The Organised Job Seeker

• AgCareers.com
• May 25, 2015
• Newsletter Article

Although it may be true, avoid mentioning that you have applied to a number of roles as this may indicate to an employer that you do not have a special interest in their company and role. Spending a little time at the beginning of your job search process to set up an organisational system will save you both time and stress in the long run.

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Saying 'I am sorry which position were you referring to, I have applied for so many this week I have lost track' is not a good response to a perspective employer. Although it may be true, avoid mentioning that you have applied to a number of roles as this may indicate to an employer that you do not have a special interest in their company and role.

Spending a little time at the beginning of your job search process to set up an organisational system will save you both time and stress in the long run.

Try and keep a record of ever position you apply for including the following;

• The exact job title

• The companies name

• The method by which you applied (though a job board, mail, corporate website ect.)

• Any contact people you corresponded with

• The date you applied

• If you are altering your resume based on the specific job criteria,

      keep a copy of the resume did you submitted

   

• The status of your application

  Keeping track of this information will not only make it easy to talk about your application to a specific position when you receive call backs, but it will ensure you do not apply for the same position twice.

  If you have included a mobile phone number on your applications you should keep a summarised version of this list with you. The beauty of mobile technology is that you could very well not be sitting in front of your computer when a hiring manager calls you to discuss the application you sent four days ago.

  So when you do begin receiving call backs to your applications remember to add any new details to your records. Record the name of the person who called you, any important details discussed in the conversation and the change in status of your application.

  Keep a diary or calendar while you are looking for a job. Once you start arranging interviews your schedule will begin to fill and you would not want to double book yourself. When you are arranging interviews also be sure to keep a record of any information you are given regarding the interview. If you know it will be a behavioural style interview or if you know the names of the people who will be in attendance keep it recorded to use as part of your research.

  After you attend an interview there is myriad of new information you should keep track of. At this stage you should record

• Who was in attendance, their names and titles

• The exact questions you were asked

• Any points of concern the interviewers had

• Any high points

Any discussions relating to remuneration When it comes to a second interview or salary negotiations access to this information will be very useful. Recording the interview questions you are asked will also help you prepare for future interviews. For more helpful articles visit the Newsletter archive section of AgCareers.com /info.cfm?task=narticles