If you’re looking for a new career, it can be difficult to cut through the clutter of online employment boards and find the best job search engines.
The new landscape can be especially confusing if it’s been several years since you were open to new employment. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 60% of employees rely on internet sources to find opportunities and research companies.
We scoured the internet to find the best job search engines for employees at all levels, from entry-level to the executive suite. In this guide, you’ll get the intel you need to connect with the right opportunity at the right time, whether you’re a tech guru or an incredible event planner. Read on for your 2022 guide.
- AngelList – Best for startup jobs
- Glassdoor – Best for real company insights
- Indeed.com – Best in every category
- LinkedIn – Best for direct connections
- USAJobs – Best for federal opportunities.
- ZipRecruiter – Honorable mention
The 5 Best Job Search Engines
1. Indeed – Best Overall for Job Seekers
Pros
- Ranks first for the sheer number of jobs listed
- Comprehensive, intuitive search and alert system
- Extensive career guide with search and salary advice
- Fast, easy-to-use resume-building tool
Cons
- Some users may find the minimal interface bland
- Popularity increases competition for open roles
Employer Reach
According to data from Silk Road technology reported by Indeed, more external hires come from this search engine than any other site. One of the key characteristics that makes Indeed one of the best job search engines is that it aggregates listings from a variety of resources. Because of this, you’ll find the largest selection when you focus your employment pursuit here. In fact, the company claims to add 10 new positions every single second. It also has the largest global reach, with opportunities in more than two dozen languages and 60 different countries. Statista reports that almost half of staffing firms say Indeed is one of their most effective lead sources for qualified candidates.
User Experience
Indeed has a no-nonsense interface that streamlines job alerts based on specific keywords. You can get emails about new opportunities on any schedule you select. Indeed also saves you time by removing the need to visit many different sites to find relevant positions. It’s important to note that some users get spam requests on the site.
Special Features
The resume tool lets you build and customize the perfect application for every opportunity. Many employers use an integrated interface that instantly lets you submit your information as a candidate without leaving Indeed. Another feature that stands out among the best job search engines is the ability to install a Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox plugin that shows you new positions and sends your information right from your browser. Indeed’s comprehensive FAQ section answers most questions about the job search service.
2. Glassdoor – Best for Detailed Employer Information
Pros
- Millions of company reviews from real employees
- More available opportunities than competing sites
- Flexible and entry-level positions promoted
Cons
- User-provided information is unverified
- Search can be buggy
- Number of openings varies widely by industry
Glassdoor, one of the best job search engines, started in 2008 to publicize employee experiences at major tech companies like Yahoo and Google. While the site has upheld its original mission, it has also expanded to include impressive search capabilities.
Employer Reach
Glassdoor has more than 10 million open listings, making it one of the most expansive job search sites. Users will find more than 1,400 new positions posted weekly, including traditional full-time, remote and part-time opportunities.
User Experience
The Glassdoor mobile app makes it easy to find jobs on the go. The site’s unique browsing feature allows you to filter opportunities based on career, location, title or salary. However, some competitors have smoother search engines, so you might experience a few bugs along the way. The desktop platform isn’t the easiest to operate, so Glassdoor may not be the best choice if you’re less than familiar with finding a job online.
Special Features
Access to feedback from real employees makes Glassdoor special among the best job search engines. You can get transparent information about salary, benefits, leadership and other key aspects of working for a particular company. A cool interactive tool lets you visualize your career path with a graph projecting salary increase over the years. You can also use the Know Your Worth tool to determine whether you receive fair pay in your current position and inform the negotiation process if you decide to accept an offer.
3. LinkedIn – Best To Connect With a Professional Network
Pros
- Showcase expertise on your profile
- Popular among hiring managers and recruiters
- Strategically network based on your interests
- Employer costs ensure quality listings
Cons
- Premium features cost $29.99/month
- Not ideal for hourly opportunities
- Getting noticed takes action
If you already have a few years of career experience, you likely use LinkedIn to stay in touch with your colleagues and mentors. However, you might not have realized that it’s also one of the best job search engines.
