Struggling to find good job listings? Bookmark these job search sites ASAP
When it comes to the job hunt, we all know how gruelling (read: low-key soul destroying) it can feel. It's so easy to fall into a routine of scouring the same old job listing websites over and over again too, without finding any new roles that suit your skillset or that have been posted by companies you'd actually want to work for.
So! To help out, we've chatted to leading experts and employers across various industries to learn more about the best places to look for a new job online – and trust us, there are so many other options out there besides the big players.
Here are the best websites to aid your job hunt, as per those in the know...
What are the best job sites in the UK?
According to one pro, Amanda Augustine, careers expert for TopCV (note: it's super important that once you find a job to apply for that your resumé is in the best shape possible!), the following sites should be immediately added to your daily or weekly job hunt sweep:
Glassdoor offers great insight into potential employers, says Augustine, as well as a look at their current available jobs. Get the inside intel on the culture of a company before you spend time slaving over an application. "Former candidates can also share details about their interview experiences so that you know what to expect in your interview and can prepare accordingly," she adds.
Reed is one of the most comprehensive sites for job seekers in the UK. "In addition to its job board, Reed offers courses covering careers across several industries, as well as recruitment, HR consultancy and training services to corporate clients."
Adzuna is on Augustine's list as it uses search filters and algorithms to collect job opportunities from across the web and present them to you in an easy-to-read and simple-to-search format. It's also possible to set up email alerts for jobs you're likely to be keen on.
CV-Library offers job seekers more than just vacancies, Augustine explains. "You can also sign up for job alerts or join affordable online courses to help you to expand your skill set."
Totaljobs is touted as UK’s largest hiring platform with over 280,000 live jobs adverts on its site at a given time, says the expert.
Indeed not only lists vacancies and company reviews, but shares info on salaries and lets you compare wages and businesses all over the world.
LinkedIn isn't just a favourite for Augustine, but for all the experts we chatted to for this piece. "LinkedIn is especially helpful when you consider that you’re 10 times more likely to land a job when your application includes an employee referral," Augustine reveals.
CareerBuilder is another good go-to as it will send job recommendations based upon a job seeker’s CV, details and preferences.
Sneaky tip: look for jobs on social media
Emily Austen, founder of leading PR firm Emerge (and author of the upcoming SMARTER: 10 Lessons For a More Productive and Less-Stressed Life) reveals that in her experience, "social media is also a great way of finding new talent... I get a lot of response for more junior roles through TikTok". So if there's a business you're especially keen to join, make sure to follow the CEO and other staffers (if they have a work-relevant, public social account) online, as they may well post the job of your dreams on Stories.
If you're able to join networking groups on WhatsApp, Austen adds that she's also found success in recruiting via that route. "WhatsApp groups have been a great source for hiring in the last two years. I've been added to a number across marketing, PR and female founders, as well as creating my own. These communities are really motivated to help each other and provide you with great contacts."
What's the best website for flexible jobs?
If you're after a role that allows you to work from home, Augustine says FlexJobs is one to bookmark. "It offers a wide range of remote job opportunities in the UK, covering diverse industries and skill sets. It also publishes job adverts for part-time, freelance and contract positions."
On top of that, Augustine advises checking out the specialty sites like Remote.co and We Work Remotely, which have vacancies across all industries.
Don't forget you can also filter for part-time and remote opportunities on most of the leading overall job sites, too!
What's the best place to find graduate jobs?
Pencils at the ready if you're fresh out of college or university. "At Rockborne, we are a graduate programme, so we tend to favour sites aimed at entry-level talent, such as Bright Network, Prospects and Gradcracker," says Amy Foster, Operations Director and Partner at Rockborne, a programme focussed on bringing diverse talent into the data and tech industry. However, going direct to a company you'd love to work for is always the best option, she adds, or getting a recruiter on side to help you out.
"Nothing beats getting in contact with a reputable recruiter and talking to them about your experience," Foster shares. "Providing them with information about your capabilities and what you are looking for, will put them in a much stronger and well-informed position to find you a suitable role. You'll no longer be another name on CV either; the recruiter will know you and be committed to finding you a role that fits your specifications."
What's the best website for non-profit jobs?
According to Augustine, Third Sector Jobs is one of the "leading sites for senior charity jobs in the UK and is a great option for those seeking roles in the non-profit sector". She adds that she's also a "major fan of Idealist.org, as they do a great job of allowing you to search for various roles based on the issue you care most about (e.g. poverty, reproductive rights, or race and ethnicity.)".
Where's the best place to find a job in tech?
According to Foster, it's worth looking at organisations that support diversity in the tech space, like Equal Engineers. "Many [of these bodies] will also signpost to relevant roles and organisations, [but] it is worth getting involved whether you are job-seeking or not. A few other examples include: Women in Data, Women in Tech, Black in Data and LGBTQ in Technology."
What's the best website to find a media, PR or marketing job?
According to Austen, it's worth scouring Fashion Monitor, PR Week or Diary Directory for media or PR roles, and she recommends Campaign and The Drum for those after a marketing position.
Augustine has a few other suggestions too, such as OnlyMarketingJobs and Simply Marketing Jobs, and adds that "the job board run by recruitment firm VMA Group, which specialises in interim, contract and permanent recruitment and executive search for communications, marketing and digital" is also worth checking out.
So, you've found a job you like the sound of... What now?
Amazing! Next up, you need to ensure your CV and application will stand out (for all the right reasons) – especially if you're applying through a non-specialised job site and aren't going directly to the company's hiring manager.
The experts advise the following before hitting 'send' on your application:
● Customisation is key: "Be prepared to tweak your CV to align with the requirements listed in the job advert," Augustine notes, suggesting you directly reference some of the requirements listed on the job description (e.g. if they're looking for someone with good communication skills, make sure you amp your own up!). "Most companies now use specialised software and/or AI technology as part of their applicant-vetting process, so it’s important to be certain your CV is ‘ATS friendly’ too."
● Include plenty of proof: "If the employer says they want someone with experience in Excel, make sure you highlight a project where you’ve not only used the tool, but where you have made it better and created a smarter process," says Foster, adding that it's best to only include projects you'd feel comfortable expanding on if pressed during an interview.
Figures, or case studies that illustrate your skills are a winner too; potential employers will be sold on any hard data of your talents that you can provide.
● Show your fit: It's not all about the CV – your cover letter is key for getting a foot in the door and securing an interview Augustine stresses. "Use the cover letter as an opportunity to show why you’re not only qualified for the position, but you’d also be a good fit for the team." She also advises leveraging your network connections, researching the company's culture through the likes of Glassdoor and mentioning why it appeals to you, and including some glowing references too.
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