Create a Job Application Tracker in Google Sheets (+Template)

Job searching can get messy fast.

Between resumes, applications, interviews, and follow-ups, it’s easy to lose track of where you’ve applied or what you’re waiting to hear back on.

That’s why many people use Google Sheets to track their job search. It’s free, flexible, and lets you stay organized during the chaos.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a simple job application tracker in Google Sheets. Plus, you’ll get access to a free, ready-to-use template to help you get started faster.

We’ll also cover the pros and cons of using Google Sheets and look at an alternative tracking option that can save you even more time.

Table of Contents

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What is a job application tracker?

When you’re applying to multiple jobs, it’s easy to forget where you’ve sent your resume, who you’ve heard back from, or whether you followed up after an interview.

A job application tracker is a simple system for keeping track of everything.

It could be a spreadsheet, a notebook, or an online tool. The goal is to stay organized so nothing slips through the cracks.

A job tracker helps you:

Avoid applying to the same job twice.
Follow up at the right time.
Prepare for interviews with your past notes.
Spot patterns in your job search (what’s working, what’s not).
Keep momentum by showing daily progress.

A tracker brings order to the chaos. It turns a scattered, stressful process into something you can actually manage and make progress with.

What makes a good job search spreadsheet?

A spreadsheet is only helpful if it works the way you do. Before you commit to a template (or build your own) make sure it checks these boxes:

It’s easy to read

Your tracker should be simple and scannable. If you have to hunt for the last job you applied to, it’s too complicated. A clean layout with clear labels makes all the difference.

It fits your needs

Some people like to track every detail. Others just want the basics. A good spreadsheet lets you add columns, remove the ones you don’t need, and make it work for your style of job searching.

It works wherever you are

You shouldn’t have to be at your desk to update your tracker. Whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or laptop, it should open quickly and let you make updates on the fly.

It helps you take action

The best trackers don’t just store info, they keep you moving. Can you see what’s overdue? What needs a follow-up? What jobs are still waiting? If your tracker helps you spot next steps, you’re on the right track.

How to create a job search spreadsheet in Google Sheets

You can build a job tracker in either Excel or Google Sheets, but most job seekers prefer Google Sheets because it’s free, cloud-based, and easy to update from any device.

To get started, go to sheets.google.com and click the “+ Blank Spreadsheet” button to create a new spreadsheet. Give it a name like Job Tracker so you can easily find it later.

Then, create a row of column headers at the top of your sheet. These are the categories you’ll use to track each job application.

A good job search template includes the following:

Company name – So you know exactly where you applied.
Job title – Useful when a company has multiple open roles.
Pay – If the listing includes salary or hourly rate, record it here.
Link to the job posting – Makes it easy to revisit the original listing.
Location – Whether the role is in-office, hybrid, or remote.
Type of employment – Full-time, part-time, freelance, contract, etc.
Contact information – Name and email of the recruiter or hiring manager.
Date of application – Helps you track how long it’s been since you applied.
Offers received – Mark any role that resulted in an offer.
Resume file name – If you’re tailoring your resume, note which version you used.
Reference used – Did someone refer you? Add their name here.
Interview schedule – Dates, times, and who you spoke with.
Follow-up sent – A simple yes/no to confirm if you followed up.
Notes – Any final thoughts, red flags, or reminders for next steps.

To organize your job search spreadsheet, you can filter, sort, or color-code your columns.

For example, you might sort by application date to see which jobs need a follow-up, or filter by status to focus only on active opportunities.

Use Jobscan’s free Google Sheets template

If you don’t want to build your own tracker from scratch, Jobscan offers a free job application tracker template for Google Sheets with all the columns already built in.

Here’s how to use it:

Click this link: Download the Jobscan Google Sheets Job Tracker.
In the top menu bar, click File > Make a copy.
Save the file to your own Google Drive.
Start entering your job applications, one row at a time.

You can also download the job application spreadsheet in Excel to use offline. Just go to File > Download > Microsoft Excel (.xlsx).

