Networking database for jobs

sarkozy

With a Mac programme called Daylite, I'm trying to develop a database to organise my job search. It's a 'customer relationship management' program and I'm trying to tailor it to my needs.

I'm having trouble deciding how to categorise/label my contacts (people and companies).

Does anyone have experience of this, or have good links/books that can help me with this?

krissovo

I would suggest to have a look at a customer relationship Management (CRM) tool for ideas and how they manage leads, appointment etc. Something like salesforce or freecrm would be a good starting point. Then take the any good organizational ideas an implement on your system.

sarkozy

I'm using a CRM tool. Was hoping for advice on structuring the database.

Tom Dunne

I don't think the Work and jobs forum is the place to be looking for information on structuring a database.

sarkozy

It is. I'm looking for advice on getting organised and focused in my job search.

RATM

You'll need a CRM tool. Zoho.com isn't bad. And it's free

sarkozy

sarkozy wrote: »

I'm using a CRM tool. Was hoping for advice on structuring the database.

See above.

irlrobins

You need a CRM tool for your job search???

sarkozy

I'm very disorganised and a basic one will help me track things. Advice I got from an 'Employment Preparation Course'.

irlrobins

sarkozy wrote: »

I'm very disorganised and a basic one will help me track things. Advice I got from an 'Employment Preparation Course'.

Just use a simple spreadsheet. A CRM tool is overkill. You'd be better off using your time perfecting your CV, practising interview techniques, etc.

micdug

sarkozy wrote: »

I'm very disorganised and a basic one will help me track things. Advice I got from an 'Employment Preparation Course'.

There is such a thing as using a sledge hammer to crack a nut. Using CRM for a job hunt is overkill - you're not a job agency. When I was looking for a job I used Google Doc spread sheet so I could access it where ever I went but Excel is fine too. Really simple to setup (two minute job) I simply made the following column headings:

Position | Link to ad| Contact Name | Contact email | Contact number | % Fit (how close the role was to something I wanted) | Last contact date (when I last spoke to agency/recruiter)| Status (applied, PFO, awaiting interview date, interview arranged) | Failure Analysis

The last one is most important - unless you learn why you didn't progress you won't get anywhere. If you got no response it means you don't have a compelling CV/good enough fit for the job.

Another excellent app I use is Evernote.com. Great for organizing unstructured information around a job search (and everything else in life too!). Free too and you could setup above in it. Save web sites, news reports, job adverts, CV tips etc for reference purposes.

sarkozy

Thanks, that's very helpful. I'm also thinking for the future. Keeping this (or a spreadsheet) updated will be of massive help when (not if) I have to look for another job in the future.

I understand what you mean, and yes, I can see how this could be procrastination, but I'm almost there. If it doesn't do the job, I've got the Excel option.

I've never heard of Evernote before. I'll check it out.

sarkozy

I should also mention there's a website called jibberjobber.com which applies the CRM idea specifically to looking for a job. It's not made so well, but the idea is there.