Which job search site is best?

Finding a job that truly aligns with your passions and goals is no easy feat. And with so many job search platforms out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

Each platform has its own strengths and quirks, so the "best" one really depends on what you're looking for.

But don't worry, I'm here to help! I've navigated my fair share of job sites, and I'm happy to share my experiences and insights to help you find the perfect fit.

So, let's break down some of the major players in the job search world, giving you a bit of a casual review from my own experience, along with some thoughts about each.

Hopefully, by the end of this, you'll have a better idea of which ones might be best for you.

And that’s where it shines.

The beauty of LinkedIn is its ability to connect you with jobs and people. It’s the kind of platform where, even if you're not actively job hunting, it’s still working for you. The “your skills match this job” feature is a confidence boost - getting a notification that a job is basically calling your name. Feels good, right?

I find this really motivating. It's like it says, "Remember, you're a valuable person. You have value to offer people, and people like what you have. You're important, you matter." You know you have options; you're not stuck in one place. That's a little bit of positivity that I really like.

Plus, as a hiring manager, I’ve had great success using LinkedIn. Not only can I see a candidate’s resume, but I can also get a fuller picture of who they are, what they’re passionate about, and what they’ve been up to professionally. You can get insights into someone’s career beyond just a flat CV - they’re more than just a piece of paper, a single picture in isolation, and you get a more complete picture. I can see who they've worked with before, I can actually go and see what they're commenting on if I really want to. I think it's beneficial to the candidates too. I think it's beneficial to the good candidates.

And that's why, for me, LinkedIn is the best.

Pros:

• Social network aspect that lets you build relationships.
• The "job match" notifications make you feel valued.
• Great for hiring managers to get a fuller picture of candidates.

Cons:

• Some job postings are just recruiters fishing for resumes.
• Can get a bit too social - sometimes you just want a job board without the noise.

Also, the idea of a job board feels a bit like the 20th century to me. More traditional doesn't mean bad, though. It's just that for me, something a little bit more modern, with more ties into other parts of your career, like LinkedIn, is more appealing.

The standard job board style can have its benefits, because it's got that incumbency thing going on – it's how things have always been done, so it's familiar. A lot of companies use sites like Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter, or Seek for posting job ads. They may then use LinkedIn more for recruiters specifically, maybe for outreaching people, rather than posting jobs, just because of the costs involved. They're all actually quite expensive for what you get.

Indeed is great because it’s familiar and straightforward. There's no need for fancy profiles or building connections, just a straightforward "here’s a job, apply for it" vibe.

However, while it's huge, that also means a lot of competition. When you're applying for jobs, you're not the only one. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people might be throwing their hat in the ring too. Still, for sheer volume, Indeed can't be beaten.

Pros:

• Lots of job listings.
• Easy to use.
• Familiar and trusted by companies.

Cons:

• Lots of competition for jobs.
• Doesn't offer much beyond just job listings—no social aspect.

Ever wondered if you're getting paid what you're worth? Enter Glassdoor, the job site that lets you see what companies are really like from the inside. It’s like reading restaurant reviews before booking a table, but for jobs.

Not only can you apply for jobs, but you can also check out company reviews and salary info. This is especially helpful when you want to make sure you’re getting paid fairly. It's kind of like doing a bit of research on a company before you commit. And trust me, that kind of transparency is rare.

Pros:

• Company reviews from current and former employees.
• Salary insights help you know what you're worth.

Cons:

• Some reviews may be outdated or biased.
• The job search function itself isn’t as comprehensive as some others.

Personally, I’ve had nothing but good experiences with freelancers on Upwork. The talent pool is just incredible, everyone I've worked with has been top-notch. And for those looking to dip their toes into freelancing without committing to full-time work, it's a great way to start. You can take on small projects and gradually build up.

One of the coolest aspects of Upwork is that you can start with a short-term task, a small commitment, like a couple of hours/week, and see how it goes. If it works out, it can grow into something bigger. If it's not a good fit after a week, there's not a huge investment lost. It’s a low-risk way to test the waters, whether you're a freelancer or someone looking to hire.

It's a more natural way of doing things, kind of like dating. You get to know someone gradually, without having to commit right away. You don't marry someone on the first date, right?

Pros:

• Amazing for freelancers and small businesses.
• You can start with small projects and scale up.
• Great talent pool.

Cons:

• Some jobs can be low-paid (depending on the client).
• Service fees can add up for freelancers.

Monster and ZipRecruiter are like the OGs of the job search world. They’re both big names, but I’ll be honest - they feel a bit outdated compared to LinkedIn or even Indeed. That said, they’re still very much in the game, and many companies use them to post jobs.

Monster is your classic job board, and it's still used by many companies, so don’t write it off just because it’s been around a while. ZipRecruiter, on the other hand, has a more modern feel and is known for having an easy-to-use platform.

Pros:

• Still widely used by companies.
• Familiarity makes them easy to navigate.

Cons:

• Feels a bit outdated compared to newer platforms.
• Not as interactive or feature-rich as LinkedIn.

At the end of the day, the best job search site depends on what you need.

If you’re all about networking and want to see what else is out there, LinkedIn’s the way to go.

But if you’re into freelancing, Upwork is your best bet. For sheer volume, Indeed is hard to beat, while Glassdoor is great if you’re keen on doing a bit of research into companies and salaries before applying.

Each platform has its own strengths, and it’s worth exploring a few to see which one works for you.

After all, the job search process is like finding the right pair of shoes - you might need to try on a few before you find the perfect fit!

Good luck with your search!

So, what's been your experience with different job search sites? Any favourites (or ones you'd rather forget! 😂)? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below! 👇