Here are some guidelines to stay organized while you search for jobs:

1. First things first! Your computer should have a folder that says something like “Job Search” or “Resume Docs”. Within this folder you should create several more folders such as “Resumes”, “Cover Letters”, “Portfolio”, “Recommendations”, “Applications”, etc. It would be wise to create similar folders for internet searches and emails to keep track of your favorite employers, job boards and email correspondences.
2. If you are filing a document electronically, always include the company name, position title and date when you save it. This makes it easier to find and to purge the file.
3. If you are not able or don’t want to file your documents electronically, print them off and store them in an action file. You can find out more about action files by reading this tip. Purge your action file once a month to weed out jobs you know you probably won’t get.
4. Nowadays, many companies require you to create accounts on their websites just to apply for positions. You can keep track of all these accounts by using our convenient form.
5. Streamline your job searches by having job boards and search engines such as Careerbuilder, Snagajob and Indeed email new openings straight to your inbox.
6. Begin creating a portfolio by getting a 3-ring binder and some plastic sheet protectors. Place the individual portfolio pages in a sheet protector and then in the binder. This will allow you arrange, rearrange, add or remove pages/sections as you please. Once your portfolio looks great in the binder, you’ll be ready to print it professionally. The binder is also a great way to protect your work long-term. View this article to learn what you should include in your portfolio.

We hope these tips will help you become organized while you search for employment. Good luck!