How to keep your work at home job search organized

Oftentimes, those looking for telecommuting work, will apply to several companies at one time to increase their chances of getting hired. It does help your  job search efforts, but it can make it hard to keep track of where and when you applied to what company. 

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It’s important to have some kind of   organizational system to keep track of what you’ve done so far, because:

• It helps keep you from applying to the same job ad three times
• It helps you avoid the mistake of confusing the hiring manager’s names
• It helps you know when you can send a follow-up email to check on the status of your application

What to use to organize your job searching efforts

There are several things you can use to do this. Everybody has their own preference, but here are some of the more popular choices:

Word processing document- This allows a job searcher to place all they information they want about who they apply to. It can be easily printed off the computer and they can file it or carry it around with them.

Spreadsheet- This allows you to document important information concerning each job ad you applied to in an easy to read format. It can also be printed out or it can be saved on your computer for future reference.

Daily planner or calendar- This helps you quickly see what day you applied to what job ad. Brief notes are jotted down about the ad you applied to and the planner or calendar and it can be carried anywhere. You can also use a computer version of the calendar to keep it saved.

Spiral notebook- This can be used by those who prefer not to use a computer or feel that the planners don’t have enough room to jot everything down. A simple notebook, which you write down all the application details in, can be taken anywhere and stored anywhere.
Once you’ve decided what you’re going to use to store all your information in; then you can start keeping track of your job searching efforts.

Again, everybody has their own preference of what details they want to remember, but here are some of the items you should be including in your organizational document:

• The date you applied or sent your resume
• The company you applied to
• The hiring manager that will receive your application, if known
• The job title you applied for (For example: Customer Service agent)
• Important details from correspondence sent to them or received from them (For example: interview dates)
• Any important job ad details, like how long they’re accepting applications (gives you an idea of how long of wait you might have)

As time goes on you can refer back to your list and make any necessary changes and even cross out the ones that you didn’t land or see which ones you could send follow-up emails to.

Having a list handy, that’s easily referenced, makes your searching much easier. Now, you can avoid struggling to remember who you applied to, when you applied and even whether or not you’ve checked back with them.

By avoiding these mistakes, you appear more professional and more organized in a prospective employer’s eyes. Those who can organize something as daunting as a job search, has the ability to organize details relating to the job they’re applying for. Show your prospective employer that you can do it.

Nell Taliercio has been working at home full time since 2004. She’s worked as a telecommuter, virtual assistant and affiliate marketer. In 5 years she’s discovered many secrets to finding legitimate work at home jobs