> Ready to get organised?
> [Get my action plan](/#health-check) - Free • 30 seconds • No signup required
The Great Debate: Spreadsheet or App?
Every job seeker hits this question: "Should I just use a spreadsheet, or do I need an actual app?"
Both can work. But they're suited for very different situations. Here's an honest breakdown.
---
When a Spreadsheet Works
Spreadsheets make sense when:
Best spreadsheet options:
Typical Spreadsheet Setup
| Column | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Company | Who you applied to |
| Position | Job title |
| Date Applied | When you submitted |
| Status | Applied / Interview / Offer / Rejected |
| Contact | Recruiter or hiring manager name |
| Next Step | Follow-up date or action |
| Notes | Interview feedback, salary discussions |
Pro tip: If you go the spreadsheet route, add conditional formatting to highlight overdue follow-ups. Color-code by status.
---
When an App Is Better
Apps are better when:
What Apps Offer That Spreadsheets Can't
| Feature | Spreadsheet | Job Tracker App |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Kanban board | ❌ Not built in | ✅ Drag-and-drop |
| Automated reminders | ❌ Manual setup | ✅ Built in |
| AI cover letters | ❌ | ✅ (ApplyArc: 17 tools) |
| Interview prep | ❌ | ✅ AI-generated |
| Chrome extension | ❌ | ✅ Quick dashboard access |
| Follow-up tracking | ❌ Manual | ✅ Smart reminders |
| Analytics | ❌ Basic charts | ✅ Built-in metrics |
---
The Tipping Point: 20 Applications
We analysed thousands of job searches and found a clear pattern:
The average successful job search in 2026 involves 50–100 applications. At that volume, a spreadsheet is working against you.
---
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Google Sheets | Free | Basic tracking, no AI |
| ApplyArc (Free) | £0 | Up to 50 jobs + 10 AI generations |
| ApplyArc (Pro) | £19/month | Unlimited AI + all tools |
| Huntr (Pro) | $40/month | Job tracking + basic AI |
| Teal+ | $29/month | Resume building + tracking |
Key insight: ApplyArc's free tier gives you more than most paid spreadsheet templates, and the Pro tier costs less than competitors.
---
Migration: Spreadsheet to App
Already have a spreadsheet? Moving to an app doesn't mean starting over.
1. Export your spreadsheet as CSV
2. Import into your chosen app (ApplyArc supports CSV import)
3. Organise into Kanban columns that match your stages
4. Set up automations - follow-up reminders, status tracking
The typical migration takes 10–15 minutes.
---
The Verdict
| Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Casual search, <20 apps | Google Sheets (free) |
| Active search, 20+ apps | ApplyArc Free tier |
| Serious search + wants AI tools | ApplyArc Pro (£19/month) |
| Needs team collaboration | Notion or Airtable |
| Prioritises resume building | Teal+ ($29/month) |
For most active job seekers in 2026, a dedicated app pays for itself in time saved on the very first cover letter. ApplyArc's AI Career Coach adds another dimension - it analyses your pipeline daily and tells you exactly which applications need follow-ups, which interviews to prep for, and where your strategy needs adjusting. No spreadsheet formula can do that.
> Ready to get organised?
> [Get my action plan](/#health-check) - Free • 30 seconds • No signup required
---
*Based on analysis of user data from job seekers who switched from spreadsheets to ApplyArc. Updated February 2026.*
Ready to Land Your Dream Job?
Track applications, generate AI cover letters, and stay organized.
Try ApplyArc FreeRelated Articles
The Complete Job Search Checklist for 2026
Everything you need to do before, during, and after your job search. Print this checklist and check off each item.
How Many Jobs Should I Apply For? The Data-Driven Answer (2026)
Stop guessing. Learn exactly how many applications you need based on real data, industry benchmarks, and your experience level.
Compare Job Search Tools
See how the top job search tools stack up: