Job searching can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling multiple applications, deadlines, and interviews. If you’ve ever lost track of where you’ve applied or missed a follow-up, you’re definitely not alone! Recently, I interviewed a student for an open position, and when I asked her which role she’d applied for, she confessed that she’d applied to so many positions, she’d actually lost track!
As an international student myself, I know how easy it is to feel lost in a sea of job applications, especially when you’re applying for working student or internship roles in Germany. That’s why I started using an application tracker—a simple tool that helped me stay organized, focused, and in control of my job search journey. Today, I’m excited to share my experiences and tips so you can create a tracker that works for you too.
Why You Need an Application Tracker
When I started applying for working student roles, I realized that keeping up with every application status and requirement was a lot to manage. An application tracker allowed me to organize each application by company, position, and status. I could quickly check where I stood with each one, so I didn’t miss any important deadlines or opportunities.
For example, I submitted applications to 15 different companies. Here’s how it went:
- Two interviews: I was invited to interviews with Bosch and Daimler. However, since these roles required fluent German, they didn’t end up working out for me.
- Ten rejections: Most of these were due to the same language requirements.
- Two positions where I didn’t receive any response at all.
- One offer: Finally, after all those applications, I secured a working student role with Advantest!
Tracking each of these applications made it easy to see patterns and stay motivated, even through the rejections.
My Application Journey: 3 Key Examples
To give you a better idea of how helpful a tracker can be, here are three specific applications I tracked along the way.
- Indeed Application: This was one of the first positions I applied for, and I was invited to the next stage. However, the recruiter emphasized the need for higher German skills. At that time, I was at B1 level, while they required C1.
- Bosch Interview: I was thrilled to get an interview invitation from Bosch, but the interview was conducted in German. It was challenging with my B1 level, and I found myself constantly saying “Wie bitte?” because I couldn’t understand everything. Ultimately, the position required more advanced language skills.
- Advantest Offer: After going through two interviews in English with Advantest, I was offered a working student position. This was a big milestone for me, and the application tracker helped me stay organized and follow up effectively throughout the hiring process.
How to Set Up Your Own Application Tracker
Creating an application tracker can be as simple or detailed as you like. Here’s a quick guide to setting up one that works for you:
- Create a Table: List columns like Company, Position, Application Date, Interview Dates, Language Requirement, Status, and Notes. Include links to job postings for easy reference.
- Track Important Dates: Keep a log of dates like when you applied, had interviews, and followed up. This helps you stay on top of your progress and reminds you of when to check in with employers.
- Use Pivot Tables for a Summary: If you’re familiar with Excel or Google Sheets, try creating a pivot table that gives you a quick overview of your application status at a glance.
To help you get started, I’ve created a free downloadable template that you can use. Download to get your own application tracker and start organizing your job search today.
Final Thoughts
Having an organized approach to your job search can make a huge difference, especially in a competitive job market. With the help of my application tracker, I was able to stay motivated and ultimately land a working student position. I hope my experience and tips inspire you to create a system that works for you. Good luck with your applications, and remember—stay organized, stay focused, and stay positive!
