Starting a job search? Then you’ll need this list of the best websites for 2020 job search. You’ll find job boards, expert advice, podcasts and more!
Finding a new job is as easy as applying online and waiting to be contacted, right?
Wrong.
That’s so 2000. We’re in 2020 now so your job hunt requires a more proactive approach and some digital-savvy. Sitting back and waiting to be contacted just isn’t the best strategy.
Diversify Where You Search
HR professionals and recruiters are becoming more strategic about where they post job opportunities to attract the best candidates, which is especially challenging with low unemployment rates. For job seekers, this means that your favorite job board may not be the preferred job search site for every company.
So the question you should be asking is where are recruiters sharing job opportunities (because they are most effective in attracting the best new employees)?
Below you’ll find the most widely used job posting sites.
Don’t Rely On Job Boards
SilkRoad, a talent management software company, surveyed 1,000 companies in 2018 to find out which job search sites produced the best results.
It took 129 applications from external job search sites to hire one new employee. But it only took eight applicants to hire one person using internal sources such as referrals, recruiter outreach and internal job boards.
People hire people…
You shouldn’t rely solely on job boards, because referred candidates are far more likely to make it to the final interview stage than those who simply apply online. For better results:
- Invest your time contacting people you know inside companies before you apply.
- Dedicate most of your job search efforts to talking with people in your industry, meeting new people and keeping in touch with past colleagues.
- Use social media to research companies and people.
The relationships you form and nurture are likely to yield information about openings before they are posted, and people you know might be able to fast-track you to the interview.
Here’s what you’ll find in this list of 2020 Job Search websites:
- TOP JOB WEBSITES
- OTHER ONLINE JOB SITES
- SPECIALTY JOB BOARDS
- INTERNSHIP JOB SITES
- REMOTE WORK/FREELANCING/GIGS
- JOB SEARCH ADVICE
- PODCASTS
- RESEARCH RESOURCES
- SALARY RESEARCH
- RESUME & LINKEDIN ADVICE
- OVER 50 JOB SEARCH ADVICE
- NEW COLLEGE GRADUATE ADVICE
- INTERVIEWING ADVICE
- JOB SEARCH TOOLS
- MORE GREAT JOB SEARCH ADVICE
- TWITTER JOB SEARCH EXPERTS
TOP JOB WEBSITES
Test these job boards to see if they provide relevant job opportunities. Also, use them to help you identify new-to-you job titles, skills and requirements you should add to your resume. You may also learn about new employers you can target.
Indeed is the most popular job board. You’ll find almost every type and level of job on Indeed. It also provides an app to access jobs easily from your mobile device.
LinkedIn has a job board. Type the keyword or job title and select a city. Once you’ve received your results, you can filter them by when the job was posted or by experience level. One noteworthy feature allows you to filter your results based on jobs posted by companies where you have contacts or people in your network.
Glassdoor is primarily known for providing anonymous company reviews, Glassdoor also lists jobs. Having easy access to company reviews helps you evaluate the company before you apply.
CareerBuilder is one of the most recognized job boards. You’ll find jobs of all levels posted here.
Google for Jobs is a product by Google. It isn’t a job board but a job search engine that pulls jobs from many different sources, including other job search engines. This can be a huge time-saver and may even find jobs from sources you didn’t know about. Users can narrow their search by type of job, location, company type, date posted and more.
Monster is another well-known name for jobs of all types and levels.
Almost every organization has a career website. And you can be fairly certain they will post jobs on their career page, so don’t forget to set alerts on the career pages of companies that interest you. If alerts aren’t possible, be sure to check those pages regularly for new jobs. Also follow company social media accounts and monitor updates for news and new jobs.
TIPS: Set alerts whenever possible. Update your posted resume at least once a month. Use a web-based email address just for job search.
OTHER ONLINE JOB SITES
LinkUp only pulls jobs posted on company career pages while SimplyHired aggregates jobs found on company career sites as well as other job boards and social media. You may be redirected to the original source of the job posting.
ZipRecruiter is an online job marketing service that shares job openings to more than 100 sites and uses algorithms to help match applicants to jobs.
Craigslist is another option. Employers may choose to post jobs here for anonymity or due to the low cost.
SPECIALTY JOB BOARDS
Using specialty or niche job boards, depending on your industry or occupation, is a must. Some companies will only post opportunities within these sites that target only the specific talent they are seeking. It is worth searching for a site that caters to your area of interest. If you are a veteran, nurse, or are looking for a company that welcomes diversity, try asking people you know in your field which sites they recommend. Some of the examples include:
Dice is known as being a job board for technical candidates (IT, etc.) Besides jobs, you will see news and advice to help with your job search.
