It’s no secret that we’re living in a digital age, and that technology is developing at an unprecedented rate. We have the ability to correspond and speak to people on the other side of the planet in real time. Global currency is becoming increasingly intangible as it moves further into the digital space. Even the way we hunt for and find jobs has changed dramatically in the face of technology.
According to a survey conducted by The Pew Research Center in 2015, the majority of American adults (roughly 54%) have researched jobs online and nearly as many (approximately 45%) have actually applied for a job online. These figures doubled in the period from 2005 to 2015 and have likely since spiked even more, particularly in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To abide by social distancing protocols, many operations once completed in person – such as job hunting – shifted to the online space.
With that in mind, you may still be wondering where you can search for a job online. Below, we have compiled a list of our top four picks to facilitate your job hunt and land the role of your dreams.
1. Job Search Blogs:
When you think of a blog niche, you probably think of a travel blog or a baking blog. These days, there’s a blog niche for almost everything, including assisting people with their job hunts. These blogs are known as job search blogs. Not only do these sites feature job postings that you can respond and apply to, but they also offer helpful articles with tips for job hunting. Plus, they provide you with a platform to showcase your skills, certifications, and past work experience, all of which can help you be a more desirable candidate.
Now that you have a better understanding of what a job search blog is, you likely want to know which ones to check out first. We recommend starting with the following:
- Resume-Example
- Careerealism
- Simply Hired Blog
- Mashable Jobs
- Brazen Life
The sooner you check out the handy resources on these job search blogs, the sooner you’ll be expanding your professional horizons and fielding interview requests from multiple employers.
2. Social Media:
As of 2021, there are roughly 4.33 billion social media users across the planet, which equates to roughly 55% of the global population. In other words, social media has evolved into a widely recognized and utilized platform. What may surprise some people is that social media sites aren’t just used for leisure and personal interaction – they are now used as professional networking and job application tools as well.
Some of the most popular social media websites that are used for professional purposes include LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Approximately one in 10 people have used social media sites to create posts that they thought would impress potential employers. Additionally, some 40 million users search for jobs on LinkedIn every single week. What is also particularly interesting about this uptick in social media job hunting is that it’s popular among younger generations. For instance, according to HR Magazine, roughly 73% of UK-based millennials (workers aged 18 to 34) found their most recent job directly through some sort of social media platform as of 2015. In 2021, Glassdoor reported that this number had increased, with 79% of all job seekers using social media during their job search. The same report revealed that 84% of companies are recruiting workers via social media. With that in mind, be sure to create profiles on such websites and leverage your online presence to land your next position.
3. Recruitment Sites:
Recruitment websites feature a simple but incredibly powerful interface: employers post job openings that hopeful employees can apply to. The employers can then filter through the applicants to see which ones suit the position and proceed with the interviewing/hiring process from there. These platforms act as the middleman between organizations and professional candidates, helping to streamline the job hunting and hiring procedures. Some of the most popular and effective online recruitment websites include (but are not limited to):
- SEEK
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Simply Hired
- CareerOne
- Monster
- AngelList
You can also consult the websites of dedicated recruitment agencies to discover even more job opportunities in the market. Oftentimes, these sites will not only feature job postings, but they will provide contact information for recruiters you can get in touch with. These experts can offer insight and feedback on your resume, make edits, and advise you on the best career path for your goals. Some popular and reputable U.S.-based recruitment firms are:
- Robert Half
- Kelly
- Korn Ferry
- Aerotek
- Manpower
- Adecco
- Randstad
4. Freelancer Platforms:
Whether you’re a freelance writer, translator, graphic designer, freelancer platforms are one of the top places to look for jobs online in 2021. These websites connect freelancers and employers from all around the world with one another, which broadens both parties’ professional networks. By having a wider scope of talent and a larger range of skill sets involved throughout the process, all parties will improve their own knowledge significantly. Not to mention, everyone will improve their capacity to work with new people of various backgrounds with an increased sense of tact and understanding.
Freelance websites also provide freelance workers with the opportunity to showcase their past work (i.e. create an online portfolio) that they can then pass along to potential employers to help show off their most valuable skills. Freelancer platforms also help cut down on hiring costs for companies and they nurture a merit-based professional system.
If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some of the top freelancing platforms you can check out to secure a new role:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Dribbble
- Freelancer.com
- Guru
If you’re hoping to keep up with the times and land your next major professional role all at once, you need to embrace technology. More specifically, start networking and hunting for jobs online if you have not already done so. Searching for roles on job search blogs, social media sites, recruitment websites, and freelancer platforms, will expand your reach and allow you to access professional opportunities you would not have otherwise.
