How to Track Your Job Applications (Free Template and Best Practices)
Once you are applying to more than a handful of jobs, you will forget which version of your resume went where, who you spoke to and when to follow up. A tracker solves that and makes your search calmer.
What to record for each application
- →Company, role and a link to the posting
- →Date applied and the deadline
- →The version of your resume and cover letter you sent
- →Salary range and location or work type
- →Contacts: recruiter, hiring manager and their emails
- →Notes from conversations and the dates of any follow-up
Use clear stages
- Saved: jobs you want to apply for
- Applied
- Interview
- Offer
- Rejected or closed
Set reminders
Add a follow-up reminder about a week after applying, a thank-you reminder after interviews and deadline reminders for jobs you have saved. Reminders turn a list into a system.
Review weekly
Spend ten minutes every week reviewing your pipeline. Look at what is stalled, which roles you have not heard back from and where you need to follow up. Notice patterns: which kinds of roles lead to interviews?
Spreadsheet or tracker?
A spreadsheet works to start. A dedicated tracker adds a board view, reminders, contacts and links to the resume you sent, so there is less to maintain by hand. ImprovedCV Pro includes a tracker connected to your tailored resumes.
Try the job application tracker free for 14 days
Get started freeFrequently asked questions
How many applications should I track?
All of them, even if you only send a few a week. The value is in the history.
Is there a free tracker?
You can use a spreadsheet for free. The ImprovedCV tracker is part of Pro, which has a 14-day free trial.