When it’s time to seek a new opportunity, you can manage your entire job search from the social network’s platform. In fact, you can even see if you have an existing connection with the hiring manager and others at your target company and reach out to that person directly.
Employer Reach
LinkedIn ranks as the top social network for job searches, especially among employers and hiring managers. The AARP found that 92% of recruiters use social media, primarily LinkedIn, to locate and research candidates. The site claims it has more than 810 million users with a global reach of at least 200 different nations. In a survey by Jobvite, 77% of recruiters said they use this site to successfully fill employment opportunities with qualified candidates. In addition, Statista data shows that nearly 64% of staffing firms find the majority of their leads on LinkedIn.
User Experience
If you love social media, you’ll likely love LinkedIn. In fact, you’re probably already on the site, which makes it easy to set up your profile and search for opportunities, even if you’re not the most active user.
If you tend to stay off social media, you might dislike the site’s structure, which borrows the Facebook feed model to deliver insights from professionals in your network and the familiar messenger look and feel for its chat. However, give LinkedIn a chance if you’re interested in providing employers a holistic view of your strengths since you can include a photo, publications and other documents that showcase your successes.
Special Features
Some of the most useful aspects of LinkedIn involve the features that connect you with other users. If you’re worried about exposing your job search to current employers, robust privacy features allow you to control who can see your network. You can even create Showcase profiles to show different versions of your personal information to different audiences (one for current colleagues and one for recruiters and hiring managers, for example).
LinkedIn Coaches has provided special assistance for more than 1.2 million users who have faced barriers in building their careers. In one feature you won’t find anywhere else, LinkedIn lets you see how many people have already applied for a specific job, allowing you to weigh your chances. It also shows you roles that match your skills and experience.
4. USAJobs – Best for Federal Government Jobs
Pros
- Access to exclusive federal job opportunities
- Explore unique hiring paths
- Save searches and make a public profile
Cons
- Limited to government positions
- Less high-tech than commercial job boards
- Long screening and application process
If you’ve thought about looking for a federal government job, you need to sign up for this site, which is one of the best job search engines. USAJobs posts positions you won’t find anywhere else. Advantages of working for the government include stability, flexible work environments, remote roles, competitive pay and outstanding benefits in relation to private sector careers.
Employer Reach
While USAJobs might not have the biggest reach as far as the types of employers, this job board is the only place to find and apply for federal opportunities. The site says they have nearly 18,000 jobs open on an average day, with at least 900 jobs on most days.
User Experience
USAJobs makes it easy to search based on keywords, location, career path and other criteria. However, you’ll find fewer functions than what’s offered by competing job sites. In addition, it can be difficult to connect with potential employers unless you have in-depth knowledge of the government hiring process, which is notoriously long and complex.
Special Features
You can select from special hiring paths to learn more about careers with the federal government. Examples include designated opportunities for disabled individuals, family members of federal employees working overseas and people in military service. You can also participate in special online outreach events hosted by specific agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the IRS.
5. AngelList – Best for Innovative New Opportunities
Pros
- One of the few startup-specific job sites
- Transparent salary and equity information
- Direct connections with founders and execs
Cons
- Limit on outstanding job applications
- Few openings outside the tech industry
- Difficult to find entry-level positions
Have you always dreamed of making your mark at a brand-new venture? How about working for one of your favorite apps? When you use AngelList, you can find opportunities at startups and growth firms in the early phases of funding, which is why it ranked as one of the best job search engines for those interested in tech companies.
Employer Reach
Hundreds of thousands of companies are currently recruiting on AngelList for more than 2 million positions. The site has about 5 million registered users, including employers and job seekers. Some high-tech firms that use the site to find talent include Twitch, Instacart and Discord. You can also apply as a featured candidate and expand your visibility even further.
User Experience
AngelList is unique in that you can see the compensation, including salary and equity, for every job on the site. On the downside, this is also one of the only sites to cap the number of pending applications you can have at one time, which can seriously hamper your search for the right role.
Special Features
Because AngelList does not allow third-party recruiters to use the site, you’re speaking directly to startup founders and hiring managers. This creates a rare opportunity to build your professional network organically. You’ll also save time by making a single profile that connects you with multiple matching roles instantly.
