Organizing and Maintaining Your Job/Internship Search

By: Sebastian Leung

The semester is ending, and you’re probably applying for summer internships or full-time jobs. We all know the tedious process of applying to different jobs. After awhile it can be tough to keep track of what we’ve applied to, which ones we really want, and which ones we actually have a chance of getting. We may even get burned out and lose motivation when things begin to go downhill. But there are several things you can do to make this process a bit easier.

 

Write Down Reasons You Need a New Job

Writing down the reasons you need a new job is a very helpful step in organizing your job search. Keeping these reasons in mind will help you filter out the jobs you want and don’t want. In addition, you will be able to answer certain questions at interviews confidently. Also, writing down the reasons you want a new job will simply help keep you motivated during the tough process. Writing down reasons is a good way to start the application process.

 

Track Your Applications (With a Spreadsheet!)

When you start applying for jobs, one of the most important things you can do is to track you applications. Here is a picture of spreadsheet (created by Jamie Ruden from Macaulay’s Career Development team!) that you can use to help keep track of what stage of the application process your various applications are in.

You can download it from the attachment here.  You can use the spreadsheet to keep track of your applications so you remember what you’ve applied to and when. Additionally, it helps you remember if you’ve followed up, if you have an interview, and other important details.

 

Keep Notes (Different Kinds!)

It’s very helpful to keep notes about different jobs or positions. These notes can be useful in remembering information about certain employers or positions. For example, you can take notes of certain ideas or projects mentioned during an interview or particular requirements for the position. If you want, you can add a section to the spreadsheet provided to keeps notes in. If you’re more of a visual person, organizing your notes in sticky note format may be more beneficial. Another tip, you can use a color code system for each job application and take notes on each sticky. Whichever type of note system you use, make sure you keep track of the important information at all times.

 

Get Started!

As long as you follow the advice for organizing your job search, you should have no problem keeping track of your applications and your job search process should be easier. Now it’s time to get started!

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Still need help organizing your job search? Email Gianina Chrisman at Gianina.Chrisman@mhc.cuny.edu or Jamie Ruden at Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu to make an appointment.

Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.