Best Job Search Sites December 2024

Edvisors rates job search sites objectively. "Best" determinations are solely the opinion of Edvisors. 

Turning 16 is an exciting time in life, bringing with is new opportunities and responsibilities. It’s the age when you can start to drive, opening the door to greater independence. It’s also the perfect time to step into the working world, perhaps with your very first job. Earning your own money and gaining real-world experience can set the stage for future success. 

By the time you reach 21, you might already be on a solid career path, building on the skills and knowledge you’ve worked hard to develop. While the road from your first job to a fulfilling career can feel challenging, it’s also full of exciting possibilities.

Thankfully, the internet offers incredible tools to make this transition easier. Job search platforms have revolutionized how we discover opportunities, acting as your go-to resource for finding work. These websites enable you to explore countless openings, filter by location, skills, and salary, and even match roles with your interests. They simplify the process of finding jobs that suit your strengths, making the experience less daunting.

As you begin your career exploration, take advantage of these tools to make your search more focused and efficient. What might seem overwhelming at first can quickly turn into an exciting and manageable plan. With these resources at your fingertips, you’re not just looking for your first job—you’re laying the foundation for a bright and successful future.

Best of all, these sites are free to use for job seekers. Learn more about the top six sites for finding job listings and see how you can improve your chances of landing a job.

Indeed Tops the List of Job Search Engines

Indeed, is widely recognized as one of the top job search websites. Indeed was established in 2004, and since 2010, it has been the most frequently visited job search site on the web in the U.S. There are many reasons why Indeed is considered the best, but its greatest advantage is the sheer volume of job listings that it offers to users. This is because Indeed acts as an aggregate and collects job opportunities from multiple other search sites.

How To Get a Job on Indeed

Indeed tops this list of the best job search sites because of the streamlined application process that users can enjoy. Most positions posted on the site feature a built-in application and convenient pre-interview questions. This makes it easier to get a job on Indeed than any other job site. You can start applying and land a job with the following tips:

• Search for jobs according to your interests, location, and ideal wage
• Use the “Save Job” function for jobs that you want to apply to later
• Upload your resume so that employers can contact you directly
• Follow the steps to apply through Indeed when you find a job you want

Pros and Cons of Using Indeed

Indeed is a great job search engine for beginners because it displays the full breadth of opportunities that are available in a specific area or industry. This can help new job seekers get a feel for what to expect. Some of the other advantages of Indeed include:

• Simple interface that’s easy to navigate
• Intuitive controls that make your job search easy
• A convenient notification system sends job alerts

Job seekers should also be aware that there are some disadvantages to using Indeed, too. Some of the downsides of this site include:

• Users report that there are many scam listings
• The high volume means jobs often have many applicants
• Connecting with a recruiter directly can be difficult

Monster.com

When Indeed became the most-visited job site in 2010, it dethroned Monster from the top spot. Prior to this point, Monster was widely considered one of the best places to find jobs online. The site launched in the earliest days of the internet in 1994, and even though it’s no longer number one, it’s still a great place to start your job search. Many employers post jobs to Monster because postings can be integrated into a company’s applicant tracking system (ATS).

How To Get a Job on Monster

Monster is one of the easiest job search engines to navigate. First-time job seekers can easily look for the position they want, apply online, and schedule an interview. These additional tips will further boost your chances of landing a position on the site:

• Search using keywords that are relevant to your desired career
• Submit brief cover letters along with your resume when applying
• Mirror some of the words and phrasing used in job postings
• Look for postings that specifically seek out new job seekers

Pros and Cons of Using Monster

Just like any other job site, Monster has both pros and cons that you should consider before you create an account. Some of the benefits of this site include the following:

• Applying for jobs takes just a few clicks
• You can search and filter results based on skills
• Uploading your resume can attract direct offers

Some of the potential disadvantages of using Monster include the following:

• Many job postings do not offer information about wages
• Monster may not have as many postings as other sites
• Like other high-volume sites, there may be a lot of competition

Snagajob Is the Best for Hourly Workers

If you’re a first-time job seeker, there’s a good chance your first position will be paid hourly. In fact, it’s estimated that over 70% of workers who are under 30 receive an hourly wage. Hourly jobs are commonly available in industries such as retail, food service, and hospitality. Snagajob is one of the best job search engines to find positions like these. The site was established in 2000, and in the years since, it’s helped over 100 million users find employment.

