What happens when they call you for the interview, and you've forgotten you even applied.

Pretend scenario that you do not want happening to you, ever:

* RING RING *

You: Hello?

HR Person at Some Sweet Company (HRPASSC): Hi, Is this Sue Walker?

You: Yes, this is Sue Walker.

HRPASSC: Hello, Sue. I'm calling about the Supply Chain Director position you applied for here at our enormously sweet company.

You: Er, ah, um, oh... ahem... yes. Of course, yes. The job I applied for. THAT one. Um, yes, of course!

HRPASSC: (Beginning to suspect you have no recollection of even applying for this position) Yes, we'd like to have you come in for an interview next Tuesday at 2 p.m. You know where we're located, right?

You: Er, ah, um... ahem... Why, yes. Of course. OF COURSE I know. You're right over by, um... Where are you again?

HRPASSC: (Rapidly losing interest in Sue Walker, the candidate who clearly doesn't have a burning desire to work for this enormously sweet company.)

As you might imagine, Sue Smith will be walking into that intervew with some work to do. She's made a poor first impression with her first contact at the enormously sweet company, and that impression will follow her through the interview process. It may well also eliminate her from contention.

How can you avoid this scenario?

It's called a notebook. Or a spreadsheet. Or even some chicken scratch on a napkin, if you must.

KEEP TRACK, job seeker. You must keep track.

Keep track of the jobs for which you've applied, at which companies.
Keep track of the contacts to whom you've submitted your information, and communicated with.
Keep track of the status of the application, and any follow up conversations.
Keep track so you look like you care.
Keep track so they feel like you truly want that job, at that company.

That way? When HRPASSC calls you for an interview?

The first impression is stellar.

Remember, you speak paragraphs about yourself before you ever walk into the interview.

Which paragraphs do you want to speak when they call?