How to Search For Jobs Online: 7 Top Tips

The search for a job online can be… a tough job. It can seem a little bit daunting, especially if its your first time stepping into the world of work.

There are many ways to search for a job online, such as using job boards, checking out company websites or through social media.

In this guide, you can find some top tips and great guidance to help you find the best job for you.

1. Job boards

There are lots of job search websites available online. Using them allows you to search job listings from hundreds of websites easily and in one place. The main job boards include Indeed, Totaljobs, Reed and Monster. There are also job boards for specific sectors, such as CharityJob and government resources such as FindaJob.

2. Company websites

If there is a specific organisation you’d like to work for, check out their website! You could discover roles that aren’t being advertised anywhere else and have the opportunity to learn a thing or two about the organisation.

3. Search by keywords

The most effective way to search for a job online is by using keywords. Searching with the right words is crucial to finding the most suitable results for you and can help avoid wasting time. You can start with using the job title, for example, ‘Writer’, but also generate more specific results by adding more words, such as ‘Freelance Writer’ or ‘Part-Time Writer’. You can also search the name of a company or industry you’d like to work in.

4. Customise your search criteria

In addition to keywords, you can filter your results to find the best job for you. Often found at the top of the webpage, you can use additional filters to narrow your results by location, salary, hours and more.

5. Create job alerts

Many job sites allow you to set up email notifications for jobs you may be interested in. This means you can be the first to hear about new jobs without having to constantly be searching.

6. Be mindful of your social media presence

It’s important that your social media presence does not affect your chances of getting a job, especially since lots of employers search for their candidates on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other platforms. Update your privacy settings so you can control who can view your profiles or don’t post anything that you would not want to be seen.

7. Stay safe

As with anything online, you should be sure it’s verified and legitimate. Ensure that email addresses are authentic, websites are reputable and don’t share personal information or contact details freely. There are options to keep information on your job board profiles ‘private’ or visible to selective contacts only. Never pay to apply for jobs or provide your bank details to organisations or individuals claiming that they will help you find work.