The 15 Job Search Engines To Discover Your Dream Job

Finding a new job can be quite challenging. Anyone who has ever been on the hunt for a job knows how frustrating it can be to send out hundreds of resumes in the hopes of getting even just one call back. In fact, even finding open job positions that you’re qualified for can be a struggle at times.

Fortunately, if you know where to look, the process of finding a new job can be a lot easier. For example, if you’re starting a new job search, one of the first places you should look is on a job search engine.

What Are Job Search Engines?

A job search engine is a specific type of search engine that allows users to find open job positions. While general search engines like Google and Bing can be used to find jobs, job search engines are designed specifically for the purpose of finding a job.

The job listings displayed on any given job search engine are submitted by recruiters or businesses that are looking to hire new employees. In some cases, the job search engines are designed to aggregate job listings from other sources around the web.

How Do Job Search Engines Work?

To use a job search engine, you will likely need to create an account. Setting up an account is usually a straightforward process. Many job search engines also allow you to create a profile so that recruiters can find you when they’re searching for candidates.

Once you have an account, you’ll have access to the search engine’s results pages and you can start searching for positions that match your skill set and location using keywords, geo-modifiers, or other criteria.

When searching through results pages, you’ll be able to click on open jobs to read about the position, the requirements, the company looking to fill the position, and more. Depending on the search engine you’re using, you may be able to apply for the job directly from that page. In other cases, you may be redirected to the company’s website or to another job board before you can apply.

Is It Worth Finding Jobs Through Online Job Search Engines?

Yes, it is definitely worth it to use online job search engines. The great thing about using job search engines is that they allow you to reach a large number of potential employers quickly and easily.

Many of these search engines even let you set up alerts so you don’t have to keep checking the site for new postings. You’ll usually be notified as soon as something that matches your criteria is posted.

Of course, you shouldn’t rely on online job search engines alone – it’s always a good idea to use a variety of different channels when searching for jobs. However, job search engines will give you the best chance of finding the right position for your situation.

Factors To Consider In Deciding Which Job Search Engine To Use

If you’ve never used a job search engine before, you may find yourself quickly overwhelmed by the number of options available. To help you narrow down your choices (and to make sure you’re using one that will provide you with high-quality results), here are a few factors to consider:

• Positive customer reviews: Take some time to read customer reviews of the job search engines you’re considering. Pay attention to both the positive and negative reviews, as they can give you helpful insights into the quality of the search engine.
  Keep in mind that if a job search engine has thousands of reviews, it will likely have a few negative ones. No job search engine will be perfect, but you should look for ones that have mostly positive reviews.
• Mobile compatibility: More and more job seekers are using their mobile devices to search for jobs. If you plan to use your smartphone or tablet to search for jobs, then you’ll want to make sure the job search engine you use is mobile-friendly.
  If it’s not, you’ll quickly find that the search engine is difficult to navigate as it may not display correctly (or even load correctly) on your mobile device.
• Search filter: The more filter options a job search engine provides, the better. Search filters allow you to filter your results by certain parameters, such as location, job type, salary range, and other criteria.
  This can be a helpful way to narrow down the search results so you’re only seeing postings that are relevant to you. Without search filters, you’ll have to scroll through hundreds, if not thousands, of results that may not be relevant to your job needs.
• Number of listings: Take a look at how many job listings are posted on the site. If there are only a handful of jobs posted, then it’s not likely that you’ll find many good job openings on that particular search engine.
  However, if there are thousands of job postings, then you’ll have a much better chance of finding good job openings that match your skills and experience.
• Accessibility: How easy is it to navigate the job search engine’s interface? If you find the interface to be confusing or difficult to use, then it may be best to find another option. The best job search engines will be intuitive and easy to use so you can quickly find the results you’re looking for.
• Cost: The vast majority of job search engines are free to use. However, there are a handful of sites that charge a fee to access their job listing database. If you come across a job search engine that charges a fee, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth by reviewing the features and functionality that are included.
• Tools and advanced features: Does the job search engine provide any tools or advanced features that can help you in your job search? These might include resume builders, interview preparation resources, or salary negotiation tips.
  If you’re paying for a premium account, you should make sure that you’re getting access to valuable resources that will help you in your job search.
• Industries: Some job search engines focus on specific industries while others are more general in nature. If you have a specific industry in mind, then you’ll want to make sure that the job search engine you use includes postings from that industry.
• Experience levels served: Does the job search engine focus on entry-level jobs, mid-level jobs, or executive-level jobs? Make sure you’re using a job search engine that contains postings for the type of job you’re looking for.
• Credibility: When you’re searching for a job, you’ll be providing the search engine with personal information, such as your name, contact details, and resume. You’ll therefore want to make sure that the job search engine you use is credible and will protect your information.
  A job search engine with a lot of positive customer reviews will usually be credible. However, you should also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the search engine company.
• Reputation: Customer reviews are a good way to judge the reputation of a job search engine. However, you should also see if the search engine is affiliated with any well-known companies or organizations.
  You can also check to see if the search engine has won any awards or been featured in any major publications. Reputable affiliations and awards are a good indication of a stellar reputation.

