Learn How to Become's 15 Best Job Search Sites
Updated May 1, 2023
Credit: Georgijevic | E+ | Getty Images
There are hundreds of job search sites on the web, but they're not all created equally. Job hunters today need a site that will maximize their chances of finding a position, and that won't waste their time with old job listings or functionalities that are less than user friendly. We've chosen 15 of the best job boards around and ranked them based on their usability, site features and specific search requirements so you can spend less time searching online and more time in the interviewer's chair.
Key Features At-a-Glance
We compiled a list of the must-have job boards across the web. Do they all have the features you're looking for when searching for jobs online? Find out below.
| Mobile | Free browsing | Apply on-site | Post resume | Targeted search | National search | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CareerBuilder | ||||||
| CollegeRecruiter | ||||||
| Craigslist | ||||||
| Glassdoor | ||||||
| Idealist | ||||||
| Indeed | ||||||
| Job.com | ||||||
| LinkUp | ||||||
| Monster | ||||||
| SimplyHired | ||||||
| Snag | ||||||
| Ladders | ||||||
| USAJobs | ||||||
| ZipRecruiter |
How Sites Were Chosen
Our no-nonsense approach to choosing the best sites to find jobs online looked at a variety of factors. We studied the search criteria selection, interactive resume options, ease of functionality and optional offerings for each site. Is it easy to submit job applications? Does each listing provide all the information required? Then we looked at the very important mobile aspect: How easy is the site to use on mobile? Is it easy to apply and respond to potential employers?
The result is our top 15 job search sites that offered the best experience for users.
Best Overall
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows users to connect with others in their industry and search for job positions. The number one site for professional networking, the LinkedIn profile allows users to showcase themselves in ways far beyond what they can do with a one-page resume. The networking opportunities the site provides are also unmatched, allowing professionals – looking for a new job or not – to connect with others in in their fields.
LinkedIn makes it easy for people to build their professional networks and showcase their achievements.
To access some features, such as email alerts, users must pay for premium membership.
LinkedIn allows users to search for jobs by company, keyword, location and job title. There are numerous forums and ways in which users may share information with people in different industries, and the site is mobile-optimized. LinkedIn is constantly tweaking its offerings to provide users with a more well-rounded experience.
Best Sites for Tech Jobs
Dice
This tech-only job search site brings networking, job postings and skills center – complete with learning opportunities – to those in the tech field looking to grow their networks and find new opportunities. There are even unique tools to help job seekers figure out their next move, like the Salary Predictor and custom job notifications.
Resume posting, tech news and advice, and job postings based on skills, interest and location.
Smaller tech company job postings may not be aggregated here.
Most of the big names in the tech biz – like Google and HP – use Dice.com to find new talent. The site also offers job hunting tips, resume help and other job resources.
Tech Careers
Tech Careers is one of the more than 50 career sites offered by Nexxt. This particular site focuses on the almost 300,000 jobs available in the information technology industry.
The site is straightforward and easy to use, with job matches delivered daily, resume writing help, pertinent news and advice and a timely blog.
The site is bare-bones for most, unless a job seeker pays a monthly fee to upgrade.
Featured resume listings and featured applications provide job seekers with even more ways to stand out. The easy-to-use search function makes finding opportunities a breeze.
Best Sites for Local Searches
Craigslist
Craigslist provides classified ads for everything from jobs to used furniture. This site allows users to easily search for jobs in different industries.
In addition to searching for full- and part-time jobs, users can also find short-term gigs.
The site provides posters with an anonymous email address, so job seekers won't always know what company has posted listings. Users cannot search for jobs in multiple cities in one place. Spam and scams can be an issue.
Craigslist is easy to use and allows job hunters to search by category, keyword and town. Craigslist is mobile-friendly and users can post their resumes so potential employers can contact them directly.
SimplyHired
SimplyHired is an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly site that collects job posts from several sources, including company websites and social media.
When searching by location, users can get detailed information about the area, including the average income of residents and other job openings in the area. An advanced search feature offers the ability to sort results by experience level, minimum education required, company size and revenue.
The sponsored ads that show up in search results may not be relevant.
In addition to detailed search functionality, the site allows users to create an account, save searches and upload their resume. Users can also find relevant career advice here.
Best Sites for National Searches
Monster
Around since 1999, Monster is a robust job site that makes it easy to search for jobs and get noticed by employers. The site continues to grow and add more features, such as a directory of online professional development programs and in-depth career advice.
The application process is streamlined. Monster account holders can apply for jobs with one click.
Some unscrupulous employers will spam anyone who uploads a resume here; it's important to vet all emails very carefully.
Monster offers the ability to search by job category, targeted location, job title, company and specific keyword. Users can save searches, access the site on mobile apps and create email alerts. Monster also provides job seekers who would like additional resume assistance with tools to improve their resumes.
Career Builder
Founded in 1995, CareerBuilder has a global presence that allows job seekers to find jobs around the world. CareerBuilder allows users to search by industry, location, salary range and company. A Spanish job search function is available for native Spanish speakers
Offers a downloadable guide with job search tips. Includes numerous articles with advice and information on how to avoid job scams.
Though it seems like a great deal of jobs at first, many of those are actually ads.
Users can access the site on their mobile devices, upload multiple resumes, and get advice on job interviews or resume writing.
Best Sites for Entry/Mid-Level Searches
CollegeRecruiter.com
CollegeRecruiter is geared toward those who are looking for entry-level positions and internships. Users can search through part-time and seasonal jobs as well.