HigherEd Jobs features job opportunities at colleges and universities.
Idealist focuses on non-profit job postings, volunteer opportunities and internships.
USA Jobs is the Federal Government’s official source for federal job listings across hundreds of federal agencies and organizations.
INTERNSHIP JOB SITES
While many of the job sites above allow you to search for internships, you may want to check out these sites. Always check with your college or university’s career center to see what sources they have available.
Experience.com offers numerous internships, along with a wealth of resources and advice for those seeking internships. The website is populated with timely articles that provide an enormous amount of information written by and for students who share their personal experiences.
Internships.com helps you find internships and entry-level jobs. This board is dedicated to recent college graduates. It is managed by Chegg.
REMOTE WORK/FREELANCING/GIGS
There isn’t an easy way to filter remote jobs with the job boards (which use city/location data to list jobs). But there are job boards focused entirely on remote jobs and freelancing opportunities.
And as the gig economy continues to grow, you may want to search for jobs that add to your income. Check out these boards for a variety of opportunities. There are thousands more, that cater to specific jobs/occupations, but this should get you started.
JOB SEARCH ADVICE
Get trustworthy, up-to-date job search advice and tips from the best job search sources! Check these websites for answers to your job search questions. Better yet, subscribe to them and get regular updates.
Job-Hunt.org is THE authoritative site for your job search! You will find everything you need, at any stage of your career! All aspects of job search are covered by carefully selected experts. Susan P. Joyce is the mastermind of this site.
The Muse has a great collection of articles and information you’ll want for all aspects of your professional life! It covers career advice, job search, career paths, management, and more! Bonus: every week you can see a list of featured companies with job openings.
Work It Daily is where you’ll find relevant job search and career advice provided by “trusted career experts.”
Briefcase Coach, by Sarah Johnston, covers all your job search needs. Her advice is straight-forward and her insight from being a recruiter is valuable. She’s a resume writer and job search coach with knowledge of modern job search strategies.
Career Sidekick was started by Biron Clark, a former recruiter. You’ll find practical job search advice that helps you get noticed.
JobMob always has interesting, fresh articles to help with your job search. Jacob Share manages this site.
The Balance Careers by Alison Doyle, provides advice AND examples of resumes and cover letters. It’s one of the first places I turn to for information.
LinkedIn Top Voices – Job Search & Career includes 10 professionals offering a range of job search and career advice. Follow them all on LinkedIn.
PODCASTS
Podcasts are another way to get advice and information. There are so many out there right now, but these rank at the top. Many of the job search resources listed above also have their own podcasts so be on the lookout.
Mac’s List Find Your Dream Job Podcast by Mac Prichard
The Voice of Job Seekers by Mark Anthony Dyson
The Career Confidante by Marie Zimenoff
Career Talk by Dawn Graham, PhD, Business Radio Wharton on Sirius/XM
No B.S. Job Search Advice Radio by Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Copeland Coaching by Angela Copeland
RESEARCH RESOURCES
In order to launch and conduct a successful job search, you’ll need to do research. It is up to you to determine what jobs you are best suited for, where you want to work and what salary is appropriate. These resources will help.
GlassDoor allows you to research companies, get salary information and learn what interview questions have been asked. Yes, they have job postings too!
My Next Move helps you figure out what to do next. It assesses your career interests and allows you to research careers. This is a database sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration, and developed by the National Center for O*NET Development.
CareerOneStop.org has information on re-training, where to find local services if you are unemployed and more. Sponsored by the Department of Labor.
ReferenceUSA is an online business database and is only available through your library. (Contact your local library to find out whether they subscribe and learn how to obtain a library card.) It’s great for conducting company research and creating target lists. You can research business executives, view historical market trends, track down addresses and phone numbers and discover news articles.
SmartBrief Industry News compiles the latest news by industry to help you keep on top of trends. Pick the industry you are interested in and subscribe to get daily news updates or use their app (iOS only) to view the top stories from trade publications and professional societies. You’ll find summaries of news from a wide variety of industries. SmartBrief also has top stories to help you manage your career. SmartBrief On Your Career
SALARY RESEARCH
These salary calculators will help determine your value in the market place. Use them all to get an average range. Also, contact recruiters and talk to people who hold the role you are interested in and ask them what the going rate is.
