Imagine...
You're just coming home after a long day of classes and work. Your arms are loaded down with a tall stack of research material and as you search for your keys, the phone starts ringing. You throw open the door, run to the phone, and in an out of breath voice, answer the phone..."Hello?!?!"
It is an employer on the other end of the line. She says she has looked over your resume, would like to ask you a few questions, and perhaps invite you to an on-site interview.
Sure! Sounds great! Too bad you can't even remember if you sent in a letter and resume. And what? You can't remember what kind of a company this is or where it is located?
Not only could this scenario be embarrassing but it could cost you a valuable interview.
Record keeping is important. It helps you to keep track of your job search efforts and allows you to review your responsibility for taking further action in the employment process.
Besides saving copies of the letters you send, also keep copies of your resume, references, applications, etc. It is a good idea to devote a notebook, file and calendar just to your job search. You may want to use the list below to develop your own forms or sections of a notebook.
The Organized Job Searcher Keeps Records of the Following:
Networking Contacts
- Person/Title/Telephone
- Company name and address
- Referred by ______________
- Comments
- Date visited
- Thank you note/other correspondence sent
- Copies of any materials submitted
Job Prospects
- Company name
- Complete address and telephone number
- Primary contact/title
- Secretary's name
- Referred by _______________
- Dates and kind of correspondence sent
- Responses received
- Copies of any materials submitted
- Phone calls
- Interview dates and comments
- Research notes, photo copies of articles, etc.
- Thank you note
- Business card
Job Search Tip: Keep these records and a pencil and notepad by the telephone. If an employer is interested in you, they'll call. If they aren't, you'll get a skinny letter in the mail. Program answereing macine with business-like message. Be prepared!