Use these to hammer out applications and nail your dream job. (Photo: Kimmo Palosaari via Creative Commons)

Remember that old saying about how searching for a job is a full time job? Staying on top of all those deadlines, applications, cover letters, résumés, and job descriptions isn’t easy.

One of my favorite sets of tools for staying organized is the full suite of Google Apps. Here are a few tricks that you can try to help you stay above water during your job search. All you need is a free Gmail account to use them.

Docs: Save each cover letter that you write as a unique doc like “Cover letter for social media position” or “Cover letter for arts organization.” You’re already writing unique, tailored cover letters for each position that you apply for, so having them all readily accessible and searchable will save you a lot of time when you apply to similar positions in the future.

While you’re at it, save a copy of each job description as soon as you begin the application. (Here’s an example.) Once a listing comes down from Idealist or any other job site, it’s gone, and you’ll be less prepared for your interview if you can’t refer back to the specific requirements and description of the of the job that you’re aiming for.

Spreadsheets: You can use a spreadsheet to track everything that you’re doing in your job search. Feel free to copy this example I created (click on it to view full size):

Having everything in one place—information like where you’re finding the jobs that you’ve applied for, links to your cover letters, modified résumés, and even types of organizations that you’re applying to and whether you got a call back—will reveal trends that over time can help tailor your search.

Calendar: Nailed a phone interview for next week? Schedule it on your calendar and set reminders for a day and for a few hours beforehand. You don’t want to be late!

Gmail: If you’re applying to any job that requires a demonstrated understanding of technology or social media, you should be using the best tech tools that are available to you. As silly as it might seem, some hiring managers are biased against people that are using more “old fashioned” email services.

Are you on the hunt right now? What are some other online tools that can help manage the application process?