Job Search Engines

Maybe you’re job hunting for the first time or you’ve been on the job hunt for a while but are looking for strategies to shake up your approach. Whatever your situation, we’ve got you covered.  There are some steps that every job searcher can do to make their process easier and dramatically increase their chances for success.  Updating your social media accounts, contacting employment recruiters, and updating your resume should all be on top of your list. To really help with fast-tracking your search, you should also sign up with several job search engines.

What is a Job Search Engine?

The terms “job search engines or job boards usually return a list that includes both. To clarify, here are some brief definitions.

• Job Boards – Technically, a job board is a site that posts job opportunities that are typically posted by employers or recruiters (almost like job ads). Employers usually pay a fee to have their jobs posted.  Most job boards will have an option to apply for the jobs posted directly with the employer. Job boards are, simply put, a repository of job opportunities. The functionality is similar to job search engines (upload a resume, create your profile and search for job opportunities).  However, there is one important difference which is explained below. There are general job boards (lists opportunities across most job types, industries, and locations) and focused job boards (focus on an industry, job type, or location).  An example of a focused job board is the American Accounting Association (https://careercenter.aaahq.org) which focuses on jobs in Accounting.  Monster, Careerbuilder, and Glassdoor are examples of job boards.
• job search engines.

Advantages of using a Job Search Engine

There is a distinct advantage to using job search engines in your job search. At its most basic level, a job search engine provides a broader range of job opportunities than job boards.  In terms of time spent leveraging job search sites, you have a better chance of finding opportunities that match your criteria. Simply put, job search engines:

1. Have a larger and broader range of job opportunities (more job listings).
2. Provide similar functionality as job boards (see our post ZipRecruiter vs. Monster).
3.  Minimize the need for using multiple job search sites.
4. Automate your search by allowing you to set up job alerts.

Getting Started with a Job Search Engine

To get started leveraging job search engines, the first thing you need to do is to pick one.  ZipRecruiter and Indeed are two of the best-known job search engines, but if you need help deciding, take a look at The 5 Best Job Search Engines.  Head to your job search engine choice and create an account.  While different sites have different menus and choices, most offer the same functionality.

Setting up Your Profile

• Upload your resume (ZipRecruiter creates an online version of your resume).
• Keywords and skills from your resume are posted as part of your profile.
• You can either let employers find you (based on your profile) or just apply for jobs that meet your experience and requirements.
• Review the list of suggested opportunities based on your resume and profile.  Most sites allow filtering based on your criteria.
• You can create and automate job alerts based on search activity, location matching, and salary matching.
• Minimize or maximize notifications from the notifications page with a wide range of options.
• See salaries from employers (many sites offer this).  Enter the job title or keyword along with the location and select search.
• Save jobs that you may want to view at a later date.
• Keep track of the jobs that you’ve applied for by using the “Applied Jobs” link (if available).

Good luck in your search!