How to find a job online: Everything you really need to know

How many times have you seen your dream job posted online—only to realize that hundreds of other people saw it too? While online job listings offer a quick, convenient way to find and apply for jobs, they can also be highly competitive. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about how to find a job online from home and stand out from the competition when applying.

What are the best websites to find jobs online?

There’s no shortage of places you can go to find and apply for jobs online. But depending on the job you want, some sites may be more valuable than others. 

Here are some of the best websites to find jobs online:

Job boards

Job boards are platforms that list open positions across various industries and companies. These sites allow you to search by job title, company, location, salary, and more. Many job boards aggregate listings from across the web, so you don’t have to jump between multiple sites to find opportunities.

Some popular job boards include:

1. Career.io’s Job Search

2. Indeed

3. Monster

4. CareerBuilder

5. Glassdoor

6. SimplyHired

7. LinkedIn Jobs

8. LinkUp

Niche job sites

Beyond the major boards, you can also search niche job sites if you’re targeting a specific job type or industry. For example, you can use industry-specific job sites to search for roles in healthcare, technology, or education. While these sites usually post fewer jobs, they’re a useful option if you’re looking for roles in niche areas.

Depending on your industry, check out these niche job sites:

1. The SaaS Jobs

2. AngelList

3. Stack Overflow

4. Health eCareers

5. Creativepool

6. Behance Jobs

7. Dribbble

8. Mediabistro

9. Dice

10. LawCrossing

Freelance and remote job sites

If you’re looking for freelance work or remote jobs, there are websites that specifically aggregate these opportunities. Rather than wasting time filtering through full-time or on-site positions, you can quickly find jobs that match your preferences.

Some freelance and remote job sites include:

1. Upwork

2. Fiverr

3. We Work Remotely

4. Remote.co

5. FlexJobs

6. SkipTheDrive

7. Jobspresso

8. Working Nomads

Company websites

Don’t forget another great option for how to find a job online: company websites. Many companies have career pages where they post current openings. If you have a specific company in mind where you’d love to work, check its website often and apply early to positions that match your skills and qualifications.

How to stand out when applying for a job online

Once you find a job, it’s time to submit your application. Differentiation is key when applying for jobs online. You need to make your application stand out among dozens—if not hundreds—of other candidates. 

Follow these tips to capture an employer’s attention:

1. Update your resume

Haven’t touched your resume in a while? Before applying, take some time to update it with your current job, new skills, or recent certifications. Export your resume as a PDF document to easily upload it when applying for jobs online.

As you’re updating your resume, review the job description again and make sure that your resume reflects the employer’s requirements. Every time you apply for a job online, you should target your resume to the specific role. While it may take a little longer, customizing your resume can set you apart from the many other candidates who won’t take this step.

2. Maximize keywords

Chances are, your online job application will go through an applicant tracking system (ATS). Employers use ATS software to sort resumes, rank candidates, and reject unsuitable applications. 

If you want to avoid your resume getting booted automatically, make sure that you’re using keywords directly from the job description. If an employer repeats or emphasizes specific terms, those are good keywords to prioritize on your own resume.

While you shouldn’t copy entire sentences from the job posting, you should intentionally sprinkle some salient words and short phrases throughout your resume. Incorporate them into your professional summary, employment history, and skills section. Using keywords can help your resume not only get through an ATS, but also stand out once it reaches a recruiter’s desk.

3. Personalize your cover letter

Hiring managers can tell when a candidate has copy-and-pasted a generic cover letter into an online application. Just as you customize your resume for each job, you should target your cover letter toward each online job opportunity.

One notable way to make your cover letter stand out is by addressing it to the actual person who will review applications. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, do some online research to find this information. Thoughtful touches like this can differentiate your cover letter from others that begin with a generic “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

4. Optimize your LinkedIn profile

Hiring managers may check out your profile on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, particularly if you apply for an online job via that platform. Make sure your profile is thorough and up to date. Highlight any relevant technical skills or unique abilities on your profile that can help you move forward in the hiring process.

If possible, ask a few past managers, clients, or colleagues to leave you a recommendation on LinkedIn. These professional recommendations can help your profile stand out in a sea of other online candidates.

5. Leverage your network

Tapping into your professional network can give you a significant edge when applying for jobs online. For highly competitive job listings, having someone within the company vouch for you can make all the difference. Reach out to connections who work at or know someone at the company where you’re applying. Ask if they’d feel comfortable referring you for the position.

If you don’t have a connection within the company, there are still ways you can network successfully. Follow the company’s social media pages and engage with its content. You can also follow company employees on platforms like LinkedIn and send a message to introduce yourself. While it takes more effort, these actions can set you apart and lead to potential opportunities down the road.

FAQs about applying for jobs online

Have more questions about how to find a job online from your home? Here are some other frequently asked questions and answers about the process:

What are some tips for applying for jobs online?

Follow these tips for a successful online job search:

• Set job alerts. Many job sites allow you to set up alerts based on your target job or company. Getting alerts helps you apply to a newly posted job quickly and stay ahead of the competition.

• Complete applications fully. Some online platforms may ask you to upload your resume, while others prompt you to enter details into specific fields. Make sure that you complete all of the prompted steps so that your resume doesn’t get automatically rejected.

• Track your applications. Keeping track of your applications can allow you to follow up or respond quickly to employers. Stay organized with a system for storing applications, including the job description, job posting URL, and your customized resume and cover letter. For an easy tracking solution, use career.io’s Job Tracker to view, track, and manage all of your online applications.

How to find a job fast online?

If you’re looking to get hired quickly, narrow your job search by using job boards with advanced filters. These filters allow you to view jobs that specifically fit your skills, preferences, and availability. 

Additionally, make time to apply for multiple jobs each day, which can increase your chances of getting an interview.

How to find a job online with no experience?

If you are looking for your first job or changing careers, it’s still possible to find jobs online. Create targeted applications that focus on your transferable skills, such as communication or problem solving. In your cover letters, focus on your willingness to learn and your passion for the industry.

Want to simplify your online job search? Check out career.io’s Job Search Strategy service for digital tools, coaching, and guidance to navigate the competitive job market!

Key takeaways

1. Applying for jobs online is now the norm. Stand out from the competition by targeting each application to the specific role.

2. When applying online, make sure to update your resume with keywords from the job description and create a custom cover letter.

3. Use a variety of online sources, including job boards, niche sites, and company webpages, to search for job opportunities.

4. Don’t give up! Searching for a job online can take time, but making the extra effort to stand out will increase your chances of getting hired.