Learn how to use Google for job search with 5 steps

Many people use Google in their daily lives to learn new information or find answers to questions. But did you know you can also use Google to search for jobs? While it’s not a job board, Google compiles listings from different sources and shows you targeted results based on your search terms. Knowing how to use the Google job search functionality can help you find and apply for jobs quickly.

If you want to learn more about using Google for your job search, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll go over:

• How to search for jobs and filter the results

• Tips for finding jobs if you’re not sure what you want to do

• Answers to other frequently asked questions about online job searches

How to use Google for a job search

Ready to Google your way to a new job? Follow these tips for using the search engine to find and apply for jobs:

1. Start a new search

Finding jobs on Google begins the same way as any other search. Type a phrase into the search bar using the job title and location. For example, if you’re looking for receptionist jobs in San Francisco, you can type “receptionist jobs San Francisco.”

Once you initiate this search, Google will show you the top few results in a box called “Jobs.” At the bottom of the box, there’s usually an option to view more jobs. When you click on this arrow, you can view all the job results matching your search query.

2. Filter the search results

Your Google job search may produce dozens or even hundreds of results aggregated from different job boards. You can filter these results to make your search more manageable. Google allows you to use various filters, which include:

• Title. When you search for a broad term, like “receptionist jobs,” you can filter the results to show more specific job titles. For example, you can view results for “dental receptionist” or “desk receptionist.”

• Location. Google uses your location to show results close to your area. You can filter these results further by specifying how far you’re willing to travel for work, such as 15 or 30 miles. You can also set this filter to “work from home” if you want to view remote jobs.

• Date posted. You can search for jobs based on when they were posted. If you’re looking for the newest jobs available, for example, you can filter your search to view results from the past 24 hours.

• Requirements. You can tell Google to filter results based on employers’ requirements for education and experience. For example, you can only view jobs that don’t require a degree or previous experience.

• Type. Use this filter to search by job type, including full-time, part-time, contract, or internship.

• Company type. This filter allows you to search for jobs in specific industries. For example, when searching for receptionist jobs, you can filter results to view relevant jobs in healthcare, education, or finance.

• Employer. You can view results by employer, allowing you to see relevant jobs available at specific companies.

3. Broaden your search

Filters can be a valuable way to narrow your job search. But what if you’re not sure exactly what type of job you want to get? In this case, you can do a broader Google search to view different types of results.

A good way to broaden your search is to use an asterisk in place of specific words. For example, if you want to work remotely but don’t have a specific job in mind, you can search for “remote* jobs.” Rather than searching for specific types of jobs, Google will show you a broad list of remote jobs.

4. Search by field

Similarly, you can perform a broader search to find different jobs in a specific field. If you’re graduating with an English degree, for example, you can type in “jobs for English majors” in the Google search bar. This search will show you all the jobs that list an English degree as an educational requirement.

Once you have a broad list of jobs in your field, you can narrow your search further. For example, you can include your city’s name in the search query to see all relevant jobs in your geographic area.

5. Save jobs

If you find a job but you’re not ready to apply, you can save it for later. Look for the “save” button in the upper right corner of the job listing. When you click this button, Google saves the job so you can view it later. When you’re ready to apply, do a new search for the job and click “saved” at the top of the blue jobs box.

FAQs about searching for jobs online

Here are some other frequently asked questions and answers about using Google for a job search.

How does Google rank job search results?

According to Google, the search engine ranks job search results by relevance. It considers various factors, such as the search term, location, and posting date. If you sign into your Google account, the search engine will use your previous search history to personalize the results it shows you.

How do I search for entry-level jobs on Google?

Type “entry-level jobs” into the Google search bar to search for jobs with minimal experience requirements in your geographic area. You can also add other parameters you want the search engine to consider. For example, you can search for “remote entry-level jobs” or “entry-level jobs in construction.”

Want to go beyond Google and take your job search to the next level? Use Career.io’s job search tool to get personalized recommendations and apply for your top jobs, all from our easy-to-use platform!

Key takeaways

1. Searching for jobs on Google allows you to view postings from various job boards and company sites in one place.

2. You can filter results to show jobs based on different criteria, such as location, date posted, and requirements.

3. Broadening your Google search can help you view different types of jobs to find the one you want.