10 Note Taking Tools for Recruiters

Posted by Jonathan Kidder on March 27, 2020January 27, 2023

A notepad is one of those things most of us don’t carry around, but in the moment when we need one, it’s almost certainly a big deal. As a recruiter, your need for pen and paper is even greater than the average worker, and that means it should be considered a daily essential. Of course, carrying around a notepad is definitely a hassle but it’s important to track all your screens in an organized manner.

Fortunately, the advent of smartphones and other devices means the need for a paper notepad is practically eliminated, at least in a pinch. Here are 10 note taking mobile/extensions apps worth trying.

1. Notepad by ClickUp

This Chrome extension allows you to download it and use it anywhere on the web. You can also use it as part of the ClickUp mobile app. Record notes, make checklists, and create tasks instantly. You can sync your mobile and desktop, too, so you’re always caught up.

2. Google Keep

This note taking app from Google is completely accessible and enables you to make lists, save links, copy text, and even add audio recordings to keep track of important meetings and details. You can also use reminders to make Google Keep a lightweight task management system. Formatting is a bit tough, but not impossible.

3. Bear

Although Bear only works on iOS devices, it’s a great note taking app that has a menu features. Its organizational system is definitely one of its strongest points, and you can even use hashtags to categorize your notes. Slashes can be used to create subfolders, too. It makes organizing a large volume of notes simple.

4. Workflowy

This app is a notes and project management system in one, but it’s ideal for note taking. It takes the outlining idea to the extreme, allowing you to drill further down into an outline as you create a hierarchical structure. People use it to plan books, create task and checklists, and organize their priorities.

5. Evernote

Evernote is one of the most popular note taking apps, but it has fallen behind a bit in recent times. However, it’s still easy to take notes and lists, and you can even attach files, which makes referencing easy. The interface has also led the way as far as note taking apps go. I wrote another piece about using Evernote for recruiting (here).

6. Paper

Paper is great for visual thinkers. It’s different from these other note taking apps and it actually works more like a sketch pad. You can use paintbrushes, shapes, and swirls to get your ideas across. You can also create mind maps and draw stuff. It’s currently available on Mac and iOS devices.

7. Ulysses

This hybrid writing program doubles as a note taking application and allows you to transform notes into presentations with your Mac devices. You can also set writing goals and make use of all the outside resources. The interface is clean and minimalist.

8. SquidNotes

You can use SquidNotes to capture your actual handwriting, which is a fun pro for many people. In this sense, it’s just like an actual notebook. Just use a stylus or your finger and you can write anything you want. It’s also possible to resize your notes, export them to PDF, add shapes, and do a few other things.

9. Microsoft OneNote

This application is great for annotating PDFs and enjoying the traditional note taking features with a sketchbook approach similar to Paper. It allows you to add photos, make lists, draw things, and use audio dictation in one platform. The OneNote feature also lets you both use the keyboard to write and use your finger or stylus to draw.

10. Simplenote

Automattic, the creators of WordPress, invented Simplenote for a clean, free interface where you could easily address your most basic note taking problems. You can use it across your desktop and mobile devices and there’s even a history of your previous notes that you can review. However, features are quite limited, with it being difficult to add attachments and set reminders.

It’s important to track and record all your phone screens in an organized manner. These apps and extensions are great resources to get started.

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Jonathan Kidder

With more than 12 years of recruitment experience, Jonathan has helped startups and small businesses find the talent they need. He runs the blog WizardSourcer, which explores the latest trends in talent sourcing, provides reviews of recruitment tools, and features interviews with prominent figures in the industry.