CollegeRecruiter offers free resume critiques. The site offers detailed descriptions of companies listed as the best places to work.
There are no advanced search functions.
CollegeRecruiter is a mobile-friendly site that allows users to search by job title, location and position keyword. Users can read career articles geared toward recent college graduates and search jobs by college major. In addition, users can take a look at the blogs specifically written for recruiters to get insight into what looks great on a resume.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor provides detailed information about each company and job listing on the site. Users can read reviews about companies from previous or current employees.
The site offers a list of common questions that specific companies ask during interviews. A search tool allows job seekers to find common salary ranges for their profession and location.
This site lacks the advanced search functions that seem standard on other job sites.
Glassdoor allows users to search by several criteria, including category, targeted location, company, keyword and job title. Android and iPhone apps for the site allow for job hunting on-the-go, but what really sets the site apart is the insider-view potential candidates can get thanks to insights shared by current employees.
Indeed.com
Indeed is easy to navigate and allows users to search for jobs by company, keywords, job titles and location. The site also offers information on salaries and reviews on companies, which helps users take control of their job search.
Registered members of Indeed can see their most recent searches every time they log on.
Since Indeed acts more like a search engine, it can be pretty redundant if job seekers are using other job sites as well.
Users can post their resumes, set up email alerts and access the site on their mobile devices with Indeed's iPhone and Android apps. Users can take advantage of the Indeed Career Guide, which houses information on everything from writing a great resume to interviewing and starting a new job.
Best Sites for Non-Profits
Idealist
Designed for those who prefer to work with non-profits and similar organizations, Idealist is home to job openings that put community service skills to good use. Search through more than 120,000 organizations to find the right fit.
Users can search via unique criteria, such as remote or on-site, degree level and full-time or part-time.
It can be tough to find jobs near small towns; the user must cast a wide search net, which means more options to wade through.
Idealist is a good place for those who want to work in non-profit organizations. Not only can they discover open positions in organizations they are familiar with, but they also discover new, smaller non-profits that work on a more local level.
Best Sites for Management & Executive
The Ladders
The Ladders specializes in jobs for people well-established in their career. Therefore, the site restricts posts to high-paying positions. With salaries that begin at $80,000 and in-depth resume help and advice, this site is serious about ensuring the best job matches for seasoned professionals.
The site offers detailed information and job salaries on the most popular job titles. A daily blog filled with advice helps professionals hone their skills.
Basic membership allows users to upload a searchable resume, but in order to actually apply for jobs, they must sign up for the premium membership.
Job hunters can search by job title and location, save searches, create email alerts and access career advice. It's a long-established site that caters to serious professionals with over 20,000 active recruiters looking for new talent.
Headhunter.com
A division of CareerBuilder, Headhunter.com looks to match up seasoned professionals with the career opportunities that best fit their level of experience. Sections include technology, marketing, sales, consulting and finance/accounting.
Users may post resumes, discover recommended positions and create custom job alerts when a posting relevant to their field is put up.
The site doesn't offer any sort of career advice, resume help or other additional services – this is only for job searching.
Headhunter offers those looking for management and executive-level positions the chance to find opportunities by clearing out the extraneous positions that don't apply to them. Users can even search by their desired level: Manager, Director, Vice President or Executive.
Best Sites for Government Jobs
USAJobs.gov
USAJobs specializes in positions available in the federal government. The site breaks down the positions into “hiring paths,” which include veterans, military spouses, those with a disability, senior executives, families of overseas employees and more.
USAJobs.gov allows users to upload multiple resumes and cover letters. Users have the option to subscribe to an RSS feed of their search to be delivered to their email each day.
Job search tips and interview assistance are available, but only through “virtual events” that occur at specific dates and times.
Users can find government jobs by category, salary, job title and federal agency. Once a resume is uploaded, it goes into a searchable database that helps recruiters find appropriate job seekers for their open positions.
Governmentjobs.com
With categories like 911 telecommunications, public health and urban forestry, GovernmentJobs.com has been working with government agencies to bring position openings to the masses since 1998. Users can search for jobs by location, title keyword or browse through a list of available titles.
Users can apply for and follow up on applications right through the site thanks to its integration with the NEOGOV human resources software, which automates the process. They can also schedule needed application exams right on the site.
Most positions listed on the site are based in urban areas, which might make it tough for those in smaller towns to find a good position within easy driving distance. Since searches narrow down by keyword, sometimes positions in many states are presented even when using the “City, State, Zip” function.
Aggregating thousands of government job openings in one place, this site streamlines the process for the applicant. By creating a free account, the user can keep track of and follow up on all jobs for which they applied in one centralized location.
USA.gov
This government site offers search opportunities both at home and abroad and has much information on what working for the government entails. In addition to job postings, users can learn more about security clearances, apprenticeships, the Civil Service Exam and more.
Multiple job opportunities and resources are available for a number of special interest groups, including vets, students/recent grads and those with disabilities. Users can even search for jobs based on their college degree.
Though the site is very user-friendly, job seekers could find themselves facing information overload. Plan on spending a lot of time on the site to figure out all the nuances.
The sheer amount of information and resources presented on the site makes it a great stop for people at all points in their career, looking for a job or not. Feeling a little overwhelmed by the variety? No problem. Users can call, email or online chat with representatives who can guide them through anything that seems confusing.
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