Spotlight on Jobs

The 9 Best Job Search Sites for Finding Work

No matter your age or experience level, starting a new job search is one of the more daunting experiences in life. It could be that things didn’t work out with your previous employer, or you just want to explore a new path and see what opportunities exist.

The first step is making the mental commitment to your job search and treating it like a job in itself. From there, it’s a matter of following through, which means getting your resume out there and working all available angles.

Thankfully, there are plenty of job search sites out there - too many, in fact. To save you some time and effort, we’ve narrowed down the best ones and highlighted their most useful features. 

This article will help you focus your energy on the sites that get results and skip the ones that underperform.

We’ll also reveal how Steady can help supplement your income efforts as a tool for comparing better opportunities and tracking extra income earned. 

Between these job sites and Steady to help you stay on track, you’ll soon be on your way to an ideal employment setup.

The Best Job Search Sites

  • CareerBuilder
  • ZipRecruiter
  • Glassdoor
  • Indeed
  • Monster
  • LinkedIn
  • FlexJobs
  • AngelList
  • The Ladders

Your job search is a mission requiring research, planning, and execution. 

Start with a vision of what you want, organize those references and resumes, then set out on your search with our favorite job sites, as listed here.

Keep in mind that each site is built with specific target audiences in mind, specializing in particular industries or niches. We will highlight these key differences to make your experience as smooth as possible and accelerate your search.

CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder wastes no time listing the most recent, relevant jobs based on just a few clicks' worth of criteria. Narrow your search by industry, location, and other key variables, then start browsing their thousands of listings immediately.

Speed and user experience are the significant advantages that CareerBuilder brings to the table, and they’ve also added some solid quality-of-life features through the years.

  • Quick Apply allows you to submit applications for multiple jobs (25+) in seconds
  • Salary tools let you compare earnings potential across different opportunities
  • Job alert emails are non-intrusive, informative, and integrated into the service
  • The CareerBuildermobile app is smooth and full-featured for on-the-go use

CareerBuilder is a great starting point for your job search in terms of simplicity and scope. At the very least, fill out the Quick Apply application and have it ready in your arsenal.

ZipRecruiter

With ZipRecruiter, you get access to one of the largest online job pools, with new posts going up each second. You can search by job title, type, trending categories, cities, and companies to fine-tune your discovery.

User experience on the site is top-notch, aided by industry-leading features across the board.

  • Detailed salary data from millions of data points accumulated over time
  • Instant communication with employers through the ZipRecruiter messaging system
  • Advanced job matching algorithm gives you the top opportunities automatically

The site also features a robust user profile system that saves you time when applying for many roles at once. Don’t overlook ZipRecruiter to gain an edge in your job search.

Glassdoor

You may think Glassdoor is strictly a salary and company review website, but it has become much more than that over the years. The site is now a full-fledged job search site that competes on every level, from user experience to job variety and scale.

Best of all, Glassdoor is a clean, visually impressive website that leaves all clutter and confusion behind. Plus, you get access to unique features you can’t find elsewhere.

  • Accurate salary estimates and comparisons for every job listing
  • Real employee reviews give you an idea of what it’s like to work there
  • Upload a single resume and receive curated lists of opportunities via email

You may not have access to the most job listings on the internet with Glassdoor, but it's hard to beat as a research tool and “first-step” gateway of exploration.

Indeed

Ask a group of people for their top job search site, and most will probably mention Indeed. That’s because the site has gained considerable market share in recent years, with a huge uptick in users on both sides of the employment coin.

Indeed is now a household name, but how does it stack up as a site? Here are the features we love about Indeed and why it should be on your short list of search sites.

  • An in-depth search engine lets you pick jobs based on fine-tuned requirements
  • An extensive database of company reviews, salaries, and employee Q&A
  • Explore benefits, including financial perks, insurance, retirement plans, and time off

As a global powerhouse for job seekers and employers alike, Indeed wins by sheer volume and scale. Its hiring lab, events, and helpful content make it worth visiting at any stage.

Monster

You likely know the Monster name because it’s been around for nearly 30 years! This was the first big job posting site on the early internet and has since evolved, survived, and thrived.

The Monster user experience is unmatched and doesn’t waste your time delivering results. Just set up a quick profile, answer some questions, and access the site’s many standout features.

  • Robust search features, filters, and frequently updated listings in all major categories
  • Contracts, internships, and temporary jobs are available alongside full- and part-time
  • Stellar career development tools for recent college graduates

Monster has been in the game for so long because it simply works. Take full advantage of their leading search functionality, in addition to their career advice and resume help tools.

