How to track your job applications, and why it gets you more interviews

A job search of any size becomes a small project. After twenty applications nobody remembers which CV went where, who replied, or when to follow up. A tracker fixes that, and it also shows you what is working.

What to record for each application

• Company and role, with a link to the advert. Save the text too, since adverts disappear.
• Date applied and the version of your CV and letter you sent.
• Stage: saved, applied, interviewing, offer, rejected.
• Contact: recruiter or hiring manager, if you have one.
• Next action and date: follow up, prepare, send thank-you.
• Notes: salary range mentioned, interview questions asked.

When to follow up

• One week after applying if a contact is named: a three-line note confirming interest.
• The same day after an interview: a short thank-you that mentions one thing you discussed.
• Two days after a promised decision date has passed.

One follow-up per stage is enough. More than that works against you.

Read your own numbers

After thirty applications, look at the ratios:

• Few replies at all? The CV or the targeting is off. Tighten the roles you apply to and tailor the first third of your CV.
• First interviews but no second rounds? Work on interview answers, especially your introduction and motivation.
• Final rounds but no offers? Ask for feedback and practise the case, task or presentation stage.

Spreadsheet or tool?

A spreadsheet works if you update it every day. A dedicated tracker saves that effort: PrepperApply adds each application automatically, stores the tailored CV and letter you sent, and moves the stage forward when an employer replies to your Prepper application address.