There are countless sites online where you can search for jobs, but which ones are effective? Maybe you don't know where to start or what keywords to use. Maybe you aren't using as many job sites as you should. In today's post, I'm going to review several job sites that are easy to use and have produced results for me.
read me first....
I suggest that you use every resource available to you in your job search. Majority of these sites are free and allow you to list your resume for potential employers to review. In fact, you can then later use your profile and uploaded resume to quickly submit job applications when you find a position of interest. In today's digital world, your online presence is almost as important as your physical presence. When receiving your application, its not unusual for your potential employer to search Google for personal information, check your Facebook, or review your LinkedIn profile. Consequently, maintaining an up-to-date and positive online presence is extremely important. Review your online profiles often and be sure to post an updates or inquiries you have. Furthermore, use the internet to your advantage. Google search companies you're interested in! Add a recruiter or headhunter on LinkedIn and express your interest!
Jobs, Jobs, and More Jobs: Sites that produce results
1. Indeed
Rating: A-
Pros:
Combines a variety of job posting sites into one simple view
Opens job postings in a separate window so you don't lose your results
Provides a review of the company right under the job posting
Sponsored jobs are revelvant to your search and usual a good fit (in my experience)
Allows you to save your resume and in some cases offers quick apply option
Cons:
Sometimes lists inaccurate locations for companies
Filters could be improved
Sometimes lists jobs from paid membership sites that can not be viewed in full
Overall - I really like Indeed. It was one of the first job sites I used in my job search and allowed me to find many available positions I'd be interested in. I like the simplicity of the format. The site is easy to use and allows you to save positions, keep a record of jobs you selected, and gives you the option of whether to get emails on listings or not. I do not like the filters for this site. It can be really difficult to get a large search down to more specific results with these filters. Watch out for sites like Doostang in results if you're not a member of Doostang. The posting may interest you, but you will be unable to view it without a membership.
2. Monster
Rating: B+
Pros:
Like a Facebook profile for the professional world
Widely used by employers
Easy to apply with quick application option
Variety of job listings
Email Notifications
Cons:
Email Notifications (lol)
Inaccurate locations for companies
Incomplete job listings
Very limited filters
Overall- Monster is "an oldy, but a goody". Its been around for quite some time and has built an excellent reputation. Consequently, many employers use and trust this site to post their openings on. I do find a good amount of poor postings on this site though. This isn't necessarily Monster's fault, but the poor employers who decide to list jobs on the site. I love the online profile portion and I do find that potential employers review my monster profile. The biggest con for me is the email notifications. They can be really annoying! Especially since sometimes its not anything new, but just old search results. Sometimes I receive 3-5 emails a day from monster with just search results. In addition to these emails, I receive 'personalized' emails with jobs that a Monster recruiter feels I would be perfect for. These jobs are usually positions I already applied for. I do find that Monster postings often pop up on other sites such as Indeed in search results.
3. JobFox
Rating: C-
Pros:
A lot of entry level positions
Apply to jobs in one click
Specializes in job alerts via email
Cons:
Must create an account to receive email job alerts
Excessive emails
A lot of sponsored jobs from Vector and another scam-like companies
I personally haven't had a lot of luck with postings here
Overall- JobFox kind of comes off as a site where sales companies can pay to have their job listings posted multiple times. 75% or more of almost every email I receive from job fox consists of sales, commission jobs despite what my search asked for. Not my favorite site.
4. Bright
Rating: C (updated 7/14)
Pros:
Collective search job site (brings all different job sites and postings into one)
A lot of listings
Great and reputable companies listed
Extremely easy to use
Cons: (Updated 7/14)
Filters aren't specific enough, maybe 6,000+ results in one search
Lots of repeats
Opens jobs in same tab as search results
Can't see full job posting sometimes on mobile devices such as iPhone/iPad
Overall- So far, so good with Bright. I love the layout. Its refreshing because it lists the site on which the jobs were found then the job listings. The listings tend to be spot on to my keywords and they literally search EVERYWHERE. I get Yahoo! results right along with Monster results and company's websites. I definitely will be using Bright in the future. It's a great site along I wish it was more specific with its filters at times. UPDATE (7/14) - used bright more and decided I'm not a fan. If your search is broad, it maybe helpful. It's similar to a search engine in the sense that it pulls all results: relevant or irrelevant, repeat or new.
5. LinkedIn
Rating: C+ (Based on its job search only)
Pros:
Everyone has one, every company has one
Large exposure
Great social networking element
Direct contact with recruiters and potential employers
Networking
Cons:
Not a lot of job selection for entry level job seekers
Not a fan of the search set up
Overall- I like LinkedIn, but I don't find that it has a lot for those new to the professional world. It's a great tool for networking and connecting with others on a professional levels however, its job search capabilities are limited. I will say that your LinkedIn profile is still extremely important. You may not find a job with LinkedIn, but you will have your profile reviewed by an employer you may have found someone else. As a result, it is still a crucial step in your job search. Keep your profile up-to-date, you never know who is watching!
6. SimplyHired
Rating: A
Pros:
All the pros of Indeed :]
Excellent filters
Fabulous Results
Cons:
I have none so far!
Overall - SimplyHired is a God send! This is where most of my applications come from. I find that the variety of jobs is excellent. I love the filters which allow me to get straight to jobs that fit my needs. They have unique filters like "New Graduate", "GLBT Friendly", and "Socially Responsible". How cool is that? Sorry, I get excited. I love the set up and options. You can decide whether you want emails or not for the day with one click. You can connect with your LinkedIn profile with one click. You can even get salaries with ease. Awesome site!
That's all for now :] I've heard things about FlipDog so I will be trying that. If you're looking for hourly wage jobs, check out SnagAJob. It was very helpful to me my pre-graduate job search. In closing, remember to pay attention to everything on the job sites.
Quick Tips -->>>
- Read the requirements over for every posting that you're interested in.
- Cross reference the company's location with Google maps. I find that they're often listed improperly.
- Make sure the resume you uploaded is the resume you want to use for that particular application
- Customize cover letters for every posting
- Pay attention to how you should apply: via email, via the company's website, or via the site the job is posted on
- Make a profile on every site! [Yes, every site] Record all the passwords and usernames in one locations
- Use your professional email
Happy Job Searching to all my readers! I know you'll be successful with confidence, proper preparation, and faith :]
-amb
