The Top Ten Online Job Sources

You want to find a job, but you’re not sure where to start. With so many resources at our disposal, it can be hard to know how to wade through the options to pick the best sources for you. Fortunately, the internet is a great tool to help get you started.

But even there you might feel overwhelmed–which online job resources are the best tools for you? We’ve outlined some options to narrow the search and set you on the right path.

It’s important to note before we get started that you should never limit your job options to just what you can discover by browsing the internet. Talking with people face to face and hitting the pavement so to speak should not be discounted as strategies that go hand in hand with using online resources.

-Employer Sites

If there is a company you know you are interested in working for, don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly. Most firms have their own web site, which is an excellent tool for finding out more info, like how to apply for jobs and whether any positions are actually available. You can also learn more about the current staff and the management team.

-Networking

Though networking is something typically done offline, it is a strategy best used when combined with an online presence. If you meet someone at an event or know a friend-of-a-friend in your industry, connect with them online to swap resumes or compare notes. These people can then help you out when you’re on the hunt, and vice versa.

-LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an example of online networking, but taken to the extreme. With this site you can upload your own resume and connect with likeminded individuals. You can also get to know the major players in your field, which could help with hiring. The site even offers helpful tips for those in the job market.

-Aggregators

Aggregators are a great place to look, as they compile all of the available jobs in your area for you. You can even search by type. Sites like Monster and Career Builder offer a one stop location online to find appropriate jobs with just a few clicks, with thousands of results coming in daily.

-Message Boards

Message boards aren’t just for fun–they can be a great tool in the job hunt. Boards specifically designed for job seekers let you know what’s out there, and other users can clue you in on positions you might not have known about. More to the point, there are job boards designed for specific genres, so you can search by type.

-Social Media

Social media like Facebook, Twitter and Google+ is the perfect tool for marketing your own personal brand. A professionally built page lets employers know your education, your employment history, and personality, and you can follow leaders in your industry to stay clued in to breaking news. Just make sure to keep it clean.

-Classifieds

Online classifieds like CraigsList are a no brainer for those in the job market. You often learn about jobs that might be left out of the mainstream sites, like non-contract work or creative design, and you can typically negotiate your own rates.

-Google

Don’t underestimate the power of the ever-present Google. A well thought out Google search will turn up job resources you hadn’t thought to consider, as well as articles and how-to guides on everything from polishing up your resume to giving an A+ interview.

-Recruiters

If you still feel stuck, don’t hesitate to email a recruiter. If you contact the right one for your field, this individual can keep you in mind for jobs they hear about and get you in touch with the right people for your experience level.

-Associations

And don’t forget to consider any associations or groups you belong to–sometimes it’s just about who you know. Alumni circles for the school you graduated from are a great help, so find out if there are any online groups connected with your alma mater.

Sometimes it’s hard to remember how we survived before the internet, but there’s no reason not to use it to our best advantage today. With the right know-how, you can turn this ubiquitous tool into your most efficient job search sidekick yet.