More often than not the first port of call on your job search will be the internet. But with so many job sources and ways of applying, finding the right vacancies online can sometimes seem like a mammoth task. Read on for help and advice on how to find your way through the online jobs market.
Tried and tested recruitment sites
When job hunting online, it’s a good idea to start with the bigger and most widely recognised recruitment sites. Jobcentre Plus and established recruitment agencies like Reed and Adecco have a large number of vacancies, so do the bigger online specialists like Monster and Total Jobs.
If you’re open to a range of jobs, these sites will give you the widest choice. Using trusted sites like these also means you’ll avoid ‘blind alleys’ where a vacancy might be out of date or exist simply to get you to upload your CV.
Once you’ve found sites you’re happy with, save the links or add them to your favourites so you’ll have them to hand next time you search.
See our handy step-by-step guide on using the Jobcentre Plus online job search.
Sector-specific websites
If you've got a clear idea of the type of job you're looking for, sites that focus on a specific job area like engineering or nursing can save you a lot of time trawling through the general sites. They may also list vacancies you wouldn’t find elsewhere.
Our Job Profiles provide links to job-specific sites (in the section called “What opportunities are there?”). So if you're looking for a job as an LGV driver, you’ll find links to sites such as Jobs in Transport.
Employer websites
If you know which organisation you want to work for, check their recruitment pages regularly and sign up for any news alerts on offer.
If you want to find out who’s recruiting in your area, sites like Reed can be an invaluable resource. Even if the vacancies they’re advertising aren’t right for you, they’ll give you an idea of which organisations are hiring. You can then look at the employer’s website for further opportunities, and even send a speculative application. See our beginner's guide to networking for more hints and tips.
Email alerts and saved searches
Email alerts can save you a lot of time but they still need to be managed effectively.
When setting up alerts, be as specific as possible about the notifications you want to receive. Most sites allow you to specify job title, location and salary range – but the more specific you are the less clogged your inbox will be with irrelevant alerts.
The same goes for saved searches. Most sites will offer to remember the search details you enter, but only click ‘save’ if you found the results useful. Make the internet do the leg work for you!
Where can I get further help and advice?
Our Careers Coaches can help you with your job search. You can call them on 08080 100 333. Lines are open 8am – 10pm seven days a week.
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