Searching Jobs Through Google

When it comes to starting a search of any kind, most people will turn to Google. You can do the exact same thing when it comes to a job search.

In fact, Google has an aggregator tool called Google For Jobs. This aggregator collects job ads from job boards and third-party sites around the web so that job seekers can easily find relevant listings through Google’s primary search engine.

Before you begin your job search through Google, you should be aware of its pros and cons.

The benefits of using Google For Jobs:

• Google For Jobs is free to use.
• It’s as simple as using the regular Google search engine.
• Google will automatically filter your results for jobs near you if you don’t use location-specific keywords.
• Filtering your job search results is as simple as using the right keywords. As such, you can filter your results using incredibly specific parameters.

The drawbacks of using Google For Jobs:

• Google For Jobs is not a platform built specifically for job seekers. It’s a feature built into the existing Google search engine. As such, there are no additional features or functionality. You’ll have to search for additional resources and find them on other sites.
• You can’t upload a resume to Google. Instead, you’ll have to apply for the job through whatever listing appears in Google’s search results.

Unlike other job sites, employers won’t be able to find you unless you have a profile on a different job search engine.

The Best Online Job Search Engines To Try

Keeping the previously listed factors in mind will definitely help you identify a job search engine that will suit your needs. However, there are still a ton of options to wade through. To help you get started, the following are the top 15 job search engines to consider when searching for a job:

1. Indeed

With over 250 million monthly users, Indeed is one of the most popular job search engines out there. When it comes to the number of job listings, you’ll find few other job search engines can compare. It’s estimated that around 10 new job listings are added to Indeed every second.

This is because Indeed is a database aggregator, meaning it pulls job postings from other job sites, as well as company career pages.

The benefits of using Indeed:

• Indeed is free to use.
• Indeed has job postings from all over the world.
• Indeed has many filters that allow you to search using different criteria.
• Job postings for every industry are listed.
• You can upload your resume.
• Recruiters and employers can find and contact you easily.
• You can receive automated email updates.
• Job listings come with salary information and a company reviews section.
• The mobile-friendly site is easy to navigate and the interface is easy to use.
• Includes a free resume builder.

The drawbacks of using Indeed:

• Since Indeed aggregates listings from other sources, you may be redirected to other sites, making the application process less streamlined.
• Indeed is a very no-frills job search engine. There’s not a lot in the way of additional career resources and features.

2. CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder is another popular job search engine, with over 24 million unique monthly visitors. The site includes job listings from all over the world, across a variety of industries. In fact, 92% of Fortune 500 companies use CareerBuilder.

The benefits of using CareerBuilder:

• CareerBuilder is free to use.
• The interface is easy to use.
• You can build or upload your resume directly.
• The job recommendation engine matches keywords in your resume to those used in job listings for more relevant results.
• A Free “Hire Insider” tool provides detailed reports comparing you to other applicants, and shows you which applicants are interested in various jobs.
• Personalized career tests to help you assess your career trajectory and learn about various career options.
• A robust security team helps identify and remove fraudulent job postings and scams.
• Search filters that can include location, job title, category, companies, industries, degrees, salary range, keywords, and more.
• Filters allow you to exclude certain keywords.
• Job alerts allow for automatic email notifications.
• A salary calculator lets you compare average salary information locally.

