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.
Sorce is the AI that applies to jobs for you. Upload your resume, swipe right on jobs you like, and our AI apply for jobs agent submits each application on your behalf — completely free, 40 swipes a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a fancy app to track jobs?
- No. A spreadsheet covers 90% of needs. Apps add browser-extension auto-capture and visual kanban.
- What's the minimum viable tracker?
- Company, role, date applied, status, follow-up date. That's it.
- How often should I check it?
- Weekly. Don't obsess; do batch updates.
- Best free job tracker app?
- Huntr, Teal, and Notion templates all have free tiers. For most people, Google Sheets is plenty.