TraditionDue647's journey

I've been reflecting on my job search process and the value of tracking every application and interview. After serving four years in the Navy and spending over a decade in HR, I’m now venturing into the career space myself. I’ve noticed that many people maintain a spreadsheet where they log their applications, follow-ups, and the various stages of their job search. However, I wonder if this record is truly beneficial once the search is over. Some argue that having a detailed record can serve as evidence of your efforts. For instance, if you've made it to the final rounds at multiple companies, that could be a strong point to present to a hiring manager. On the flip side, it might just become a painful reminder of rejection that no one wants to revisit. I’ve been curious about a few things: 1. Do you keep track of your applications, or did you stop after reaching a certain number? 2. Have you ever found yourself wishing you had proof of something related to your job search that you couldn't provide? 3. Would having an independent timestamped record change your perspective, or would it still feel like just a diary of rejections? I’m particularly interested in hearing why some might think keeping such records is pointless.