Job search depression is real. Looking for work takes time and energy, and starting can be the hardest part. Whether you’re hunting for your first post-graduate job, seeking a new opportunity after getting laid off from work, or making a career change at 40, knowing where to begin your search is the first step.
Familiarize yourself with popular job-hunting sites, tools, and platforms to take some uncertainty out of the process. Get to know the best places to look for jobs online to streamline your search and help you find a job you love.
What are job search websites?
Job search sites are online platforms where employers post open positions and job seekers apply for them. Different sites have different capabilities, but most have filters that let you quickly find jobs based on title, location, salary, experience level, and employment type.
Most of these job-searching tools also include:
Types of job search sites
Employment websites generally come in two forms: job boards and job search engines.
On job boards, companies post their employment opportunities directly to the public. Third parties often operate and maintain external job boards — some industry-specific — but company websites often have internal job boards built in. This lets them integrate applicant tracking software (ATS) to help human resources (HR) manage talent acquisition.
Some businesses only promote job openings on internal boards. If you want to work for a specific organization, or if you’re looking for a niche role, the best job board to find these opportunities is a company’s own website.
Job search engines, on the other hand, are aggregators. They crawl corporate websites and other job boards to compile postings and add them to their databases. Hiring managers can also upload postings, sometimes paying money to push their opportunities higher in the search results.
Job search engines generally have more posts, which means you’ll find more positions to apply for. When you enter your criteria, the site will scan all the entries to deliver a list of the postings that most closely meet your requirements. That saves you from visiting multiple job boards.
6 best sites to apply for jobs
What’s the best job search engine or board for you? Since many offer a broad overview of available positions, it’s hard to choose just one. Find a site, or multiple, that you find easy to use and deliver the results you want. Here are a few options to get you started:
1. Indeed
Indeed is the most downloaded job-searching app in the country, and its website has more than 300 million visitors every month. Indeed lets you research jobs, companies, and salaries for free. The site’s functionality customizes your job search based on job title, keyword, and location. There’s even an option to find remote jobs exclusively.
When you create an account, you only have to upload your resume and cover letter once, which saves time if you’re applying to several positions with the same credentials. Indeed also has messaging functionality so recruiters and prospective employers can contact you directly.
Pros:
- No cost for job seekers
- Millions of opportunities
- Lets you research companies and compare salaries
Cons:
- Significant competition for jobs
- Search results sometimes return expired postings
2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional social networking site that helps job seekers find opportunities in a few different ways. As a social platform, it can leverage the power of your network to find you new roles. LinkedIn also hosts your digital resume and professional profile, making the job application process faster and easier.
LinkedIn’s features include alerts, saved searches, and skills assessments you can post on your profile. A premium plan offers more features, including cold-connecting with recruiters, but it can cost between $29.99 and $159.99 monthly.
If you’re going to take advantage of everything this site has to offer, invest some time to optimize your LinkedIn profile for search and make it as detailed as possible. Any time you use the platform to submit a job application, the recruiter receives both your resume and your complete profile. Making an effort to put your best foot forward shows them you’re invested.
Pros:
- Great social networking resource
- Easy to locate and contact recruiters and hiring managers
- Lets you show off accomplishments from past jobs
Cons:
- Prone to scams and spam messages
- Search results sometimes return expired postings
- Only premium subscribers can access some features
3. Glassdoor
Glassdoor boasts more than 115 million salaries, reviews, and insights. Even if you don’t look for jobs on this platform, it’s a useful tool for researching potential employers and exploring the interview process.
Previous employees or interviewees post anonymous reviews of their experience and compensation range so you know what to expect from every company.
To begin your job search with Glassdoor, create your profile, upload your resume, and sign up for email job alerts. When you search for something, the results page will include the open positions along with how to apply, company information, and anonymous ratings.
Pros:
- Free for job seekers
- Lets you research company reviews and salary reports
- Provides employer and interview reviews
Cons:
- Profile builder functionality is limited
- Company reviews might not be accurate
4. Wellfound
Wellfound, formerly AngelList, helps job seekers connect with startups. The site posts positions from a variety of sectors, including online publishing, healthcare and beauty, and fintech businesses.
Once you set up your account, you can view job listings by title, location, and type. It’s free to use, and your profile acts as your resume for your job search.
Along with your profile, Wellfound asks you to create a cover letter for every application to explain your interest. It might seem like an unnecessary extra step, but it ensures you only apply for jobs at companies you’re passionate about.
