Job Hunt Manager
A full-stack web application for organizing your job hunt in one place
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Project Overview
A comprehensive web application that helps users track job applications, interviews, and offers in one centralized platform.
At a Glance
- My Role: Full Stack Developer
- Key Skills: Full-Stack Development, Flask, Python, HTML, CSS, SQLite, Git, Version Control, Heroku Deployment
- Tools: VS Code, Git, GitHub, Heroku
- Timeframe: 2021
Deliverable Features
Key features developed for Job Hunt Manager that help users stay organized, motivated, and in control of their job hunt.
Problem
Job hunting can be overwhelming when information is scattered across different tools. Applications may be logged in spreadsheets, interview dates kept in calendars, and notes stored elsewhere. Without a single place to bring everything together, it becomes difficult to stay organized and maintain a clear picture of progress.
Key Pain Points
- Information spread across multiple tools (spreadsheets, calendars, notes apps)
- No central place to manage the full journey of each application
- Difficulty keeping track of application progress and interview details
- Frustration in maintaining an organized, consistent process
Solution
I started by validating the idea with LinkedIn polls. From there, I built the backend, created forms with WTForms, styled the frontend, and deployed the app to Heroku. The project was managed entirely by myself, with occasional technical guidance.
User Research & Discovery
I began by asking my LinkedIn network if they would find an app like this useful. The response was very positive, with many people saying they saw real value in the idea and would personally use it to manage their own job hunt.
Based on this feedback, I moved forward with building a simple, centralized system that users could log into and use regularly throughout their job search. It needed to store all the relevant data and be flexible enough for future updates.
Technical Implementation
- Backend: Developed with Python (Flask) to manage application logic and routing, and to provide the API for data handling.
- Frontend: The user interface was built using standard HTML and styled with CSS for a clear and intuitive user experience.
- Database: A SQLite relational database was implemented to persistently store user data, including applications, notes, and interview details.
- Version Control: Git was used for version control, with all project commits and updates regularly pushed to a GitHub repository.
- Deployment: The application was deployed and hosted on Heroku, making it accessible for live testing and use.
Impact
The Job Hunt Manager provides users with a centralized, intuitive tool to streamline and organize their job search. By offering a single place to track applications, interviews, and notes, the application helps users feel more in control of their job hunt, reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, and clearly visualize their progress. This ultimately allows them to be more efficient and focused throughout the process.
Project Delivery
- Solo Development: Built this project from the ground up as the sole full-stack developer.
- End-to-End Ownership: Managed the entire development lifecycle, from initial concept and user research to final deployment.
- Live Demonstration: Produced a walkthrough video to demonstrate the core functionality and user experience of the deployed application.
- Practical Experience: Gained hands-on experience in delivering a fully functional web application designed to solve a real-world problem.
Planned Next Steps
- Rebuild the app using JavaScript frameworks for both frontend and backend
- Redesign the UI with a mobile-first approach
- Incorporate accessibility features
- Deploy both a new web and mobile version
- Improve security, by adding authentication features like 2FA and allowing applications like Google Authenticator
