# Job-search tracker layout

Open tracker-template.csv in Excel or import it into Google Sheets. The CSV contains headings only, without formatting or application history. For a more customized sheet, ask your assistant:
"Create a job-search tracker with these columns in my preferred spreadsheet. Do not invent application history. Freeze the header row, enable filters, wrap notes, and keep source/evidence links clickable."

Start with the essential columns. Add the others when useful.

## Essential columns, in order
1. Company
2. Role
3. Requisition ID
4. Official job URL
5. Location / remote restrictions
6. Posted date (unknown is valid)
7. First seen
8. Last checked
9. Fit: strong / stretch / skip
10. Fit rationale and gaps
11. Stage
12. Resume version / file link
13. Submitted at
14. Submission receipt / evidence link
15. Contact and channel
16. Last interaction
17. Next action
18. Due date and time zone
19. Notes

## Optional columns
Search source, salary information (employer-published only), cover-letter version, interview round, prep-sheet link, last outreach date, outcome, time spent.

## Suggested stages
Discovered → Reviewing → Draft ready → Approved → Submitted → Screen → Interview → Offer → Closed

Use "Attempted: verify" when a submission is uncertain. Use "Waiting on me" or "Blocked" for a paused task. Record rejected/withdrawn/expired outcomes explicitly.

"Approved" does not mean submitted. An automated receipt does not mean a recruiter replied. Silence does not mean rejection.

## One fictional example for understanding (do not treat as a real opening)
Company: Example Company
Role: Customer Operations Manager
Requisition ID: EXAMPLE-001
Official job URL: https://example.com/
Posted date: unknown
Fit: stretch
Rationale: Relevant onboarding work; direct people management requirement needs clarification.
Stage: Reviewing
Next action: Confirm management scope.
Evidence: none yet.
Resume version: not prepared.
Submitted at: blank.

## Maintenance
- Keep one owner for updates or serialize automated writes.
- Deduplicate by employer and requisition ID; fall back to canonical URL.
- Preserve history and link evidence.
- Store dates consistently and include the time zone for meetings/deadlines.
- Review overdue next actions each weekday.
- Export a backup periodically.