The drawbacks of using CareerBuilder:

• Although free, there are a lot of ads on their site which can disrupt the user experience.
• The majority of the job postings on CareerBuilder require a college degree.

3. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a business and employment-oriented social media network that operates through a website and mobile app. There are over 830 million LinkedIn users worldwide. LinkedIn is primarily used for professional networking. As such, LinkedIn can be used by employers to post jobs, and also by job seekers looking to post their CVs.

The benefits of using LinkedIn:

• LinkedIn allows you to search by location, job title, company, and more.
• As a social media platform, you can create a much more detailed profile to attract recruiters.
• You can see who you know at a company, which can be helpful for networking.
• In addition to job postings, LinkedIn also has a large database of company information that can be helpful for research.
• The site includes articles and resources on job search, career advice, and more.
• Employers must pay to post job listings, which helps eliminate fraudulent listings.
• You can join relevant groups within your industry to network with other professionals and discover job opportunities.

The drawbacks of using LinkedIn:

• Some users find the interface confusing and difficult to use.
• Although free, there is a premium account that requires a monthly fee. Premium Members have the advantage of applying as a “featured applicant,” giving them a step up over the free users.
• Because there are so many users, some companies don’t list job openings on LinkedIn because they receive too many applications from unqualified job seekers. As such, top tier companies with high demand positions to fill may not post their listings on LinkedIn.

4. Glassdoor

Glassdoor is a great resource for job seekers who want to research a company before applying for a job to find out what it’s like to work for them. The site includes company reviews, salary information, and interview questions from employees.

Their database consists of 2.1 million employers and their site contains over 110 million company reviews. Glassdoor also has a job search engine that allows you to search for jobs by location, job title, company, and more.

The benefits of using Glassdoor:

• Glassdoor is free for job seekers.
• You can upload your resume, meaning it’s easy to make submissions.
• Sign up for email alerts to notify you about job opportunities.
• Job listings include company overviews, anonymous ratings, reviews, and salary information.
• Offers an inside look at what it’s like to work for a company.
• The job search engine allows you to search by location, job title, and company.
• Glassdoor also has a mobile app.
• The site offers articles and resources on job search, career advice, and more.

The drawbacks of using Glassdoor:

• The site is mostly focused on U.S. companies and job listings.
• Some users find the interface difficult to use.
• Although it’s a great resource for research, Glassdoor does not have a lot of advanced search options.

5. SimplyHired

SimplyHired is similar to Indeed in that it aggregates job listings from all over the internet. The site includes job postings from company websites, job boards, other search sites, social media, and more. SimplyHired has over 30 million monthly unique visitors and over eight million job listings. It’s also worth noting that they have shared ownership with Glassdoor.

The benefits of using SimplyHired:

• SimplyHired is free to use.
• SimplyHired has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate.
• A highly customizable resume builder is included.
• The salary calculator lets you compare your current salary with the salaries of people in the same field as you (including on a local and national basis).
• Flexible search options let you search by a wide variety of parameters, including location, job types, experience or education requirements, company size, and much more. You can even search parameters such as veteran-friendly, Fortune 500, socially responsible, and LGBT-friendly, to name a few.
• You can search through countless categories, including accounting, customer service, engineering, healthcare, IT, marketing, sales, and more.
• SimplyHired has a robust mobile app that includes an incredibly helpful one-click “Quick Apply” feature.
• The website contains a blog with articles on job search tips, career advice, and more.

The drawbacks of using SimplyHired:

• SimplyHired charges employers for each candidate they contact, which means that they may not be as likely to reach out as they are on other job boards.

6. GetWork

GetWork is a job search engine that scrapes the Internet for job listings and organizes them in one place. In this way, it’s not dissimilar from some of the other job search engines on this list. However, GetWork is considered one of the most up-to-date search engines as they update their job listings every day.

