Best Job Search Sites in 2024: Overview of Job Websites

It’s the modern age. Your job hunt is now powered with AI, the internet, and 4 billion years of evolution. The problem? So is everybody else’s. Plus, you’ll need to cut through an impenetrable mass of spam.

Good news: once you know how to use the best job sites, you’ll skate through to the finish line of interviews and land your dream job fast.

This guide will show you: 

• The best job sites, ranked for easy use.
• How to use the top job search engines to find exciting opportunities.
• Tips to weed out spam when browsing through job search sites.
• Alternatives to the best job websites that can work even better for you.

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10+ Best Job Sites

1. Indeed Job Search
2. Glassdoor Jobs
3. LinkedIn
4. Google for Jobs
5. Monster
6. ZipRecruiter
7. Simply Hired
8. CareerBuilder
9. Snag (Formerly Snagajob)
10. Craigslist Jobs
11. Robert Half
12. Job.com
13. USAjobs.gov

1. Top 13 Best Job Search Engines

Here comes your new career. Your new life.

This list of the lucky 13 best job sites has everything you need for a quick and painless pathway to employment.

Below the list, you’ll find tips for how to use each job posting site. You’ll also see a second list of specialty-specific niche job boards. Finally, don’t miss the valuable finale on great alternatives to job-finding websites.

1. Indeed Jobs

Indeed is the most popular of the top job sites. It scrapes thousands of job postings from company career pages, top job search engines, and classfieds. Some employers also post openings there directly.

How to use this job search site? Just type in a job title and location. Upload a resume and register for single-click apply. Get email alerts when new jobs appear that match your saved job searches. No wonder it's a leading job site.

Recommended reading: How to Build a Resume for Any Job

2. Glassdoor

Wait, isn’t Glassdoor just for learning salaries and company reviews? It’s also one of the best job search engines around. Combine the two and you’re in business (literally.)

This job posting site has a great, slick interface. Save job search results and get notified so you can hunt employment while you sleep.

Recommended reading: How to Write a Cover Letter

3. LinkedIn Job Search

LinkedIn earns its rep as one of the best job search websites with two key functions.

First, it delivers great job listings. Second, it bootstraps your networking outreach. Human resources love it to source qualified candidates. Users can set up a free account, post rich profiles and connect with key industry power players with one click.

Recommended reading: How to Upload a Resume to LinkedIn and How to Add LinkedIn to a Resume

4. Google for Jobs

This new entry to the best online job sites brings Google’s big-brain AI to the table. This one-ring-to-rule-them-all job search engine scrubs all the others to find job postings.

Why use multiple job boards if you can get ads straight from Google? Here's how Google for Jobs works: Simply search for job title + job, e.g., product manager job. Google serves up a list of matching openings near you. Click the big blue bar to refine locations and perform a more advanced search to find more relevant jobs.

Recommended reading: Google Docs Resume Templates and Google Docs Cover Letter Templates

5. Monster

Monster job search engine gets a lot of hate among top job sites users for its high spam rate. And spam can also mean job scams which you should avoid.

That said, there’s a lot of good job opportunities. It’s got a great job selection. Plus, it lets you block your resume from current employers.

Recommended reading: Best Resume Templates for any job.

6. ZipRecruiter

ZipRecruiter job search site boasts over 8 million jobs. While the one-click application saves time, customizing your resume to each new job will get more interviews.

The perks are messaging with employers and a handy notifications setup. According to user reviews, search capability may be somewhat lacking. However, thanks to its job board network and alerts, it's popular among recruiters and job-seekers alike.

Recommended reading: ATS Resume Templates

7. SimplyHired

SimplyHired is a popular site with a slick interface.

This site’s job postings don’t seem quite as relevant as the rest. It’s a crowd-pleaser anyway, thanks to a large pool of offers and handy mobile app.

Recommended reading: How to Write a Curriculum Vitae for a Job 

8. CareerBuilder

Next on our list of best job search engines, CareerBuilder can match jobs to your resume keywords. Their Hire Insider tool also gives a detailed report of how you compete with other applicants.

The site’s Career Tests can help assess your strategy. A heavy ads scheme is somewhat of a turn off for this more traditional job site.

Recommended reading: Resume Summary Examples and Resume Objective Examples

9. Snagajob

Looking for hourly work? Snagajob might be your fav of all the top job sites. It specializes in non-salary positions that represent the gig economy.

