Managing job applications can be a daunting task for even the most organized job seekers. With countless job postings across multiple platforms and companies, it's easy to become overwhelmed and lose track of applications. Add in the need to customize resumes and cover letters for each position and follow up with recruiters, and the task can quickly become overwhelming.

Job seekers also face the challenge of balancing their job search with other commitments, such as work, school, and family obligations. With so much to keep track of, it's no wonder that many job seekers struggle to stay organized and on top of their job applications.

Despite these challenges, managing job applications effectively is crucial for success in a competitive job market. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best free tools and chrome extensions that can help you find and apply for jobs.

1. Lavender Pro - AI Email Crafter

A tool that helps you craft the perfect cold email and messages. Great for asking for introductions, and helping you reach out to hiring managers. Lavender is free for everyone but their Pro version is also free for job seekers! 

To get Lavender for free, install it. Send an email to team@lavender.ai. Tell them you're a jobseeker.

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2. Airtable (Job Application Tracking Template)

We know that keeping track of all your job applications can quickly become overwhelming. Who have I applied to? What stage am I at? What role did I apply for? This simple but very handy tracking tool template from Airtable helps you keep all your applications organised. We especially love the Kanban view!

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3. Mailtrack.io - Email Activity Tracking

For job seekers who frequently apply for positions via email, Mailtrack can be an invaluable tool. With Mailtrack, you can track email activity and receive notifications when a recruiter has opened your email, allowing you to gauge their interest and make informed decisions about your job search.

This free tool is easy to use and can be set up to provide real-time notifications whenever a recruiter opens your email. You can use this information to determine whether to follow up with the recruiter or move on to other opportunities.

If you're a job seeker looking to streamline your job search process, Mailtrack is definitely worth checking out. You can download the Mailtrack extension for Chrome for free.

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4. Hunter 

Free email searcher

Hunter offers a range of data-finding services, but one particularly helpful to job seekers, is their email finder tool. Hunter  allows you to search emails and other data sourced from LinkedIn profiles. You can save searches and compile data. This information can be extremely valuable if you are a salesperson, but also fantastic for anyone who is hoping to connect with a specific person or department while doing exploratory networking or in the hopes of sending a letter of interest.

They have a free tier to get started which comes with 25 monthly searches. 

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5. Canva - Graphic design tool

For job seekers, having an eye-catching LinkedIn profile is crucial to catch the attention of potential recruiters. But not everyone has the graphic design skills to create a visually appealing profile. Canva is an excellent tool for those who need to do a little bit of graphic design but don't have the expertise. With Canva's templates, it's easy to create a beautiful banner image for your LinkedIn profile that can make you stand out from the crowd. Not only that, Canva has a vast catalog of CV templates to make your CV professional and standout. 

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6. Grammarly - Spelling and Grammar Checker

Making a good first impression is crucial. Sending out InMails, emails, and resumes with spelling and grammar errors can send the wrong message to potential employers. That's where Grammarly comes in.

Grammarly is more than just a spell checker. It can detect incorrect word usage, poor grammar, and suggest alternatives to improve sentence structure and tone. With Grammarly, you can be confident that your writing is error-free and professional.

Not only is Grammarly free to download, but it also offers a superior and accurate spelling and grammar check for all your writing needs. Its advanced technology can catch mistakes that other spell checkers might miss, and because it integrates with your web browser, you can check your writing anywhere you go.

So, if you want to make a great first impression and showcase your writing skills to potential employers, consider using Grammarly to improve the quality and professionalism of your writing.

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