Where to Begin: Online Job Search Engines

Introduction. Looking for a job used to be easy. You checked the newspaper ads, knocked on doors, or asked your friends. Today there is the added dimension of the Internet. Newspaper ads are also posted online. Many jobs are ONLY posted online. Many employers REQUIRE that you respond online and attach resumes, cover letters, and recommendations. So it is time to upgrade your computer skills and become familiar with the wide array of support services and job listings that are available, usually free, and online. Today’s workshop is designed to introduce you the variety of websites, services and job listings that are available online. Keep in mind that the library also has a great many books and audiovisuals that will help you with resume’, interviewing skills, cover letters, career exploration, and job search strategies.

Portals. Complete guides to the job search. These sites offer advice on resume’ writing, career exploration, dealing with lay-offs, health insurance, resources for women, veterans, and other special groups, as well as offering a job-search engine. These are great places to start.

http://Gethelp.njlibraries.org New Jersey State Library A great site specializing in New Jersey jobs and with links out to other locations.
www.rileyguide.com Very inclusive. Job search plus tips on resume’s, interviewing, salary guides, etc.
www.careerjournal.com Published by the Wall Street Journal. Job search plus employment news and tips.
www.jobhuntersbible.com Official companion site for the book What Color is Your Parachute?
www.job-hunt.org Job search plus resources by location, profession, industry. Job fair locations, general advice.
www.quintcareers.com Large site with many job listings, career advice, career changing advice.
www.asktheheadhunter.com Companion site for the book Ask the Headhunter. Critical views of employment agencies and job-search sites.

Large Job Boards These are some of the largest and earliest of the big-board sites. They offer some sophisticated search engines and services such as hosting your resume’ and remembering your search request. You may be asked to register and give your email address in order to utilize these extra services.

Aggregators These are large sites that seek to “do it all”. They have a job search engine that searches other job search engines to bring it all together. They also lead you to sites that offer advice about job searches, resume writing, etc. Some point to specialized searches for veterans, home businesses, the disabled, etc.

Smaller Job-boards These are online classified ads. They offer jobs but also many other things.

Individual Companies Many larger companies list their vacancies on their websites. Here are a few examples: