Let’s see how the two compare:

Traditional Job Tracking Methods

Keeping track of your job search the traditional way involves several manual techniques that you’re likely used to.

Some examples include:

Paper notebooks. You can use notebooks to write down the names of companies, your application dates, and relevant contacts.
Desktop spreadsheets. Software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets lets you create detailed spreadsheets to track applications, including columns for status, dates, and notes.
Informal email folders. You can create folders in your email to save communications related to each job application you send.
Printed job ads. You can print job ads and keep physical copies of them and your tailored resume for reference.
Contact books. You can use a dedicated contact book to store information about your networking contacts and potential employers.
Phone notes. Making notes on your phone and setting reminders can help you meet deadlines for applications.

Disadvantages of Traditional Job Tracking

Traditional methods have their charms, but they come with some significant disadvantages that can make your job search less efficient.

Here are some downsides you can expect:

Risk of data loss. Physical items like notebooks and printed job ads can be lost or damaged.
Hard to update. Manual updates can be time-consuming.
There are no real-time updates. Most traditional methods don’t support real-time updates or notifications, which can lead to missed deadlines.
Limited accessibility. Traditional methods tend to restrict access to the information you need, so you won’t be able to access it from anywhere.
Difficult to scale. As the number of your applications increases, managing them becomes more challenging.
No backup. Without digital backups, important information about job applications can be permanently lost if your device or physical copies are damaged.
Limited overview. You can’t see how well your job search is going or identify trends in your process since traditional methods don’t let you quickly sort and analyze the available data.
Environmental impact. Using paper-based tracking methods contributes to waste, so it’s a huge downside if you want to reduce your impact on the environment.

The Novorésumé Job Tracker

The Novorésumé Job Tracker is a digital tool designed to make managing your job applications easy.

With an intuitive layout that allows you to divide your job search into customized stages, it makes the entire process more efficient and less time-consuming.

The platform helps you stay organized by creating separate boards, lists, and cards to keep track of the different jobs you're applying for.

Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits of the job tracker:

Everything is in one place. You can find all your job search activities, from application statuses to follow-up reminders, within the tracker.
Better organization. By keeping all job application information in one place, you can make navigating and managing your search easier.
Easy to track. With its intuitive interface, the job tracker lets you track your application progress at a glance, making sure you're always up to date.
Visible deadlines. The job tracker lets you set specific deadlines for each application and helps you stay on track.
Multiple uses. The digital job tracker is convenient because it gives you access to valuable advice on how to prepare for your job interviews and courses where you can enhance your skills.
Access to Resume Builder. The job tracker includes access to our free resume builder, so you can create tailored resumes for each job you apply for and upload your documents directly to the job tracker.
Cross-platform accessibility. You can access the Novorésumé Job Tracker from any device, which means you can stay updated even on the go.
Reduced stress. By organizing your job search, the digital job tracker can reduce your stress and the anxiety that comes with keeping track of multiple applications and deadlines.

Conclusion

Now you know how our job tracker compares to traditional job tracking methods!

While there may be a certain nostalgia for the old-school job-tracking methods, the benefits that come with using a digital job tracker are clear.

The Novorésumé Job Tracker lets you streamline your job search and land your dream job in no time, significantly increasing your chances of landing your ideal job. So, give it a try today and take control of your career journey!