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The Candidate Job Search Tracker: Run Your Search Like a Recruiter



The Candidate Job Search Tracker: Run Your Search Like a Recruiter

Your job search is a project. Treat it that way and you will win more interviews with less noise. I built a simple tracker so you can manage your pipeline like a recruiter, not a hopeful applicant.

It works for any job search.

How to save your own copy

  1. Click the link above

  2. Choose Make a copy

  3. Rename the file and move it to your Google Drive

  4. Open on desktop for the first setup, then use on mobile as needed

Housekeeping rule: To keep it tidy, move roles that are not live below the divider line in the sheet. Archive anything cold so your active pipeline stays clean.

Why this tracker matters

This is not an admin chore. It is your personal CRM. You are managing a live pipeline of companies, contacts and next actions. The sheet forces clarity on three things that decide outcomes:

  • The person, not just the role

  • The next action and date

  • The job ad archive for later stages

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these four phases for every opportunity.

Phase 1: The initial log and commercial fit

  • Company Name, Role Title: Log the basics immediately and date your application.If you cannot log it, do not apply. Quality over quantity.

  • Salary Range (Advertised or Expected)Record salary details now.Negotiation prep. Avoid low-ball surprises later.

  • Notes on Role and Company Fit: Write two to three lines on how your track record solves their problem. These become your talking points for every interview.

Phase 2: Contact and relationship management

  • Key Contact or Recruiter + Contact Email or Phone. Capture the person you deal with. Relationships are assets. A no today can be a yes later.

  • Last Interaction Date: Update after every call or email.Accountability. Stops you chasing too soon or too late.

Phase 3: Strategic follow-up and archive

  • Status (Active, Warm, Archive)Change status right after each interaction.Focus your energy on what is live.

  • Next Step and Follow-up Date Mandatory. Every role needs a next action and a date. Proactive management. You are driving, not waiting.

  • Job Ad Archive. Once you reach first interview, save the ad as a PDF and link it. Ads disappear. Keep the blueprint for final interview and offer.

Phase 4: Review and cadence

  • Block 30 minutes twice a week to update statuses and chase next steps

  • Limit to no more than 10 active roles at once for better focus

  • Review outcomes weekly and move stale roles below the line

Pro tips to get more from the tracker

  • Colour code Active vs Warm vs Archive so you can scan fast

  • Use filters for role type, location, or product segment

  • Add columns for Products sold and Markets sold to to support building products recruitment conversations

  • Add a simple Next Action template like “Call <Name> re interview time” or “Email case study to <Client>”

  • Pair the sheet with calendar reminders so follow-ups never slip

Share the tracker

If you know someone who needs structure, pass it on.


If you know someone who needs structure, pass it on.


This tracker will help you stay organised and move faster, but the best results come when your approach matches what the market wants right now. This tracker will help you stay organised and move faster, but the best results come when your approach matches what the market wants right now. Always speak to a trusted recruiter in your industry to pressure-test your strategy.

Have questions or want hands-on help with your search in Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane? Call James Bowesman on 0487 640 299 or email james@specifiedselect.com

 
 
 

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