The benefits of using GetWork:

• GetWork is free to use.
• The engine uses proprietary technology to monitor tens of thousands of job sites around the web.
• All of the companies that are aggregated on their results pages are verified, which means you don’t have to worry about scams or fraud.
• GetWork is one of the most up-to-date job listing aggregators, which means you’re much less likely to get expired or redundant listings on your results page.
• It’s one of the fastest job search engines available, which means that you’ll be able to apply for jobs right away before other potential candidates have a chance to see the listing.
• You can perform searches and go through listings without signing up for an account (however, if you want to save any listings you’ve found, you will need an account).
• If you have an account, you can set up email notifications.

The drawbacks of using GetWork:

• The search filtering options are very limited compared to other job search engines.
• You won’t find any extra features or functionality beyond the basic job search function.
• You can’t apply for jobs directly through GetWork.

7. Snagajob

Snagajob is a job search engine that specializes in hourly paid jobs. It’s one of the most popular job search engines for this type of job and has over three million active listings. The website is designed specifically with hourly jobs in mind and offers a variety of features to help job seekers find the right position.

The benefits of using Snagajob:

• Snagajob is free to use for jobseekers.
• The search engine is perfect for anyone looking for part-time and hourly positions.
• There are over 41,000 job categories.
• There are extensive search filters available, including location filters (such as city, zip code, and even proximity to universities), shift jobs, entry-level jobs, no experience jobs, seasonal jobs, bilingual jobs, and much more.
• You can set up email notifications for alerts about new job opportunities.
• The site has a job tips forum that provides jobseekers with lots of educational resources.
• Snagajob has a feature that allows you to share job postings with others.

The drawbacks of using Snagajob:

• The application process is nowhere near as streamlined as other job sites. Not only do you need to fill out a detailed profile on Snagajob, but the site will redirect you to the site where the job listing originated, where you’ll have to fill out another application.
• There are a lot of ads that can make Snagajob feel cluttered and that hinder the overall user experience.

8. Monster

Monster is without doubt one of the biggest job search engines out there. It’s also one of the original online job boards, having been established back in the mid 1990s. These days, around 7,900 job search queries are performed and 29 new resumes are uploaded on their search engine every minute.

The benefits of using Monster:

• Monster is free to use.
• The search engine is very easy to navigate.
• You can block your resume from specific companies (which is useful if you’re searching for a new job while still being employed).
• You can upload different resumes to your profile.
• Applying to jobs is easy as long as they are hosted on the site. If they aren’t, you’ll be redirected to the site the job listing exists on.
• You can connect your LinkedIn profile.
• The “MyResumeAgent” feature allows you to send your resume to a network of recruiters within your industry (although you’ll have to pay a one-time fee to use this feature).
• Monster has an easy-to-use mobile app.
• You can easily save job listings and set up job alerts, both via your email and your mobile app.
• There are a lot of additional resources. For example, Monster provides a salary calculator and salary report feature, online degree programs, eLearning features, and even the ability to hire a professional writer to work on your resume.

The drawbacks of using Monster:

• There are some redundant job listings and spam as a result of how big Monster is.
• The amount of ads that run on Monster can be distracting.
• Although there are a decent number of search filters available, they’re not up to par with some of the other competing job search engine sites.
• As nice as the resume writing feature is, some users have complained that the work is often delivered late (despite having paid for it to be done within a certain time frame).

9. Wellfound

Wellfound is a very unique job search engine in that it focuses on startups. You’ll find job listings from over 130,000 startups on Wellfound. If you’re looking for a job at a startup or small business, Wellfound is definitely worth checking out.

The benefits of using Wellfound:

• Job listings are more transparent than other search engines. They even include salary ranges and equity options along with key data about the companies.
• Although free to use, you will have to create an account and a profile. This profile will serve as your resume when you apply to job listings on Wellfound.
• Every job listing includes the name and title of the person who will review your application. In many cases, it will be the CEO of the startup themselves.
• Every application requires a cover letter that allows you to further explain why you’re an ideal candidate for the position.
• It’s a great search engine for finding remote positions.

The drawbacks of using Wellfound:

• It’s mostly focused on the tech industry. As such, if you’re not looking for tech-related jobs in a startup, this search engine may not be for you.
• If you want to work at a more established company, you won’t find that here.
• Although there are a handful of useful job search filters, they’re not as extensive as they could be.