Their coolest feature? When they don’t find matching jobs, they provide surprisingly appropriate near-misses.

10. Craigslist

Eh? Craigslist? Yep—the much vilified online classifieds site gets lots of love among the job search websites. Why?

Employers tend to shudder at the spam on big job sites. That makes Craigslist a nice homespun option to post jobs. It’s kind of like the old time print classifieds.

11. Robert Half

RobertHalf is primarily a staffing agency. It also hosts one of the more popular job search engines.

Their job finder website’s selection is thinner than other job websites. Some users also complain their scattershot approach may irritate potential employers.

12. Job.com

Job.com is unique among the top job search websites. It uses blockchain tech derived from bitcoin code.

Upload your updated resume, get instant job matches, apply, and communicate directly with employers. The different approach is worth a try.

13. USAjobs.gov

USAjobs.gov is the U.S. government’s answer to the best job search engines. It lets you search more than 2.7 million federal positions in any career you can imagine.

One refreshing touch? Publicly-listed exact salary figures.

Looking for more top job sites?

You really won’t find any other general job finding websites. Any other portals are powered by the ones shown here.

That said, we’ve got a great list of 15 career-specific job search websites below (from legal jobs to gigs.) In it, you’ll find job sites that list only tech jobs, only restaurant jobs, and so on.

Pro Tip: Don’t just “set it and forget it” when it comes to online job boards. Search and apply at least weekly. Employers respond to recently-active users first.

Join other members in mastering the know-how behind the pre-interview stage. Use the practice set tailored to your experience level and find out what to improve. You’ll feel instantly ready to nail your next interview.

GET READY FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

Connect with interview coaches today. You’ll know you did a good job when you’re done.

2. How to Use the Best Job Search Engines

Two very different futures lie ahead. In one, you complain on Reddit and Quora that the most popular job search sites are full of spam. They’re bogus. Shady. In the other, you’ve got your feet up on the desk at your new dream job. You’re trying to think what to do with all the extra money.

Want to get to future #2? The list of job search website tips below will seriously help.

1. Slam the spam: Consider opening a dedicated professional email account just for job alerts from employment websites. You can also get a free, private Google Voice phone number for applications. 

2. Try several job sites at a time. Top job sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster list many of the same jobs. Still, some employers post only on one site. Signing up for more than one can boost your chances. 

3. Don’t use all the job search engines. Signing up for all 15 of the top job finding websites would be exhausting, not to mention pointless. Try the 2–3 you like best to save your sanity. 

4. Don’t rely only on automatic job application or one-click-apply. Auto-apply is sooo much easier, and sooo much less likely to get interviews. Your resume should be customized to every opening you try. It will scream: right candidate! 

5. Don’t apply to every job. 75% of candidates say they never hear back from even one employer on the job boards. Is it a coincidence that most don’t tailor resumes to the job offer? I think not. If you don't get your resume right, the applicant tracking system will never let you through to the recruiter. 

6. Set up notifications. Almost every job site lets you set notifications for saved job searches. Use them by setting up criteria for location, salary, and other factors.

7. Organize your callbacks in a Google Sheet as they come in. Putting offers in a spreadsheet can save lots of time.

Pro Tip: Fake employers can pull your info from job search engines and harass you long after you’ve found a job. A disposable email address and Google Voice phone number prevents headaches down the road.

3. The 15 Best Niche Job Sites for Specific Industries

Imagine it’s 3am. You’ve been scrolling through generic job sites postings for the past nine hours. You’ve got to work at 8. Wouldn’t you rather look through a list of full-time or part-time jobs you actually want?

The 15 job search engines below target specific careers and different types of jobs:

Don’t see your field listed? Just do a Google search for your career name + “job search site” or “job website.” 

Pro Tip: Did you find a job you love on one of the top job sites? Apply online, but also see if you can network into it. Search social networks to find a connection who already works there. Then start a conversation.

4. Alternatives to Job Websites

Want some alternatives to job search engines? Who could blame you? By the time you’ve applied to 700 maybe-bogus jobs, your eyes have burst a thousand capillaries and you’re aging in dog years. The job search engines really work for crowds of applicants, but there are other—dare I say better?—ways.

Here's how to find your next job using alternatives to job search sites:

Networking

You’ve heard it a million times, but have you tried it? Job networking gets mad props because it works. Call or message anyone you know who may have insights. You never know what it might lead to.