This template is perfect if you want something fast, clean, and easy to customize, without starting from scratch.

Jobscan job tracker spreadsheet in Google Sheets

Pros and cons of using Google Sheets

Google Sheets has some limitations, especially if you’re applying to a lot of jobs.

Here are the pros and cons of using Google Sheets to track your job applications:

Pros

Free to use – No software or subscriptions required.
Cloud-based – Access your tracker from any device.
Customizable – Add your own columns, filters, and color-coding.
Easy to share – Useful if you’re working with a coach or mentor.

Cons

Still mostly manual – You have to copy/paste details for every job.
No reminders – There’s no alert system to remind you to follow up.
No visual progress tracking – You can color-code rows, but there’s no drag-and-drop board.
Everything’s in separate places – Your tracker, resumes, and notes all live in different tabs or folders.
No match scoring – You can’t see how well your resume aligns with the job description.

If you’re managing just a few applications, Google Sheets can get the job done. But once your job search picks up speed, it can start to feel clunky.

That’s when a more streamlined tracker might be the better solution.

Jobscan’s Job Tracker: A smarter way to stay organized

If Google Sheets feels like a lot to manage, Jobscan’s free Job Tracker offers a faster, more streamlined way to stay on top of your job search.

Here’s what it does:

1. Tracks your job search on a visual board

Instead of rows and columns, Jobscan’s Job Tracker uses a drag-and-drop board to help you manage your search visually.

Each job appears as a card that you can move through different stages—Saved, Applied, Interviewed, Offer, and Rejected—as your application progresses.

If a job doesn’t lead to an interview, you can also archive the card to keep your board clean and focused on active leads.

2. Saves jobs with one click

The Job Tracker’s free Chrome extension lets you save jobs instantly from LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor.

Just click the Jobscan button next to the listing, and it’s added to your tracker along with the job description and a link back to the original post.

Chrome extension for Jobscan's Job Tracker

3. Stores everything in one place

Each job card in your tracker becomes a central hub for that application. You can:

Attach the resume you applied with, so you can track which version you used and pull it up later to prep for interviews.
Add contact info for recruiters or interviewers.
Log interview dates.
Save notes from conversations or interviews.
Set reminders and follow-ups.
Store company insights like values, competitors, or talking points.
Generate a tailored cover letter right from the card.

If you add interview details, you’ll also get an email confirmation so you never miss a meeting.

4. Shows your match rate

Every time you scan a resume with Jobscan, you’ll see a Match Rate. This is a number that shows how well your resume aligns with a specific job description.

The higher your score, the better your chances of getting found in an ATS search.

Your match rate is displayed right on each job card, so you can quickly spot which applications are strong and which ones need work.

5. Discovers and tracks jobs in one place

Inside your Jobscan dashboard, the job search board shows you listings that match your experience and preferences.

You can search by job title, keyword, or location and then save any job you like directly into your tracker.

How to stay organized in your job search

Even with the best tracker, staying consistent is what really keeps your job search on track.

Here are a few habits that can make a big difference:

Tips for staying organized

SET WEEKLY GOALS

Decide how many jobs you want to apply to each week, and how many follow-ups you’ll send. Having a target keeps you focused and turns your job search into a process, not a guessing game.

DON’T RE-USE THE SAME RESUME

Every job is different, and your resume should reflect that. Tailoring it to match the job description—especially the job title and most prominent keywords—can dramatically increase your chances of getting noticed.

KEEP NOTES ON EVERY INTERACTION

After every interview, email, or phone call, take a minute to jot down what was said. Who did you talk to? What stood out? These notes will help you prepare for next steps and avoid repeating yourself later.

USE YOUR TRACKER DAILY

Don’t treat your tracker like a record you update once a week. Use it as your command center. It only takes a few seconds to move a job card, add a note, or log a follow-up, but those small habits add up.

Don’t just track your job search. Take control of it.

Use Jobscan’s free Job Tracker to stay organized, stay focused, and start landing more interviews.