Best Job Search Sites


If you’re a job seeker or an employer, use our guide to research the best job search site for you. From online hubs to streamline potential employee evaluation to resources for help with resumes and cover letters, job sites form a central part of the modern employment process. We explain how to find job sites that offer features for employers and potential employees alike.
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Compare Reviews for Top Job Search Sites | ||||||
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Founded in 2007, Glassdoor is one of the fastest-growing job sites on the Internet, containing a database of company reviews, salary reports and more. Glassdoor also offers branding and job posting solutions for employers. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is a state agency that oversees the development of the workforce in the state of Texas. They help job seekers with career development information and resources, including training programs. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
For over 20 years, Monster.com has been a driving force of online recruitment with services in more than 40 countries. It connects job seekers with employers and has become a pioneer in the online recruitment industry. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
LinkedIn is a professional social media site that allows users and companies to create profiles to connect with each other. LinkedIn gives users the opportunity to endorse each other’s skills and build a professional network. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Indeed.com is one of the largest job search sites operating across the globe. It was founded in 2004 and currently receives over 180 million unique visitors every from month searching for jobs in over 50 countries. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
CareerBuilder.com has services for employers and job seekers. Job seekers can upload up to three resumes and cover letters, and employers can filter resumes to only find ones that match their hiring needs. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Robert Half helps employers staff positions in finance, technology, administrative, legal and marketing roles. Registered job seekers gain access to thousands of online courses and resources related to job searching and training. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Based in Tacoma, Washington, PeopleReady provides labor to the construction, hospitality, distribution, transportation and manufacturing sectors in North America. Applicants can apply on the website for temp and permanent work. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Online job listing service that offers hiring solutions for small, medium and enterprise businesses. Provides job seekers listings and support. Free accounts and job postings. See salary data gathered from millions of jobs. | ![]() | Learn More | ||||
Read Author Review | ActiveHire has been connecting top candidates to employers since 1999. With free job posting and automatic links to popular social media sites, ActiveHire is a relatively inexpensive option for companies seeking new employees. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
What is a job site?
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.
How to find a job
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
How to find employees
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Job search site FAQ
How do job search sites work?
Job search sites utilize proprietary algorithms and databases of information about employment opportunities. Some sites aggregate postings from other sites around the web, while others rely on companies to post specific information. Most use an algorithm to match top-quality candidates with recruiters.
Resumes form the backbone of the search process for employers. Job sites give employers access to thousands of resumes and automated programs that limit the applicant pool to those with the right qualifications. Keeping track of job applicants requires a lot of management time. Mobile apps let employers manage their job search from anywhere, which is ideal for recruiters who are always on the go.
Job seekers don’t usually need to pay a fee to search for employment, but they may need to create a profile to use a site. Some sites let companies post openings for free. Businesses can pay for premium features, such as unlimited job postings. Top-tier employment websites even have a suite of management tools with features such as automatic candidate matching and customized email notifications.
Where can you post job openings for free?
You can post free job openings on websites such as Craigslist and Google for Jobs. LinkedIn, Indeed, SimplyHired and Glassdoor let you post a job for free and offer additional services and features for a fee. Many industry organizations and universities also allow companies to post job openings for free.
What should my cover letter say?
Your cover letter should explain why you are the best candidate for the job. This can include information about your education, professional experience, workplace habits and personal traits. Cover letters must prove why you are an exceptional candidate and why the company would want to hire you. Keep it under a page and make sure your language is professional, credible and urgent.
Why is it so hard to find a job?
Finding a job is difficult due to an increased applicant pool and a limited number of open positions. The job market is more competitive than ever, especially with the improved accessibility to knowledge, online courses and job skills.
What kind of jobs can I do from home?
There are many types of jobs that can be done from home. As the economy and job market adapt to concerns around the coronavirus, more opportunities to work remotely are popping up. Some of the most popular work-from-home jobs include:
- Graphic designer
- Social media marketer
- Virtual assistant
- Accountant
- Financial advisor
- Writer
- Website developer
- Interpreter
- Tutor
- Customer support specialist
- Paralegal/legal assistant
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Compare Reviews for Top Job Search Sites | ||||||
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Read Author Review | Careerjet launched in 2001 and is now a leading online job search engine. With a presence worldwide, it allows job seekers to access Careerjet’s database of over 40 million job positions across the globe. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | Dice.com has been linking top talent in the tech industry with employers for over two decades. Their current social recruiting tool, Open Web, finds candidates best suited for listed job postings to simplify the hiring process. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | Ladders is a career website that was founded in 2003 and has been dedicated to helping professionals find the careers they want. Their suite of tools for employers and job seekers make it a valuable resource in the hiring process. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | Simply Hired is a job search engine that matches relevant job seekers to open positions collected from job postings across the internet. Simply Hired is searchable in 24 countries and 12 different languages. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
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