Walking In

Wait—Nobody walks in with a resume these days. Everyone uses job boards. Right? Exactly. Does walking in sound daunting? Good. That’s why nobody does it, and why you’ll stand out like a billion-watt-bulb.

Pick your favorite companies, even if they don’t list jobs. Go in person. Ask to chat with a manager. Make sure to bring a resume and cover letter.

Going Direct

Here’s another great alternative to even the best job websites: going straight to the company websites. Find the best companies in your field, then hit their jobs page. If they have an office near you, go in person. Jobs posted by employers directly on their websites are often the freshest of the fresh. Consider sending a cold call cover letter!

Improving Your LinkedIn and Social Media Profiles

Did you know that according to our HR statistics report, 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find job candidates? Take time to optimize your profile and get the job opportunity of your dreams. Write a custom URL, crisp summary, and an eye-catching experience section.

Need actionable career advice? See our guide: How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Summary & Profile to Get Jobs

Using a Recruiter

Why use headhunters over job search engines? Like restaurant waitstaff, they already know what’s on the menu.

Use a recruiter over job sites if:

• Your field has a talent shortage.
• You’re an expert in your job.
• You work for a very well-known company.
• You work in a high-paying career.

For entry-level job seekers, college students, or those without unique skills, the right job hunting sites are still best.

So, now you know where and how to look for a job online. But do you know what to look for? Access:

• Work from home jobs
• Part time jobs
• Jobs for teens
• Jobs for stay at home moms
• Jobs for seniors
• Jobs for people with disabilities
• Jobs for veteran transitioners
• Nonprofit Jobs
• How to find internships

Getting ready for an interview? That’s great! How about finding even more opportunities? The best way to apply is with a resume created in our auto-fill resume builder. Attach a professional cover letter from our cover letter builder to create an irresistible duo.

LAND YOUR DREAM JOB NOW

Make a resume template and a cover letter template work together, and get ready for your incoming interviews!

Recommended reading: How to Write a Letter of Interest [Complete Guide & 15+ Examples]

Key Takeaway

To recap the best job search sites and tips for using them:

• The best job search engines are Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com, LinkedIn.com, and Google for Jobs.
• Most of the top job search websites let you post a resume. They’ll also notify you when they find jobs that match your saved job searches.
• Sign up for 2–3 of the best job boards, but don’t use all of them. Get a new email address and Google Voice phone number to cut the spam.
• Don’t forget alternatives to job websites. Try networking, direct company outreach, and walking in. They can be as powerful as online job hunting.

Do you have questions the best career websites and how to use them? Still not sure which job hunting website to sign up for? Give us a shout in the comments! New opportunities abound. Let's get you in that dream job.

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm
• https://www.craigslist.org/
• https://www.usajobs.gov/
• https://www.idealist.org/
• https://jobs.ieee.org/

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Job Search Sites

Where to start looking for a job?

To prepare yourself for a successful job hunt, do the following:

1. Set clear career goals and decide what kind of job you want to have.
2. Map out a realistic pathway toward that objective.
3. Think if you should get an internship to get there.
4. Take a good career test or two if you’re unsure.
5. Explore reliable job search sites.
6. Write a good resume and tailor your resume to the desired positions.
7. Apply, and start getting ready to ace your interviews while you’re waiting for responses.

How can I quickly find a job?

Here’s how to find a job fast:

1. Look at job-winning resume examples in your industry and improve your resume.
2. Research available options via trusted job search sites.
3. Apply directly to the hiring manager (the most effective way, as per job search statistics).

Update your resume and optimize your LinkedIn profile regularly to get requests from recruiters and be application-ready at all times.

What is the #1 most effective job search method today?

A combination of networking and using job search sites to find opportunities.

You may find the following articles helpful:

• Find out all about the top job networking tips.
• Learn how to find headhunters that can facilitate your job search.

Also, remember to always follow up after your job application if you don’t hear back from the recruiter.

Which is the best site for job searching in 2024?

The best job search engines for both office and remote jobs include:

1. Indeed
2. Glassdoor
3. LinkedIn
4. Google for Jobs
5. Monster

Insert the desired job titles into the search bar to explore your options, see salary ranges for your position, and use the job descriptions to find keywords for your resume that will help you get noticed.