The Best Places to Look for a New Job
Okay, so you're ready to start looking for a new job. You've updated your resume, done a little research on companies that might be hiring, and now it's time to start sending out applications. But where do you look? Job websites are great for helping you find openings at different companies, but they're not always the best way to find gigs—especially when it comes to landing an awesome gig right off the bat. Here are some places to look beyond traditional job boards:
Your network.
Your network is one of the most powerful tools in your job search arsenal. Your network can help you discover opportunities, connect with potential employers, and even secure an interview.
Here are some ways to use your network:
Ask for help from friends and family. If your friends or family members know anyone who works at a company that interests you, ask them to put in a good word with their connections there. This will help increase their chances of getting through the door first if there's any opening available!
Keep in touch with former colleagues on LinkedIn - do this regularly so that not only do they remember who you are but also what skills/experience/qualifications, etc., you possess, which makes it easier for both parties when trying to find employment opportunities (this doesn't mean stalking though). This can be done via direct messaging using these sites, which saves time having conversations over phone calls, etc.
The job sites.
You've heard of them and been to them, and you may even have applied for a few jobs through them. The good news is that they're not going anywhere anytime soon, so make sure you know how these sites work and what they can do for your career search -- especially if this is your first time using one!
Job boards: Job boards are essentially online versions of newspapers' classifieds sections where employers post available positions with descriptions, requirements, and contact information (including salary range). You'll find everything from entry-level positions up through C-suite roles listed here and some other interesting job opportunities in between. Some examples include LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, Monster, CareerBuilder, and Indeed.
Social media.
Social media is another great place to look for jobs. You can use it to network, search for jobs and even promote your resume. Social media platforms like LinkedIn are often used by recruiters who are looking for candidates with specific skills and experience. If you're looking for work in a new field or city, social media can help connect with potential employers who may not otherwise know about your talents and skillset. Other social media platforms used for job searching: X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.
Recruiters and staffing firms.
When you're looking for a job, recruiters can be a great source of information. They will typically receive postings from employers and then contact candidates with whom they are interested in working.
If you want to work in the same field as a recruiter, they can help you find positions that aren't advertised or posted online by reaching out directly to hiring managers. Recruiters may also provide resume editing services or even help with interviewing skills if necessary.
I saved the best for last! If you think Indeed is great, wait until you hear about this new tool I found called Google! ;) To search for jobs in Google, type the job title along with the word “jobs,” Google will serve up a jobs widget where you can further refine your search by remote, salary, company, etc. If a job is posted anywhere online, it will show up in the Google jobs widget. You no longer need to visit every target company’s career page, LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, etc. It’s a one-stop shop for all job searches.