10. Company Career Pages

Although most companies will list job openings on many of these job search engines, you’ll often find that they will list these openings on their company websites as well, generally under the “Career Page” tab. If you want to work for specific companies, then it’s worth looking through their company career pages for job openings.

The benefits of using company career pages:

• You can go directly to the source to look for job openings.
• You waste less time reading through job listings that don’t interest you.
• You’re cutting out the middle-man, which means you can apply directly to the company.
• If you’re currently employed and you only want to switch jobs if something opens up at a specific company, then you can monitor their career page over time.

The drawbacks of using company career pages:

• To take advantage of a company’s career page, you have to have specific companies in mind. Researching random companies to look through their career pages isn’t an efficient use of your time.
• There’s not going to be nearly as many job openings available on a company career page than on a general job search engine. In fact, some companies may not have any openings at all at certain times.
• If you’re only looking at company career pages, you may miss out on job openings listed on job search engines that could have been a perfect fit.

Niche Job Board Search Engines

Although the previously listed job search engines are widely received as being at the top of their class, there are many other options that job seekers should be aware of. These days, companies post job openings on specialty or niche job boards to reach candidates with specialized skills and experience.

The following are a few examples of niche search engines that may cater to your specialized industry, occupation, or geographic qualifications:

11. Technical Jobs: Dice

Dice is a job board that specializes in technology-related positions. They even refer to themselves as the “Career Hub of Tech.” It’s a great option for job seekers with experience in coding, software development, information technology, and other technical fields.

The benefits of using Dice:

• Dice is free to use.
• Dice has over 85,000 job listings, which is significant for a niche job board.
• Despite being a niche job search engine, IT companies as big as Amazon and eBay have job listings on it.
• Advanced search and filtering options make looking for specific types of jobs hassle-free.
• You can set up job alerts to receive email notifications when new positions that match your criteria are posted.
• You can upload your resume and save searches to easily apply for multiple jobs at once.
• You can research companies and read reviews from current and former employees.
• Dice offers a mobile app, which makes it easy to search for jobs and apply on the go.

The drawbacks of using Dice:

• The website can be difficult to navigate, and some users have reported that it’s hard to find certain features.
• The user interface of the mobile app is a bit outdated.

12. Finance Jobs: eFinancialCareers

eFinancialCareers is a job board that specializes in finance-related positions. It’s a great option for job seekers with experience in accounting, banking, financial analysis, and other financial fields.

The benefits of using eFinancialCareers:

• eFinanceCareers has a strong selection of filters available to help narrow down your search.
• The site lets you set up job alerts to receive email notifications when new positions that match your criteria are posted.
• You can upload your resume and receive writing assistance.
• The mobile app makes it easy to search for jobs and apply on the go.
• Career resources and information are available in the form of articles and news stories.
• eFinancialCareers is available in 19 markets across North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

The drawbacks of using eFinancialCareers:

• Users have complained that sometimes the application process can be time-consuming and inefficient.

13. Colleges And University Jobs: HigherEdJobs

If you’re searching for a job at a college or university setting (for example, as a teacher), then HigherEdJobs can be quite useful. HigherEdJobs is a job search platform that focuses solely on faculty, administrative, and executive jobs available at colleges and universities. They claim to list 1,213 new jobs a day.

The benefits of using HigherEdJobs:

• HigherEdJobs is free to use.
• Lots of resources for research, such as podcasts, articles, newsletters, and university profiles.
• Plenty of search and filter options, including location, school, type of school, full- or part-time, type of position, state, and region.
• Email notifications about relevant job opportunities.
• You can upload your resume and apply for jobs directly through HigherEdJobs or through a link to the institution’s website.
• You can make your resume public so that employers can find you.
• The simple and clean layout makes navigation easy.

The drawbacks of using HigherEdJobs:

• Local job postings will be limited due to how narrow the focus of the job search engine is.
• There is no mobile app as of yet.

14. Non-profit Work Openings: Idealist

If you’re looking to work in the non-profit sector, then Idealist can be a great resource for your job search. Idealist is a website that connects people and organizations to help make the world a better place. Their job board features job openings at non-profit organizations all over the world.

