Job Application Tracker

Purpose: Track all job applications, interviews, and offers
Created: 2025-12-24
Instructions: Copy this to Google Sheets or Excel

SPREADSHEET STRUCTURE

Sheet 1: Applications

Status Options:

• Applied
• Screening Call
• Technical Interview
• Final Round
• Offer
• Rejected
• Withdrawn

Sheet 2: Weekly Metrics

Formulas:

• Response Rate = (Responses Received / Applications Submitted) * 100
• Interview Rate = (Interviews / Responses Received) * 100
• Offer Rate = (Offers / Interviews) * 100

Sheet 3: Company Research

Tier Definitions:

• Tier 1: Remote-First Companies (Highest Priority)
• Tier 2: Remote-Friendly Companies
• Tier 3: SEA Tech Hubs

Sheet 4: Interview Prep

Interview Types:

• Screening Call
• Technical Phone Screen
• Coding Challenge
• System Design
• Behavioral
• Final Round
• Team Fit

Sheet 5: Networking

Connection Types:

• Cold outreach
• Alumni
• Referral
• Mutual connection
• Event/Conference
• Online community

Sheet 6: Offers

Decision Options:

• Accepted
• Declined
• Negotiating
• Pending

GOOGLE SHEETS SETUP

Step 1: Create New Spreadsheet

1. Go to Google Sheets
2. Create new spreadsheet
3. Name it “Job Search Tracker 2025”

Step 2: Create Sheets

1. Rename Sheet1 to “Applications”
2. Add new sheets: “Weekly Metrics”, “Company Research”, “Interview Prep”, “Networking”, “Offers”

Step 3: Format Headers

1. Bold all header rows
2. Freeze header rows (View > Freeze > 1 row)
3. Add filters (Data > Create a filter)
4. Color-code headers (light blue background)

Step 4: Add Data Validation

1. Status column: Create dropdown with status options
2. Tier column: Create dropdown (1, 2, 3)
3. Remote Policy: Create dropdown (Remote-first, Remote-friendly, Hybrid, Office)

Step 5: Add Conditional Formatting

1. Status = “Offer”: Green background
2. Status = “Rejected”: Red background
3. Status = “Interview”: Yellow background
4. Follow-up Date < TODAY(): Orange background (overdue)

Step 6: Create Charts

1. Weekly Metrics: Line chart showing applications over time
2. Status Distribution: Pie chart of application statuses
3. Response Rate Trend: Line chart of response rate over time

TRACKING WORKFLOW

Daily (5 minutes)

• Log new applications
• Update statuses
• Check for responses
• Schedule follow-ups

Weekly (30 minutes)

• Review metrics
• Calculate response rates
• Identify patterns (what’s working)
• Plan next week’s applications
• Follow up on pending applications

Monthly (1 hour)

• Analyze overall progress
• Adjust strategy based on data
• Update resume if needed
• Review and refine target companies

KEY METRICS TO TRACK

Application Metrics

• Total Applications: Target 50+ in 8 weeks
• Weekly Applications: Target 5-7 per week
• Response Rate: Target >10% (industry average 5-10%)
• Interview Rate: Target >20% of responses
• Offer Rate: Target >30% of final rounds

Time Metrics

• Time to First Response: Average days from application to response
• Time to Interview: Average days from application to interview
• Time to Offer: Average days from application to offer

Quality Metrics

• Tier 1 Applications: % of applications to top-tier companies
• Customization Rate: % of applications with customized cover letters
• Referral Rate: % of applications with referrals

SAMPLE DATA (Week 1)

Date Applied: 2025-12-24
Company: Coinbase
Position: Senior Backend Engineer
Application URL: https://www.coinbase.com/careers/positions/5678
Status: Applied
Recruiter Contact: 
Next Action: Follow up in 7 days
Follow-up Date: 2025-12-31
Salary Range: $120K-$180K
Remote Policy: Remote-first
Referral Source: Direct application
Notes: Applied via careers page, emphasized crypto mining and trading experience

---

Date Applied: 2025-12-24
Company: Kraken
Position: Software Engineer, Trading Systems
Application URL: https://www.kraken.com/careers/5432
Status: Applied
Recruiter Contact:
Next Action: Follow up in 7 days
Follow-up Date: 2025-12-31
Salary Range: $100K-$150K
Remote Policy: Remote-first
Referral Source: Direct application
Notes: Highlighted AiTradePulse 90%+ win rate and low-latency execution

FOLLOW-UP TEMPLATES

1 Week Follow-Up

Subject: Following up on [Position] application

Hi [Recruiter Name / Hiring Team],

I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Position] role submitted on [Date]. I'm very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company] and believe my experience with [relevant skill/project] would be a great fit.

I'd love to discuss how my background in [specific area] aligns with your needs. Would you be available for a brief call?

Thank you for your consideration!

Best regards,
Muchammad Fikri Izzuddin
https://oyi77.github.io

2 Week Follow-Up

Subject: Re: [Position] application - Still interested

Hi [Recruiter Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out again regarding my application for the [Position] role.

I remain very interested in joining [Company] and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my [specific achievement] could contribute to your team.

Please let me know if there's any additional information I can provide.

Best regards,
Fikri

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Application Best Practices

1. Customize Everything: Tailor resume and cover letter for each application
2. Apply Early: Apply within 24-48 hours of job posting
3. Follow Up: Send polite follow-up after 1 week
4. Track Everything: Log every application immediately
5. Quality > Quantity: Better to send 5 great applications than 20 mediocre ones

Networking Best Practices

1. Connect Before Applying: Connect with recruiters/employees before applying
2. Personalize Messages: Reference specific projects or interests
3. Provide Value: Share insights, help others, engage authentically
4. Follow Up: Thank people for connections and conversations
5. Build Relationships: Network is for long-term, not just job search

Interview Best Practices

1. Prepare Stories: Have 10 STAR stories ready
2. Research Company: Know products, culture, recent news
3. Ask Questions: Show genuine interest and curiosity
4. Follow Up: Send thank-you email within 24 hours
5. Track Feedback: Note questions asked and feedback received

NEXT STEPS

1. Create Spreadsheet (15 minutes)
   • Set up Google Sheets with all tabs
   • Add headers and formatting
   • Create dropdowns and validation
2. Add Target Companies (30 minutes)
   • Copy 25 companies from OpenSpec
   • Add to “Company Research” sheet
   • Prioritize by tier
3. Start Tracking (5 minutes/day)
   • Log applications as you submit
   • Update statuses daily
   • Review metrics weekly
4. Share Access (optional)
   • Share with accountability partner
   • Share with career coach
   • Keep private from current employer

Ready to start tracking? Create your spreadsheet now! 📊