Wellfound also gives you the name and title of the person who will review your application. It’s a great way to start a conversation and include startup founders while building your network.
Pros:
- No cost for job seekers
- Provides upfront access to salary and equity information
- Lets users search for local and remote positions within startups
Cons:
- Job database limited to startup roles
- Comparatively small database
5. Flexjobs
Traditional job sites don’t always correctly indicate whether a job is remote, flexible, or hybrid. Flexjobs only lists vetted work-from-home and freelance opportunities.
It uses all proceeds from subscriptions to conduct research to assure the legitimacy of every posting before adding it to the database. That being said, it is a members-only platform, costing $9.95 per week, $24.95 per month, or $59.95 per year.
You can view job opportunities across 50 categories, including everything from entry-level to C-suite positions, in an ad-free environment. You’ll also have access to valuable bonus offers, like discounts on professional career coaching and products like laptops.
If you aren’t satisfied with your job search experience, Flexjobs will refund your money within a week of subscribing.
Pros:
- Dedicated to providing flexible work options
- Ensures the legitimacy of job postings
- Offers exclusive deals to members
Cons:
- Paid subscription only
- Not all listings are exclusive to the site
6. USAJobs
If you’re interested in working for the U.S. government, USAJobs is the only source for official job postings. Build a profile with your resume, create job alerts, and save and track job applications. The site lets you search for government jobs by keyword, location, department, or agency.
You should note that the application process for any federal position uses a very strict resume format. Also, some jobs have rigorous application requirements, and violating those terms disqualifies you from the hiring process. Thoroughly research the position and agency you’re applying to before submitting.
Pros:
- Free for job seekers
- Multi-functional platform
Cons:
- Some postings are for current government employees only
- Strict application process
What’s the best job search site?
There’s no “best” job search site; it depends on your wants and needs in terms of your career path and goals. While Indeed is one of the largest websites, with 300 million unique visitors per month, its offering may be too broad if you’re looking for a niche role — like one at a tech startup or government organization.
Choose your primary search site based on ease of use, the number of job postings, and your industry. A job search is a lot of work, and understanding what you want to find first will help you choose the most effective platform. It might take some trial and error to find one that sticks.
How to choose the right job search site for you
The key to choosing a platform is to think about what features you’ll find the most helpful. For example, if you’re on the go and only have internet access via cell phone, you’ll want a mobile-enabled site that lets you apply for a job quickly, like Indeed or LinkedIn.
And if you want a personal, in-depth application experience, Wellfound might be a better choice. Consider the following features to narrow down your search.
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Job alerts: A platform might notify you via email, SMS, or push notification when it finds new positions or if you get a response to an application. Choose a platform that notifies you the way you prefer.
Step up your game with 6 job-searching tips
Choosing a job search website is only the first step. Learning how to manage your efforts boosts your chances of landing a position that fulfills you. Here are some tips for your job hunt:
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Use a resume builder: Most job search sites include a resume builder or recommended application. Take advantage of the functionality to polish your CV and make it application-ready.
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Leverage your network: Finding a new job through your contacts is more likely to earn you a higher salary. Ask your professional network to let you know of any opportunities you might find interesting.
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Don’t set and forget: Search for new opportunities as often as you can. Companies sometimes respond to active users first, and you don’t want to miss a relevant opportunity that only stays up for a week or two.
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Use multiple search engines: Choose a broad website and include one or two more niche offerings, like a board specializing in nonprofit employers or one that attracts talent for small businesses. This helps you cover all the bases.
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Customize your resume: It’s tempting to only use an auto-apply feature, but if you’re really excited about a job opportunity, take some time to adjust your resume to include keywords from the job description.
Your changes will help your resume score higher on an ATS and improve your chances of receiving a response.
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Apply even if you don’t have every requirement: Job postings describe an ideal candidate, and in most cases, they’re flexible. If your qualifications match the majority of those listed in the description, apply, even if you’re missing some.
For example, if you don’t have a master’s degree but do have relevant experience, you could explain in your cover letter why you’re a great fit.
Find your next opportunity
Searching for a new position can be exhausting and even lead to job search depression, but knowing the best places to look for jobs takes some weight off your shoulders.
Job posting sites, boards, and search engines can help you find local jobs close to friends and family or let you work remotely from anywhere in the world. Stay active and make sure you don’t miss out on the next great opportunity.
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