LinkedIn

The leading professional networking site has become so much more in recent years, expanding in multiple directions to deliver a one-of-a-kind user experience in the job search space.

Here are some of the top features that make LinkedIn worth your time in 2022:

  • Profile creation is expansive, serving as your digital business card
  • Built-in recruitment tools connect your profile with interested employers
  • Premium membership offers insights and advanced messaging features

If you haven’t yet fleshed out your LinkedIn and connected with everyone you know, make that an early priority in your job search. From there, explore the wide range of tools the site offers and position yourself for success.

FlexJobs

If you want to work from home, FlexJobs has been ahead of the curve in the remote workspace since 2007. The site has a considerably lower volume than industry giants, but it makes up for fewer options with a high degree of quality.

FlexJobs also works a bit differently from other job listing sites. Here’s what you should know.

  • Subscription required, but it grants you unlimited access, skills testing, tips, and more
  • The paywall prevents issues like scams and duplicate postings that plague other sites
  • Game-changing resource for freelancers and remote workers in every possible niche

While FlexJobs might not be for everyone, it succeeds in its unique mission: To connect skilled remote workers with well-paying jobs through an efficient, organized system.

AngelList

Anyone in the startup scene knows about AngelList already since it has been on the cutting edge of Silicon Valley recruitment since 2010. Programmers and software pros look no further, as the site specializes in these professions.

However, you don’t need to be a tech wiz to get results on AngelList. Use the site just as you would any other search engine to find the latest jobs throughout the startup landscape.

  • Skip the cover letters with a streamlined profile creation process
  • View all salary comparisons, stock options, and other unique startup perks 
  • Explore new areas like VC, machine learning, crypto, and analytics

AngelList won’t be your first stop if you’re looking for an entry-level job but could be a critical stepping stone to level up your career down the road.

The Ladders

Have your sights set on a six-figure salary? The Ladders calls itself the “$100k Club” for that very reason, with nothing but the best-paying jobs featured on its exclusive site.

The site is a great place to learn what’s hot in the recruitment world and where the money is flowing. If you’re confident in your skills, you can sign up free and start your search for that dream position.

  • Free and paid membership options let you explore all opportunities on the site
  • Premium-only features include resume guidance, auto-apply, and extra promotion
  • New networking and scouting tools give you the connections you need to succeed

The Ladders won’t be your everyday job search resource, but it’s something to strive towards as your career gains momentum. Keep it bookmarked, and let it be an inspiration to keep working harder every day.

How We Chose the Best Job Search Sites

We only chose the job sites that are active, authentic, and reliable. That means we skipped all the job sites that are not updated frequently or only feature posts from untrustworthy sources.

Furthermore, our selections present a broad cross-section of the job search space in 2022, giving you a range of options. Whether you’re in healthcare, tech, finance, or you don’t even know where to start — the sites listed here are invaluable.

Job Search Site FAQs

Still, wondering which job search sites are best and how they work? We did the research and answered your frequently asked questions.

Do You Have to Pay to Use a Job Search Site?

While most job sites listed are free to use, higher-end sites like The Ladders and FlexJobs require premium membership to get the best features.

These membership options range from $10 a month and up, and you’ll need to determine if that cost is a worthwhile investment for your job search. Keep in mind that these sites tend to cater to highly experienced candidates, and simply having a premium pass never guarantees results.

We suggest starting with the free services, seeing how far you get, and assessing whether a membership service will help you further.

How Do Job Search Sites Work?

While job search sites vary slightly in features and formats, they all work in basically the same way. You create a profile, set your preferences (location, job type, etc.), and browse the listings based on the filters you apply.

You can also sign up for email notifications to be alerted whenever new jobs posting of interest occur on the site. From there, you can apply for jobs directly through the site or link to a separate page hosted by the employer.

Every job will require something different in the application process, so be sure to read the fine print and follow through with all the instructions.

What To Do Next

Job search sites are better than ever, and our list gives you the perfect launchpad to get started. In the meantime, you can use Steady to supplement your income and keep your skills sharp as you search for the ultimate earning situation.

When you finally earn the income of your dreams, keep using Steady’s Income Passport to organize your earnings across sources, and stay ahead of the curve as your career develops. When it comes time to maximize your income, you’ll have a head start over the competition.

Sources:

Best Job Search Sites | US News

Job Posting Site Reviews | Consumers Advocate

Ultimate Guide to Job Searching | My Computer Career

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