Best Job Search Sites

A job site is an online tool that helps hiring managers connect with new recruits. For employers, posting open positions to job sites is a good way to increase visibility and reach more potential candidates. Job sites allow candidates to post their resumes for potential employers to review. Most sites also let you create profiles to keep all your information organized.

Open job boards, industry networks and social media sites focused on career building typically have sections dedicated to company reviews, industry news or niche blogs about finding a career. 

• Open job boards: Open boards list any and all positions that employers make available. These sites often have ways to filter search results by locations, keywords, salaries and other factors. Saving job searches, bookmarking open positions and other features allow users to centralize their job searches in one convenient place. Some also offer mobile apps that let users monitor and manage resumes, applications and other important documents.
• Industry networks: Some specialized job sites serve a particular industry better than a general job board. For example, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has a job portal for members to view open positions.
• Social media: Social media sites like LinkedIn are designed for professional outreach and job postings. These sites allow users to create professional profiles and apply for jobs through the site.

Finding a job in 2020 can be tricky. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to find the right employment opportunity for your situation and career path. Start by following these steps:

1. Figure out what you want to do: Deciding what field you want to work in is sometimes the hardest step. Think about your past professional and educational experiences and pinpoint the aspects of those experiences you enjoyed most. Doing this helps guide you toward the right job opportunity.

   If you still aren’t sure, look into resources through the U.S. Department of Labor. CareerOneStop and American Job Centers provide free help for a variety of career and employment-related needs.

2. Research job titles and descriptions: Each industry has a different set of unique job titles and descriptions. Before blindly applying to any opportunity, it’s smart to research the title and determine if it aligns with your career goals. For example, if you recently graduated with a professional degree, you might look for a job with “junior,” “assistant” or “associate” in the title. If you already have experience in your field, you might qualify for “lead” or “manager” positions.
3. Network with family and friends: In such a competitive job market, it’s helpful to leverage any employment connections you may have. Your friends and family each have a professional network you can tap into. In the right situation, they may be able to connect you to a colleague or industry expert who can help you find a job.
4. Set up job alerts: Many employment websites offer job alerts. These alerts notify you when a job matching your title, description and skill criteria is posted. Also, consider setting up Google alerts for specific job title keywords and phrases.
5. Connect with companies: It’s always smart to attend professional networking opportunities if you can. As you look for a job in your respective field, make an effort to contact potential companies you’d like to work for. This gives you an opportunity to ask about the company’s values, hiring processes and future employment opportunities.
6. Perfect your resume: It’s essential to polish your resume if you want to stand out from a large pool of applicants. Get rid of outdated or irrelevant information and add your most impactful accomplishments. Job sites that feature resume advice, workshops or even writing services are useful for people entering the workforce for the first time. If you still aren’t sure where to start, consider hiring a professional resume writer to help.
7. Prepare for an interview: Once you’ve landed an interview for a potential job opportunity, it’s time to prepare. Have a list of questions to ask about the job tasks, salary expectations and work environment for the interviewer. Be sure to show up early and wear appropriate attire for the workplace. Be aware, any company that charges you a fee to interview is likely a scam.
8. Accept or decline a job offer: Once you receive a job offer, it’s time to accept or decline. Before making a snap decision, request 24 hours to consider the offer. This gives you time to weigh the factors that go into accepting a job, including the salary, benefits and responsibilities. If you decide to decline an offer, do so with respect and gratitude toward the interviewer.

Employers and job seekers both encounter frequent market challenges. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the unemployment rate to skyrocket to a record 14.7% in April 2020. This spike in available candidates has made job hunting more difficult for hiring managers. Luckily, open job boards, industry networks and social media can make it easier to manage resumes and applications.

As a recruiter, it’s crucial to find employees who meet the job's requirements and fit in with the rest of the team. Partnering with online employment solutions helps you find the right candidate for your open position. Here are some tips for finding the best employees:

1. Decide what you’re looking for: Job descriptions sometimes try to fit every possible skill into one listing, but this isn’t an effective way to find talented employees. Instead, narrow down what you need from an employee, including professional qualifications, workplace experience and location.

   With so many new openings posted daily, it is crucial for hiring managers to make their positions stand out. Spend time creating quality descriptions with clear expectations so candidates know what to expect. Many job sites offer employers an option to set the parameters of their searches to better field potential candidates.

2. Make job listings easy to find: Knowing how to reach a target demographic with a job posting is an integral part of the hiring process. Many job sites have blogs that cater to employers' needs with articles about how to write an exceptional job post or general news about the state of the company’s industry.

   Job postings are most successful when they cater to the needs, skills and preferences of job seekers. A common issue among job seekers is that open positions are challenging to find online. Make your job listings easy to find and navigate by posting them clearly on your website and employment solution platforms. Using the correct industry and job description keywords will help potential candidates identify the job opportunities that meet their career interests.

3. Network with existing employees: When looking for a new employee, start by canvassing your existing ones. Each person you work with has their own professional network you can tap into. Ask colleagues to share your opening and see what candidates come out of it.
4. Go to job fairs: To gain a larger pool of applicants, look for job fairs happening within your market. Job fairs are attended by well-qualified applicants actively searching for new opportunities. These events are also a way for your company to gain exposure to other businesses.
5. Connect with universities: Universities are bursting at the seams with students ready to enter the job force. If your company is searching for entry-level candidates, connect with the career centers at universities and colleges in your area. These institutions often have an online hub where students can learn about open jobs and internship opportunities.
6. Advertise on social media: Expand your candidate reach to those searching on social media by launching an advertising campaign. Social networks let businesses target users who are looking for a new job. Social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook are a great place to start.
7. Use ATS to build candidate databases: Recruiters can use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to quickly identify potential candidates through specific keywords, algorithms and other criteria. This process streamlines the hiring process and lets the recruiter focus on the interview process. Remember, hiring managers are only human, and it can take a long time to review and catalog each application.
8. Schedule interviews: After your ATS has whittled down the potential candidates, start scheduling interviews. Be sure to give yourself enough time between meetings to review the candidate’s answers, demeanor and qualifications.
9. Accept or reject applicants: As you get further into the hiring process, you’ll have a better understanding of which applicants you need to reject. Do so in a timely manner, as they may have other job opportunities to respond to or personal situations to attend to. Never reject a candidate without informing them.