How To Get a Job on Snagajob

Getting a job on Snagajob is simple. Users need to register, create a profile, and look for positions that meet their criteria. Like many other job boards, Snagajob features a “Save Job” function that allows you to bookmark and revisit postings later. Users can follow these pointers to improve their chances of success on the site:

• Create an engaging profile that allows employers to learn more about you
• Upload your resume when you apply for open positions
• Follow up with employers if you don’t hear back promptly

Pros and Cons of Using Snagajob

Snagajob is the undisputed winner for candidates seeking hourly job opportunities. Some of the best benefits that it can provide for new job seekers include:

• A simplified application process that takes just a few minutes
• Many job listings for applicants to consider and apply to
• The unique “Urgent Jobs” feature helps candidates find work fast

There are also a few downsides that users report they encounter when using Snagajob’s search engines. Some of these disadvantages include:

• There may be an abundance of scam listings and fraudulent posts
• Some users say that they received spam emails after signing up
• The site is free to use for job seekers, but it features distracting ads

FlexJobs Offers Plenty of Remote Work Opportunities

Remote work is an increasingly popular way to make a living for people around the world. According to research, people who work remotely are happier, more productive, and less stressed. All of these benefits make it clear why you might be interested in finding a remote position when you’re looking for your first job. If this describes you, FlexJobs is one of the top job search engines for finding the job you want.

How To Get a Job on FlexJobs

When you arrive on the FlexJobs landing page, you’ll notice that the site features search engines that allow you to search by location, job posting keywords, or job title. No matter which approach you use, you should keep the following tips in mind to boost your likelihood of landing the position you want on FlexJobs:

• Set up notifications from FlexJobs so that you know when new jobs are posted
• Look for remote positions that are suited to entry-level candidates
• Browse remote jobs at companies that are outside your local area

Pros and Cons of Using FlexJobs

FlexJobs is the ideal site for any job seeker who is drawn to the idea of working from home. It’s one of the top remote work search engines, but before you dive in, you should review the following pros and cons that the site may offer. Some of the best benefits of FlexJobs include:

• FlexJobs says that all postings are 100% verified and hand-screened
• There are an array of remote and hybrid positions available on the site
• Users report that there are fewer scams posted on FlexJobs than other sites
• Many positions on FlexJobs offer better wages than postings on other sites

Some of the drawbacks you may encounter when using FlexJobs include the following:

• Many remote positions may seek candidates with prior work experience
• There are fewer positions available on FlexJobs than there are on other job sites
• You will likely be up against intense competition for the site's most desirable jobs

AngelList Is Perfect if You’re Focusing on Startup Opportunities

Perhaps you’re targeting your job search toward positions at startup companies. Jobs like this can be an incredibly exciting opportunity to get in on the ground floor and become a key player in a growing enterprise. These positions are for the most ambitious job seekers, but if you have the skills and drive, you can establish your place in the world of startups. AngelList makes it easy by collecting job postings from startups around the world, and famous companies such as tinder, Hinge, and Yelp have used it for recruiting. The site emerged in 2010, and it’s a great place to launch your job search.

How To Get a Job on AngelList

AngelList provides users with a suite of tools that make it easy to apply to open positions. In order to stand out, though, you’ll need to put some time and effort into your applications. Consider this advice if you’re serious about landing a job on AngelList:

• If you are a first-time job seeker, search for positions that accept entry-level applicants
• Apply to positions that include an internship or training component to build experience
• Upload your resume and showcase your entrepreneurial experience to attract recruiters

Pros and Cons of Using AngelList

There are plenty of unique advantages that AngelList offers to job seekers. Some of these benefits include the following:

• Listings from some of the most prestigious tech companies and startups
• Plenty of opportunities for job seekers with design, tech, or business skills
• Easily create your profile and apply to positions directly on the site

There are some notable drawbacks that AngelList might have, though, that job seekers should also make note of:

• Many jobs at startups may require skills and experience that first-time job seekers lack
• Desirable positions at top companies will typically have a lot of competition
• The website’s interface and application process aren’t as user-friendly as other job search engines

Glassdoor Gives You the Power of Knowledge

When you’re applying for a job, it would be great if you could know exactly what to expect. What questions will the employer ask in an interview? How does the company treat its employees? With Glassdoor, you can know the answer to questions like these before you even apply. Glassdoor’s reviews and search engines allow you to browse jobs and enjoy an inside glimpse of a company's culture.

How To Get a Job on Glassdoor

You can use Glassdoor to browse open positions, read reviews, and find jobs that you are interested in. When it comes time to apply, you should follow these steps:

• Use the site’s search engines to look for specific employers or positions
• Set up job alerts that will email you when new jobs that match your criteria are posted
• Filter positions by salary, location, and other features to find the perfect job

Pros and Cons of Using Glassdoor

Consider the following pros that you can enjoy when you use Glassdoor to search job listings:

• Reviews from prior applicants and employees offer valuable insight
• “Easy Apply” tool lets users submit an application effortlessly
• Salary transparency information helps users negotiate a fair wage

Glassdoor also includes a few potential disadvantages, including the following:

• Glassdoor focuses more on employer reviews than job listings
• Other job search engines have more job opportunities available
• Users may need to review an employer to gain full access to other reviews

Job Search Engines Can Help You Find Work

Searching for your first job is a major step toward establishing your independence and launching your career. Contrary to popular belief, though, your first job doesn’t have to be low-paying or unfulfilling. It can be fun, rewarding, and financially lucrative, too. With the right job search engines, you can find a position that’s perfectly suited to your skills, interests, and experience level. Consider using one of these top six search engines when you’re ready to start researching job opportunities and applying to open positions.