How can you track your job search progress with metrics?

One thing I have found helpful is that you should set realistic expectations and start with small steps. Rather than focusing on a number, focus on a conversion rate. It will give you more clarity on whether you are going through the right path or not. After setting up what you want to accomplish, think about the strategy that you want to implement. Bonus points if you try different methods and test it out, and don't forget to track the results.

Remember that applying to jobs is only one aspect, and probably, the least effective of all methods when job searching. Balanced activities are key - include networking, skill development (including interviewing) and improving your brand. You want to SEEK opportunities as much as you want to ATTRACT them.

Monitor the number of applications submitted, networking events attended, and follow-ups made. Tracking these metrics provides valuable insights, helping you refine your job search strategy for optimal results.

Setting realistic targets is a great point. Don't be the person who sends out 100 applications per day and wonders why no one is getting back to them. Instead, focus on quality over quantity and apply only to roles you genuinely feel are a good fit. If you're not hearing back, take a look at your CV and ensure you're using relevant keywords that match the job advert. When applying on company websites using their recruitment portals, ensure your CV is formatted to be ATS-friendly (Application Tracking System). Otherwise, the system may not be able to read your CV and might not consider you a good fit for the role, even if you have the right experience and skill sets.

This point is SUPER valid. I have worked with many clients who used to send out 100 applications per week then wonder why they are receiving 0 feedback on any. Set a realstic target & focus on the quality rather than quantity of applications you send. ??This can ensure you set the time needed to personalize applications = increase responses.

Targets should be realistic for your situation and not wear you down. In the beginning, you should strive just to get into the habit of weekly activity in the job hunting field and see if you can maintain this. It is more important to establish the habit of searching, responding and reaching out, than to get caught up in metrics. After 2-3 weeks of regularly reaching out and getting reactions, you can judge how much time it takes you to maintain this and either up the numbers or scale it down. Consistency is key here, as finding a dream job is usually a long term process. Either way, investing in your network- even only incrementally- is always a good thing and will create opportunities over time.

Setting clear targets is a key step in achieving success. Define your career goals, break them down into achievable milestones, and use them as a roadmap to guide your professional journey. Clear targets pave the way for focused and purposeful career growth.

Keeping track of your applications is key. Nowadays, there are plenty of AI tools that can help you keep track of it, such as Careerflow. There, you can save the job postings that you like and use a Chrome extension to keep track of the roles you have applied to. If you are not a big fan of AI, creating a spreadsheet is also a great option. The important thing here is that you keep track of the date of the application, the name of the interviewer, their contact info, and a notes section to add anything relevant. Doing this will allow you to follow up with the process anytime a certain period of time has passed and you haven't heard back, 5 days is what I usually recommend.

I recommend a spreadsheet, but in two parts. One tab for online applications: Job title, company, date applied and source Second tab should be your alternate methods of finding jobs - Networking and working with recruiters Name date of conversation - position discussed - next steps Keep them simple and easy to update.

Log details of each application, note the specifics of networking interactions, and document the outcomes of interviews. This meticulous record-keeping not only provides a comprehensive overview of your efforts but also serves as a valuable tool for self-assessment. Analyzing trends, identifying successful strategies, and recognizing areas for improvement become possible when armed with this data.

I built a Google Sheet for tracking purposes. It allows me to A/B test resume formats, track interview success % by site, role, etc. Highly recommend to anyone searching for a job. I'll clean up the template and share in a post at some point.

Take time to review the outcomes of your applications, interviews, and networking efforts. Identifying patterns, understanding what works well, and learning from any challenges encountered will empower you to refine your approach and increase your chances of securing the right opportunities.

A/B testing here is key! If you're not familiar with the concept, it is a user experience methodology that involves two variants. You can apply it to different things in the job search, but I'll give you an example of how to do it with networking. Message half of the people a certain message. It can be by bringing out a commonality, such as (Hi NAME! I noticed we went to the same school, so I wanted to connect). For the other half, bring up something interesting about them (Hello NAME, I came across your profile and noticed that you work for my dream company). After a couple of weeks, write down how many of the messages you got a reply to, and continue doing the one with the best performance.

Regularly assess your progress, be open to feedback, and adjust your actions accordingly. Whether it's refining your resume, enhancing your networking approach, or fine-tuning interview strategies, the ability to adapt ensures you stay on a dynamic and effective path toward your career goals.

Here are a few things to add: 1-Make it a habit of expanding your network community. Target 1 informational interview and/or touchpoint every week. 2- Share your knowledge / expertise / perspectives / insights with your network! This helps build your brand and visibility. 3- Fill in the knowledge or skill gaps. So many people forget to ‘grow’. While we want a job match ~60-70% , the job market is competitive so the more you can align and/or differentiate yourself, the better!

I can't insist enough on having a tracker during your job search. Whether you've been applying online or spoken to people about it, you must keep track of it. You can lose track of your application sent and waste your time filling out the application form again (and you can't remember the email you used so you create multiple profile by mistake) You speak to 5 people at Tesla because you forgot and they know each other and speak about you. No, no, no. Make sure to have an easy tracker ready with these columns: company name, link of the job (or LI profile of the person you contacted), date applied (or message sent), Job title, location, step (in the recruitment process) and follow-up date (in case you spoke to someone).

In addition to adjusting your actions, remember the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive mindset throughout your job search journey. Rejections and setbacks are inevitable, but viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning can contribute significantly to your overall success. Stay proactive, stay positive, and keep refining your approach to ensure you're always moving forward in your career pursuits.