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Overview 

Over the term, you have explored the job searching process, analyzed specific internship/job postings of interest, and tailored your resume and cover letter to a specific posting.  This process showed you the steps needed to find and submit a application. Now it is time to create a strategy to help you in your internship/job search today and into the future.  

Many people struggle through the job searching process because of a lack of a planning and tracking system.  A well thought out job search includes strategically applying to many positions.  However, the more positions you apply for, the harder it becomes to track the status of your applications.  

Example of what can happen if you do not have a tracking system in place 

· You apply for 15 jobs and you only hear back on one in the first month.  That position ends up not being the right fit.  A month later, one of the other recruiter gives you a call regarding your application, however you do not remember what position she is referring to.  You try to find the position from that company online but the application deadline has expired and the position has been removed.   

Why a tracking system matters

· Internships and jobs are more competitive than ever.  If you only apply for a few positions, you may not land an internship or job.   It is a best practice to apply for 10 to 20 internships/jobs as you start the hunt.   (Source). (Links to an external site.)  Though remember that quality is much more important than quantity.   Each position you apply to should include customized documents.   A job search tracking tool helps you keep organized during the search.  

In this assignment, you will create a tracking system. You can customize this tool to your needs each time you are job searching throughout your professional life.  Building this tool now will prepare you to search effectively for future opportunities which can lead to greater job satisfaction and engagement for your future.   

Your tracking tool will be built in Google Drive and will include all of the elements needed for a successful job search,  Spend time developing this Google Drive folder as you can gain great value by doing this.  

Instructions

Part 1: Build your Career Planning Portfolio Google Drive 

Step 1: Create a Google Drive Folder 

· Create a Google Drive Folder using your ONID/Oregon State account.  Name the folder - Career Portfolio and Tracking Tool (You must be signed into your ONID prior to creating this account) 

Step 2: Upload your current Career Documents - Resume and Cover Letter 

· This allows you to have your own custom built templates easily accessible in one place.  Make sure to include all versions of your resume and cover letter here.  

· Note- Make sure that you have updated your resume and cover letter based on peer feedback before saving it in your google drive so that it is the most up to date version.   

· Note - All versions of your resume and cover letter should be organized in this folder to give you easy access when needed.   

Step 3: Create Your Career Opportunities Tracker Tool 

1. Click on this link here -  Google Sheet  (Links to an external site.)

2. In the upper left corner, click "File" 

3. Select "Make a Copy" 

4. Name the Copy - "Career Opportunities Tracker - Your Name" 

5. In the upper left corner, click "File" 

6. Select "Move to" and select the Google Folder you just created 

7. Update your Google Sheet by populating the following tabs to prepare yourself for your next job search 

· Career Aspirations - Tab 1

· Where would you like to be in five years?  What would you like to accomplish professionally?

· List one of the possible futures you would like for yourself here. It is OK to be interested in many things. This is a chance for you to think about one of your possible career paths.

· Goal Setting and Implementation Plan - Tab 2

· What gaps exist between where you want to be and where you are now career-wise?  Now is the time to get intentional about gaining the skills and experience you'll need to get where you want to go.  

· Create 5 career goals and 10 actionable tasks that you can take over the next year that will level up your skills and experience.

· List challenges you might face and how you'll overcome them

· Finally, is there alignment between your listed goals and where you want to go career-wise? If not, revise those goals.  This is an iterative process that will continue for your lifetime.

· Internship/Job Postings and Application Status - Tab 3

· This spreadsheet will keep you organized and on top of the process when you begin applying 

· For those who are actively applying to opportunities now, populate the spreadsheet with at least 4 jobs/internships that you have applied/or will apply to in order to start using your spreadsheet to help you secure a position.   

· For those of you not currently looking for a job/internship, add a comment in the spreadsheet that states one of the following 

· Currently have a position secured for Summer 2020 with the job title and company 

· Other plans - State the other plans in 10 to 20 words.   

· Professional References - Tab 4

· Add at least 4 professional references

· Having several references allows you to have options based on the type of position you are applying for.  You can then select the right ones when references are requested from an employer 

· Common Interview Questions - Tab 5

· I have prepopulated 8 common interview questions into this sheet. 

· Answer each of these questions with the main points you want to cover in your interview response 

· Add 2 additional questions and answer those as well

Note - Having common interview questions in one place with your general responses will allow you to prepare to ease your nerves before an interview. 

· Pro Tip - Keep these updated.  Every time you are in an interview that a different or challenging question is asked, add it to the sheet so you can build your resume question bank 

Part 2: Complete the following 

Step 1: Click "Share" on your google drive folder and then copy the link.  Make sure that "Can Edit" is marked when sharing. 

Step 2: Provide responses to the following Via Email to [email protected]

1. Link to your Google Folder 

2. What additional things can you add to this folder to help you in the job search and application process for the future

· Note - Customization of these tools is key as this system has to fit your needs to be effective.   

· Note - This folder should evolve throughout your professional career as you advance from position to position.  Make new tabs, create additional lists, upload new versions of your resume and cover letter and continually update the folder to meet your needs.   

Pro Tip - The more time and energy you put into this tracking system the more helpful it will be in your job searching process.  Remember that a successful job search is a numbers game, the more applications (good ones) that you submit, the better the chances are you will receive an interview and eventually a job offer.   Even if you are not currently job searching, the next time that you do, this setup will help you streamline your process.