If you are looking for a job, it is not uncommon to apply to multiple positions at the same time. However, applying to multiple positions means creating different resumes and cover letters. You also have to keep track of many deadlines at the same time. When there are so many moving parts involved, it is quite easy to become disorganized.

Organizing and managing your job search is equally important as looking for various job positions and applying to them. Being disorganized could mean missed deadlines, lost phone numbers, or worse, missed interviews.

Here’s how you can efficiently organize your job search.

1. Understand your career goals.

When on a job search, you may be tempted to jump right in and start sending job applications. That’s the wrong approach. Take a step back and figure out a few things first. What kind of job are you looking for? What are your expectations from the position?

When you are sure about the kind of jobs you are looking for, it helps narrow down your job search. Applying to every job that you can find does no good. Instead, take a focused approach and look for jobs that truly interest you.

2. Track your job applications.

Merely sending out job applications is not enough. You should also have an efficient way of tracking all your job applications.

Create a job application table on Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or on paper. You should include the following headings on the table:

• Company name: The name of the organization that you are applying to.
• Company information: Include details about the company, such as location and products or services they offer.
• Contact details: You should include the name of the person handling the recruiting process, phone number, and email address.
• Date of application: This is the day that you submit your job application.
• Date of interview: If you have any scheduled interviews, note them down under this column on the table.
• Follow-up: If you have sent any follow-up messages, keep track of them here.
• Status: You can track the current status of the job here. For instance, if you have been called for a second interview, or if you have been selected or rejected, you can note it down here.

3. Prepare your documents.

Ensure that you have all the necessary documents, including resumes, cover letters, educational documents, and reference documents. Your resume is usually the first thing an organization notices before they shortlist you for the position. Your resume should be tailored to the position that you are applying for. You could have a friend, colleague, or even a professional consultant to ensure that your resume represents your skills and accomplishments. They can also help rectify any errors on the resume that you may have overlooked.

When you tailor or optimize your resume, you do not need to redo the entire resume. You can use the base resume and make a few changes to better suit the job description provided by the company.

4. Use your network.

Networking involves using professional, personal, or academic contacts to assist with a job search. Some of the best job positions are not advertised. This is especially true in the case of senior positions. Reaching out to your networks could help you discover such job positions. Always remember that networking must be mutually beneficial. So, don’t forget to let them know how you can assist him.

5. Create a separate email account.

If you are on a job hunt, consider creating a new email account. Yes, you may already have an email account that you created ages ago. However, it is always better to have a simple, professional email address that clearly represents your name. You could use this email address only when you are looking for a job.

The downside to using an old email address is that you receive tons of spam emails every day. The last thing you want is to miss an important email in the middle of all that junk.

6. Update and clean your social media platforms.

It has become quite common for interviewers to do an online search before they invite a candidate for an interview. Therefore, it is very important that you maintain a professional presence online. For instance, you may want to change the privacy settings of the photographs that you do not want your prospective employers to see. If you use professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, ensure that you have up-to-date information on it.

Lastly, don’t forget to prepare well for your job interviews. After all, performing well in a job interview is what will help secure a job.