Keep track of your applications!

As projects approach final investment decisions, organisations are seeking expressions of interest in anticipation, as much as they are advertising ‘real’ jobs. 

It is likely that for some out actively seeking, you’ve got applications out with everyone, everywhere! 

How are you keeping track?  Particularly with those that tell you they retain your details for a particular period (normally three months). 

I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping a log of your applications – this can be done on an Excel spreadsheet, a Word document, written in a book, it doesn’t matter.  The key is to knowing where you have applied, when you applied and what you applied for.  You also need to keep a note of any expression of interest you have lodged and when that might expire. 

There is often a lag time between when you apply and when you may be contacted.  Typically, the contact comes out of the blue via a phone call and nothing looks worse than someone who has to ask ‘what did I apply for again?’!  The candidate pool is often large for expressions of interest so you must be even more diligent about your job search and how you present. 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – job search IS a job.  You can’t send off hundreds of applications and expect that to be enough.  Think outside the box, network, and educate yourself on what is currently happening in the industry and what opportunities might present.  Be mindful how you behave in social settings and online.  For example, did you know that comment posts made on sites are not actually anonymous?  That if you were to make a derogatory comment against another person or an organisation, they can find out from the site you have posted on who you are and take action?  Whilst the current world of immediate communication has enormous benefit, I stress that you must use such forums responsibly.  Employers are becoming very savvy in how they collect information about YOU, a potential employee.  Just like you do your own homework - either online or in speaking with people - about a potential organisation, they are doing the same about potential candidates.