Job Boards/Applications

Job boards are essential tools for gathering information, identifying opportunities, and applying to roles efficiently. 

When used strategically, they offer both research power and direct access to open positions across industries and experience levels. 

Newer AI-powered job boards like Jobright.ai (see image) are adding more powerful search and matching capabilities.

Identify Common Keywords

Start by using job boards as a research tool. Before applying, spend time reading dozens of job postings in your target field. This will help you identify the most commonly used keywords, required skills, job titles, and preferred qualifications. Take note of patterns in language, responsibilities, and company expectations. These insights should inform the language you use in your resume, LinkedIn profile, and job applications.

Use Generalist Job Boards First

Once you understand the language of your industry, begin applying with purpose. Use generalist job boards and job search engines like Indeed.com, LinkedIn.com, Jobright.ai, and Hiring.cafe to access a wide range of listings. These platforms pull postings from thousands of sources and are useful for seeing trends, comparing roles, and uncovering emerging opportunities.

Add Niche and Industry-Specific Boards

In addition to general job boards, incorporate niche or specialized job boards into your search. These focus on specific fields or industries, such as TechCareers for technology roles, Idealist for nonprofit jobs, or Mediabistro for marketing and communications. There are also many specialized sites to help find remote roles. These sites feature curated listings and attract employers seeking candidates with targeted experience. Be a bigger fish in a smaller pond!

Apply Smart Filters

Always apply filters to narrow your search and increase relevance. Use the date posted filter to see the most recent opportunities, ideally those listed in the past week. Fresh listings mean less competition and a higher chance of being seen by a recruiter. You can also filter by job type, experience level, salary range, and location to zero in on your best-fit opportunities.

Set Up Alerts

After refining your search terms, create job alerts directly on each board. These alerts deliver new, relevant listings straight to your inbox based on your optimized criteria. This keeps your search efficient and ensures you never miss a new opportunity in your field.

Use Them, but Don't Overuse

Job boards work best when used consistently and strategically. Combine research, customization, and alerts to make them a proactive and ongoing part of your job search process. However, it can feel productive to spend hours searching online and applying to lots of jobs. Don't fall into this trap! We recommend 2-3 job applications per week and most of your time spent on networking against your target list.

 

Newer Sites to Try

While older sites like LinkedIn and Indeed are trying to keep up, there are some recently created sites that aim to be more user-friendly and speed your search. 

TealHQ.com

• Extensive suite of job search tools including a job board, job tracker, networking tracker, resume creation and customization. 

Jobright.ai

• AI-Driven Job Matching: Unlike traditional platforms that rely heavily on keyword searches, Jobright.ai analyzes your skills, experience, and preferences to deliver relevant job recommendations.
• Resume Optimization: Jobright.ai features an AI-powered resume editor that helps tailor your resume for specific job applications, ensuring compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Insider Connections: The platform integrates with LinkedIn to identify potential connections within target companies, facilitating networking opportunities that can increase your chances of landing interviews. ​

JobLogr.com 

• Finds jobs, tailors your resume, and tracks every application automatically.

Huntr.co

• Autofills applications to save you from entering the same information over and over.
• Also has other helpful features like a networking tracker. 

Hiring.Cafe

• Many filters to choose from; pulls directly from company career sites

Sites That Apply For You

• We DO NOT recommend using these sites. They create low-quality applications that will never get past a recruiter screen.

   

Should You Apply? 

It can be hard to tell when you come across posted jobs if you are a good fit. Some AI tools like Jobright.ai will assess your fit for you, but that is just one data point. 

You can use AI to ask about fit too. See the Brutally Honest Job Fit Analyzer linked in the Tools at the bottom of this page. "Brutally Honest" because you don't want to waste time on an app for a job that doesn't suit you. 

 

Tools and Resources to Help You

Skill Builder Workshop

• Job Search Strategy 101: Contains detailed sections on job boards (how to find them and use them) and applications. 

Tools

• Online Job Scams: Many job postings appear legit until you begin to interact with the recruiter. Read this carefully to learn how to spot and avoid them.

AI Prompts

• Brutally Honest Job Fit Prompt: Before you spend a lot of time on an app, evaluate your fit. 

Online Resources

• LinkedIn, Indeed, Jobright.ai, Hiring.cafe. These generalist job boards are a good place to start. Do you have other recommendations? Let us know!
• Job Board Database: Use this tool to search for specialized sites to add to generalist sites.
• MacsList is a local job board with a nonprofit/government focus.

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