11 Job Search Tools To Help You Find Your Next Position

Preparing to start searching for job opportunities means learning more about the different job search tools that can help you through the hiring process. By reviewing these beneficial career search tools, how they work and how you should use them to get noticed by employers, you can set yourself apart from other applicants.

In this article, we explain these tools and list 11 of the most beneficial job search tools you can use when looking for your next job.

What are job search tools?

Job search tools help you find and apply for jobs effectively and efficiently. For example, job search tools help people identify unique job opportunities through tailored searches, saving them time and energy. There are a wide variety of job search tools, including those in the following categories:

• Websites

• Organizations

• Digital mediums

• Extensions

• Software programs

Related: The Essential Job Search Guide

Job search tools to know

Here are several job search tools to help you in your job search:

1. Local job directories

Job search directories are typically websites that allow job applicants to search for jobs by title, salary, location and company. These search terms connect prospective candidates to the most relevant opportunities that companies have posted to the directory. Local directories are those specific to a person's location of residence. These job search websites only provide job listings for openings within a particular town, city or state, allowing individuals to find work close to them.

Related: 12 Ways To Find Local Jobs

2. Online job directories

Online job directories allow employers to post job descriptions and reach a large audience of potential new team members. To use an online job directory, create an account and include a professional bio, resume and cover letter. If the site has an "open to recruitment" option that notifies employers of your availability, make sure you activate it for the best results.

Indeed is a job search directory that offers prospective job candidates the opportunity to use advanced search terms to find specific results about job openings in their field. Applicants can apply for jobs by creating a free account and uploading their resume and cover letter for quick application.

Related: 7 Tools To Plan Your Career the Right Way

3. Social media networking

Social media platforms can serve as valuable job searching tools to engage with your professional community to expand your professional network. You can also find social media websites designed specifically for professional development and job seekers. Here are some tips to boost your job search by networking with the help of social media:

• Add industry connections often. Continuously adding new contacts to your profile is a great way to connect with other individuals in your industry and a vital part of maintaining a thriving network of professionals. The more connections you have, the more potential for opportunities and the more credible you look to recruiters.

• Share industry-related content. Be sure to share interesting articles, videos or studies you find about your industry with your network. This encourages engagement on their part and helps them view you as a well-read individual who is always interested in learning more about their career field.

• Like and comment on your followers' posts. Another way to engage with your network is to like and respond to posts that interest you. Comments like, "Thank you for sharing this valuable advice!" or "Wow, how cool!" help you connect directly with members of your network. 

• Look at job notifications: Companies often use their online presence to post available job openings and information about how to apply for an opportunity. If you are interested in working for a specific company, follow them on their social media platforms to find job openings ahead of other candidates.

Related: 7 Networking Tips for Getting a Job

4. Recruiting agencies

Recruiting agencies function by matching individuals who fit specific requirements with prospective employers. However, the employer decides which candidate is the best fit for the job, and these jobs are typically permanent placements. 

You should make it a point to respond to all messages you receive from recruiters and industry professionals, even if you are not interested in what they have to offer you. Saying, "Thank you for reaching out. I am unable to accept your offer at this time, but I wish you the best of luck in your candidate search" is a great way to decline their offer while remaining cordial and professional.

Related: How To Recruit Top Talent for Your Company

5. Community organizations

Community organizations offer local job opportunities and additional search tools for prospective candidates. Here are two community organizations where you can potentially find helpful job resources:

• Community centers: Community centers are local job search tools for you to use. Some community centers have job post bulletin boards that advertise job openings within your area, and depending on what your community center offers, they might have career services for people who need additional guidance.

• Libraries: Libraries are a great job search tool for individuals who need extra help navigating resources and setting up online applications. Many libraries have built-in career centers for members who need career guidance.

Related: 7 Benefits of Volunteering (Plus Resume Tips)

6. Professional organizations

Professional organizations are useful career search tools that offer individuals unique opportunities in their industry. Here are two examples of professional organizations that can help you search for a job:

• Industry organizations: Industry organizations are typically societies, councils or boards that oversee the education and procedures of a particular field. For example, the American Nursing Association (ANA) not only offers certification programs to prospective nurses but also has a career center with hiring resources for nurses to find employment.

• Alumni organizations: Alumni organizations help people stay connected with others they met at high school or college. Similarly, this is an excellent channel for job opportunities and networking.

Related: 10 Job Searching Resources

7. Job alerts

Job alerts are job search tools that help individuals learn about opportunities before other candidates. A good example of a job search alert is the Indeed job search alert. Once an individual creates a free account with Indeed.com, they have the opportunity to sign up for job alerts on their email or phone. They can tailor these alerts to notify them about jobs with a specific company or field.

Related: 10 Tips To Using Indeed To Job Search

8. Tools to research by company and salary

Researching by company and salary can help you find jobs that match your financial needs quickly. These options allow individuals to research specific and reliable details:

• Company websites: If you want to work for a specific company, you can often find openings on that company's website. This option can provide information right from the source. Some companies even have "Career" pages dedicated to job openings and recruitment opportunities.

• Salaries: The Indeed Salaries tool allows individuals to search for a specific job title's average salary expectations related to local and state economies. Also, candidates can compare salaries for the same position in different areas to determine the best locations to look for a job.

Related: How To Boost Your Job Search With Indeed's Mobile App

9. Career centers

Career centers offer specific career search tools to help prospective job candidates not only find job positions that are suitable for them but also help them establish long-term career goals to explore. You can meet at a career center to talk with a career counselor. This individual may help guide you through the job search and application process. 

Related: How To Choose the Right Career Counselor

10. Temp placement agencies

Temp and job placement agencies are organizations that work to place candidates with temporary work in several industries such as business, health care, information technology and construction or engineering. These temporary placements allow individuals to test different fields and job positions to find the right career path to pursue. Some temporary posts can turn into permanent roles.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Temp-to-Hire Jobs (With Definitions and Tips)

11. Career fairs

Career fairs are events where various companies set up stations to meet with individuals searching for jobs. These can take place at the collegiate and professional levels and allow individuals to meet with companies face-to-face in a more casual setting than in an in-person interview. Career fairs are also useful as they allow people to engage with new opportunities they may not otherwise have considered.