A job tracker keeps your hunt organized. Without one, you forget who you applied to, miss follow-up dates, and lose track of recruiter conversations. Even a basic tracker compounds.

Minimum viable tracker

Five columns:

  • Company
  • Role
  • Date Applied
  • Status
  • Follow-up Date

That's it. Anything else is bonus.

Recommended additions

  • Source (where you found the role)
  • Contact name
  • Link to JD
  • Notes

Spreadsheet vs app

Spreadsheet (Google Sheets, Excel):

  • Free
  • Customizable
  • Works offline
  • Easy to filter and sort
  • 90% of users don't need more

Apps (Huntr, Teal):

  • Browser extension auto-captures from job boards
  • Email integration auto-updates status
  • Visual kanban
  • Standalone resume builder (Teal especially)

For most people, the spreadsheet is fine. If you want auto-capture and don't want to manage your own template, an app helps.

When to update

  • After a batch of applications
  • After every follow-up
  • After recruiter contact
  • After every interview

Weekly batched updates beat real-time anxious updating.

What Sorce gives you

Sorce tracks every application you submit through it, date, status, role. Built into the swipe-and-apply flow. 40 free swipes a day; the tracker is included.

For more: job application tracker, how to check job application status, how to follow up on a job application.