Honorable Mention: ZipRecruiter
This site just missed our top five. ZipRecruiter earns accolades for ease of use and an outstanding user experience that includes a mobile app.
How We Selected the Best Job Search Engines
To find the best job search engines, we evaluated each site’s features and functionalities. We based our rankings on the characteristics most important to job seekers, including the number and type of positions available on the site, the user experience and features that set each search engine apart from competitors.
We also considered insight from industry experts and reviews from users who have found employment using these services. The best job search engines are easy for people at all career levels to use, have many opportunities, and boast special features.
Questions About Finding the Best Job Search Engines
Should I Use More Than One Job Search Engine?
Posting your resume and finding opportunities on multiple sites increases your chance of finding the right role. However, make sure you only apply once for each separate position, even if you find it on more than one of the best job search engines.
Can I Find Remote Positions on the Best Job Search Engines?
The sites on this list offer advanced search tools, including the ability to select only remote jobs. Some search engines even focus specifically on telecommuting roles and employers that offer flexible work arrangements.
What Are Some Specialized Job Search Engines?
In addition to remote job boards, you can find countless employment sites for niche interests. Examples include Idealist for jobs in the nonprofit sector, Dice for tech jobs, Sales Head for sales jobs, Robert Half for accounting positions and eFinancialCareers for positions in banking and related industries. Ladders exclusively posts executive roles with six-figure salaries, while Jooble lets you search for jobs around the world.
What Are the Benefits of Using the Best Job Search Engines?
Most modern employers hire exclusively online. Using search engines can help you find the right career quickly. You can save the jobs you like and apply at your own convenience. Many sites also have built-in research tools that give you information about career paths, employers and more.
How Can I Find a Job Through the Best Job Search Engines?
Follow application instructions carefully. Customize your resume and cover letter for each position to highlight your strengths and relevant experience. Research the company and be clear about why you want to work for that firm and what you bring to the table.
How Can I Tell If a Job on a Search Engine Is a Scam?
Most opportunities posted on the best job search engines are legitimate, but sometimes suspicious ads slip through. Do not provide your credit card number or other financial information when applying for a job online. If a company or website requires you to pay to access information about a position, steer clear.
What Are the Alternatives to the Best Job Search Engines?
The best job search engines provide the widest array of career opportunities. However, you can also apply directly for open positions on the website of a company where you want to work. Alumni associations and industry organizations offer employment resources for their members as well.
Does It Cost Money To Use the Best Job Search Engines?
The best job search engines ranked on this list let you find and apply for positions for free. However, a few portals do use a subscription model for access to exclusive listings.
How Do I Find the Best Job Search Engine for Me?
We’ve already done most of the work for you! These six job sites are the best options for most users. We reviewed testimonials from real employees and talked to industry experts to narrow down the list.
Score Comparison of the Best Job Search Engines
Indeed – 5
Employer Reach – 5
User Experience – 4
Special Features – 5
LinkedIn – 4.67
Employer Reach – 5
User Experience – 4
Special Features – 5
USAJobs – 4.67
Employer Reach – 5
User Experience – 4
Special Features – 5
Glassdoor – 4.67
Employer Reach – 5
User Experience – 4
Special Features – 5
AngelList – 4.33
Employer Reach – 4
User Experience – 4
Special Features – 5
Most candidates find and apply for new jobs online, but using the right service for your search makes all the difference. Based on our exploration of career sites for employees, we rank these five contenders and one runner-up as the best job search engines for 2022.
Sources:
https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/business/talent-solutions/global/en_us/c/pdfs/Ultimate-List-of-Hiring-Stats-v02.04.pdf
https://angel.co/recruit/overview
https://www.aarp.org/work/job-hunting/info-2017/10-ways-to-use-linkedin-job-search.html
https://www.indeed.com/hire/why-indeed
https://www.statista.com/statistics/892636/staffing-industry-most-effective-lead-sources-united-states/
https://www.jobvite.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-Recruiter-Nation-Study.pdf
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