The benefits of using Idealist:

• Idealist is free to use.
• Jobs are posted by verified employers, so you can be sure they’re legitimate.
• In addition to finding jobs, you can also find organizations near you to volunteer or intern for.
• A variety of filters are available to help narrow down your search, including by keyword, sector, job type, location, and cause.
• Idealist also offers a mobile app, which makes it easy to search and apply for jobs on the go.

The drawbacks of using Idealist:

• Some users have complained that the website can be slow and difficult to navigate.
• You can’t receive notifications for any new opportunities that appear that match your criteria.
• There are no resume-related features to help build your resume. In fact, you can’t even upload your resume.

15. Government Jobs: USAJobs

If you’re thinking about applying to government jobs, whether at home or abroad, then USAJobs might be worth checking out. USAJobs is a federal government job board that lists open positions at agencies all over the United States. In fact, it’s the official website for federal agency jobs.

The benefits of using USAJobs:

• USAJobs is free to use.
• Several filters are available, including location, job title, department, agency, occupation, and more.
• You can set up job alerts so you’re notified when new positions that match your criteria become available.
• You can upload your resume and make it searchable so that recruiters can find you.
• USAJobs has a unique hiring path feature, allowing certain individuals (from U.S. citizens to federal employees, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and more) to explore potential hiring paths.
• They have a mobile app that you can use.

The drawbacks of using USAJobs:

• It’s worth noting that USAJobs have had a lot of issues with their website in the past. Although they seem to have addressed many of their shortcomings, a lot of users still complain that the application process is too time-consuming and repetitive.

How To Get The Most Out Of Job Search Sites

As you can see, there are a lot of excellent job search engines that you can use to help with your job search. However, it’s essential that you use them effectively to get the most out of them. No matter what job search engine you ultimately decide to use, the following are a few tips to keep in mind to get the most out of it:

• Follow the instructions in the job postings: Many job postings will have specific instructions on how to apply for jobs. For example, some employers may ask for a cover letter or work samples. Follow the specific instructions of the job posting to ensure that your application isn’t immediately dismissed.
• Set up job alerts: Many job search engines have a notification option. You should take advantage of such an option so that you can apply to new job listings as soon as they appear.
• Tailor your resume to the job: Although many job search sites allow you to upload your resume to make it easy to submit an application, you should take care to tailor your resume to each job you apply for. In this way, make sure that your resume reflects how you meet each qualification requirement listed in the job posting you’re applying to.
• Don’t pick just one website: Use multiple job search engines to give yourself the best chance of finding a job. For example, you could use a general job search site along with one or two more niche sites to get the best results.
• Don’t use all the job search engines you find: Although you shouldn’t just limit yourself to one job search engine, you also shouldn’t try to use them all. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to job search engines.
  Not to mention that using too many could result in an inbox flooded with notifications that are not only hard to keep track of, but may even overlap.

Staffing Agency: The Best Alternative For Jobseekers

Although job search engines are a great resource for job seekers, they are not the only option. Staffing agencies are another great resource that you should consider using if you’re looking for a new job.

When you work with a staffing agency, you’ll be able to take advantage of a number of benefits. For example, staffing agencies have relationships with employers and can often get job seekers in for interviews more quickly than if the job seeker went through the process on their own.

In addition, staffing agencies can provide job seekers with guidance and advice throughout the job search process, from resume help to interview preparation. Essentially, they can help streamline the job search process and make it much less stressful for you.

Here at O2, we are dedicated to helping our candidates find their perfect job match. Not only will our consultants help prepare you for every step of the job process, from creating your resume to preparing you for an interview, but we also have a job board with openings that are updated daily.

Your Dream Job Awaits You

Finding a new job can certainly be a stressful process. However, finding job listings that are relevant to your skills and experience doesn’t have to be. Starting your job search is as easy as it’s ever been – there are a myriad of job search engines available at your fingertips.

Simply enter in what you’re looking for, and job search engines will do the rest of the work for you. In no time, you’ll have job postings that match your qualifications perfectly.

There are many different types of job search engines, each with their own unique benefits. Be sure to do your due diligence when narrowing down your options to find the one that best suits your needs.