Manage Your Applications Efficiently with These Free Tools
Keeping track of your applications, whether for jobs, internships, research positions, fellowships, or graduate programs, is essential. A well-organized tracker helps you stay accountable, ensures you don’t miss critical steps like sending thank-you notes, and prevents mix-ups during interviews. The job/internship search process is holistic, and keeping everything in one place can make a huge difference in how effectively you manage your opportunities.
There are some excellent free tools available to help you track your applications. Credit goes to Stephen Greet for his article, Free Job Application Tracker Templates for Google Sheets, which not only offers his own template but also references a few others worth exploring! With one of those examples being from the Muse, in their article, “This Spreadsheet Is Exactly What You Need to Track Everything in Your Job Search,” by James Mayr. I would encourage looking over that quick read and considering using their template!
Additionally, Jobscan offers both a Google Sheets template and a free online platform to track your applications:
A key benefit of these trackers is that they’re customizable and free, making it simple to manage your applications effectively. By keeping your applications organized, you’ll have a clear overview of your progress, be better prepared for interviews, and have a reference for discussing updates with career consultants or mentors.
Career Support & Sources:
As you explore this resource, we encourage you to take advantage of everything available to support your career journey. Below, you’ll find the sources and contributors that made this guide possible, multiple ways to connect with our office for personalized career support, and some important reminders to keep in mind as you plan your strategy. Be sure to check them out, and remember, our team is always here to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
| Reminder | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| Use Multiple Sources | Information about careers and education can vary depending on where you look. Try checking several websites and resources when researching anything related to your career development (for example: job outlooks, salaries, industry trends, graduate programs, or fellowships, etc.). This will help you get a fuller, more accurate picture of what employers or admissions committees are looking for. |
| Make Sure to Network | Talking directly with people associated with your career goals or the programs/companies you’re interested in can give you the clearest and most useful insights. Reach out to professionals, recruiters, alumni, or current students to learn what really matters in your field (for example: company expectations, hiring timelines, résumé preferences, graduate program requirements, etc.). Even within the same industry or graduate program type, different organizations and admissions committees may value things differently. Listening carefully to their guidance can help you put your best foot forward. |
| Use AI Ethically in Career Development | AI tools can be a great resource for brainstorming, polishing materials, or practicing interview questions (for example: outlining position description details to guide your documents, generating practice questions, etc.). But it works best when you use it thoughtfully and make sure the final work reflects your own skills and voice. Some employers and graduate programs may not allow AI, so always check instructions carefully. Think of AI as a helper, not a replacement—and remember, Career Consultants are happy to guide you on how to use it effectively! |
| Be Aware of Employment Scams | When searching for jobs or internships, it’s important to stay alert for potential scams—especially when exploring positions outside of Binghamton’s Handshake. Common warning signs include requests for personal or financial information upfront, job offers without interviews, or anything that seems “too good to be true.” To learn more about what to watch for, see real examples, and find out how to protect yourself or respond if you encounter a scam, check out Employment Scam Information – Binghamton University. Staying informed helps you pursue opportunities safely and confidently. |
Drop-ins: When classes are in session, Monday-Friday, from 12-4 p.m., you can visit our office to schedule a 20-minute drop-in with our staff.
Appointments: You can schedule your 30-minute career session on Handshake. These are offered all year and can be done virtually and in person.
Online Resources: Visit uConnect, our virtual career center that is always accessible to support your career needs.
Picture Source: Gemini (AI-generated image by Google Gemini)
Website Sources: Special thanks to the organizations, industry experts, and thought leaders who share valuable career resources, research, and articles with the public. Your work provides important insights that support students’ career development.
- Free Job Application Tracker Templates for Google Sheets – Stephen Greet – May 27, 2025
- This Spreadsheet Is Exactly What You Need to Track Everything in Your Job Search by James Mayr
- How to Create a Job Application Tracker in Google Sheets (Free Template) – Robert Henderson, CPRW, Resume Expert
AI Assistance: Portions of this resource may have been developed with support from AI tools (such as ChatGPT by OpenAI or Gemini), used to help synthesize research, generate summaries, and refine formatting. All final content has been reviewed and customized for Binghamton University students.