NACE Salary Calculator (for new graduates)
RESUME & LINKEDIN ADVICE
Writing a resume and LinkedIn profile is not easy. These professional resume writers and LinkedIn profile writers show you how to craft modern resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
Chameleon Resumes, by Lisa Rangel, offers executive-level resumes, LinkedIn profiles and job search. Lisa is the Group Moderator for LinkedIn’s Premium Job Seeker Group.
Great Resumes Fast, by Jessica Hernandez and her team, offer sample resumes, articles to help you craft a better modern resume and more job search help.
Virginia Franco Resumes delivers resume and LinkedIn advice. And with her background in Journalism, she’s a masterful storyteller.
Erin Kennedy’s Professional Resume Services provides resumes, advice and more to help you with your modern job search materials.
Career Impressions, by Adrienne Tom, provides services and advice that is top-notch.
Executive Career Brand, by Meg Guiseppi, has some of the best articles on personal branding available. While she writes for her executive audience, the advice is relevant to anyone wanting to create a strong personal brand.
AvidCareerist by Donna Svei, delivers fresh perspectives and insights. She’s a recruiter and also writes LinkedIn profiles and resumes. Donna delivers factual, informative articles and detailed research on topics impacting your job search.
Career Trend.net, by Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, is an exquisitely written blog. Jacqui has a way with words! She is a master resume writer, and more accurately, a master storyteller.
OVER 50 JOB SEARCH ADVICE
Older job seekers face unique situations when transitioning. From age bias to determining next steps to ease into retirement, these resources address the concerns of Boomers and older job seekers.
AARP includes tips from job expert, Kerry Hannon, and covers issues that the older job seeker has to know in order to compete. You’ll find all the issues you need to take into consideration while hunting down your next job as a more seasoned professional.
Career Pivot by Marc Miller targets Baby Boomers who are in search of their next career.
My Lifestyle Career written by Nancy Collamer offers advice for people over 50 on how to transition into flexible and part-time work after retirement, often referred to as second-act careers. Nancy also writes for Next Avenue (PBS site for people over 50).
NEW COLLEGE GRADUATE ADVICE
From finding internships to that first great job out of college, today’s college grads also face challenges as they embark on their first professional job search.
Campus-to-Career helps you connect the dots from your college experience to landing your first job.
YouTern is the place to go for your job search! The Savvy Intern blog, with articles written by top experts, isn’t just for interns. Their advice and tips apply to every new job seeker! (They also list internships)
INTERVIEWING ADVICE
Often, job interviews feel like interrogations. But, with a bit of knowledge and knowing how to answer questions, you’ll feel like you’re playing on a level field.
Ask The Headhunter® Nick Corcodolis As a recruiter, Nick tells you what you need to know. He provides interviewing and job search insights. Nick answers job search questions most other recruiters won’t or don’t.
Robin Ryan, author of “60 Seconds And You’re Hired,” delivers job interviewing guidance and job search advice you don’t want to miss. You can subscribe to her newsletter on her site.
JOB SEARCH TOOLS
Your job search needs tools to help you be more productive. Here are some you want to be familiar with.
about.me makes it easy to create a single webpage highlighting you. List your social media profiles, share your professional bio and enhance your online visibility. This is free at that basic level.
BrandYourself walks you through the steps to improve how your name ranks in search results. It is a freemium service.
JobScan.co will help you “optimize your resume keywords and get past resume screeners.” Upload your resume and copy and paste the job description and Jobscan compares the two to see how well you “match” the words used in the posting. This is a freemium service.
JibberJobber is a tool to organize and manage your job search! It helps keep track of and manage relationships, job postings, target companies and more! Free at the basic level and mobile app available.
Huntr.co is a job application tracker. It allows you to save jobs, keep track of where you are in the application process, and store contact information. It is accessible on desktop or mobile. The basics are free.
MailScoop by Cultivated Culture, was developed to help you find email addresses. It’s a free service you’ll want and need to test.
MORE GREAT JOB SEARCH ADVICE
My Summary Sunday collection includes articles on modern job search topics and are written by many of the sources above as well as other notable authorities. You can see all my past Summary Sunday’s here.
Additionally, here are some Honorable Mentions you should check out:
Things Career Related, Bob MacIntosh
Executive Resume Expert, Laura Smith-Proulx
HR Bartender, Sharlyn Lauby
Job Jenny, Jenny Foss
CVLabs, Ana Lokotkova
CaffeinatedKyle, Kyle Elliott
Recruiters who look out for job seekers Bulls Eye Recruiting, Jim Stroud, The Searchologist, Social-Hire
TWITTER JOB SEARCH EXPERTS
This is my 2019 list of Job Search Experts to follow on Twitter.
