How to Find a Job: 15 Ways to Expand Your Search

Key takeaways

• Finding a job first requires investing time in identifying relevant opportunities.

• Often, people rely on job search engines, such as LinkedIn and Indeed, to learn about openings, but that's just one piece of a multi-layered approach you can build to find your next job.

• There are many other avenues worth exploring, including alumni associations and job fairs.

Discover different ways to broaden your job search and find the right job for you. Afterward, learn how to build a standout resume and a step-by-step job search plan with the Google Accelerate Your Job Search with AI Specialization.

How to find a job: 15 ways to search for your next role

When you're looking for a new job, it's best to adopt a multi-layered approach that doesn't rely solely on any one source. Below, we've pulled together 15 options to expand your search.

1. Job search engines

Job search engines, like LinkedIn and Indeed, post a multitude of new job openings daily. They remain a popular way to discover open roles and filter for criteria that will be important in your next role, such as in-person or remote work, seniority level, and salary.  

2. Company websites

If you know certain companies you’d like to work for, then spend time monitoring the “Careers” section on their website to see when relevant postings open up. Many companies offer the option to subscribe to alerts, allowing you to be among the first to know about new postings.

3. Social media

Employers, recruiters, and employees often post about job openings on social media platforms in the hope of connecting with their followers. Monitor platforms such as X or Facebook for announcements—or use them to search for any relevant openings in a particular line of work. You may also want to explore relevant industry groups on Facebook to hear about openings and connect with others. 

4. Professional associations

Professional associations often maintain job boards specific to their industry, providing targeted job listings for members. They may also offer networking events, conferences, and workshops that can lead to job opportunities. Joining a professional association can give job seekers access to exclusive job postings and industry connections that aren't available through general job search engines.

5. Temp agencies and staffing firms

Temp agencies and staffing firms connect job seekers with temporary, contract, or permanent positions across various industries. They often have relationships with multiple employers and can match candidates to jobs that fit their skills and experience. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to gain experience in a new field or those looking for flexible work arrangements.

6. Government job boards

Government job boards list openings in the public sector at the local, state, and federal levels. These platforms often provide detailed information about job requirements, benefits, and application processes specific to government positions. Using government job boards can be especially beneficial for those interested in public service or looking for stable, long-term career opportunities.

7. Freelance platforms

Freelance platforms connect independent contractors with businesses or individuals needing specific services. These platforms encompass a diverse range of industries and skills, including writing, graphic design, programming, and consulting. For job seekers seeking flexible work or looking to build a portfolio, freelance platforms offer numerous opportunities to secure short-term projects or ongoing gig work.

8. Alumni networks

Alumni networks leverage the connections between graduates of a particular educational institution to facilitate career opportunities and networking. Many universities maintain job boards or career services specifically for their alumni, and fellow graduates may be more inclined to hire or refer alumni from their alma mater. Engaging with an alumni network can provide access to job listings, mentorship opportunities, and insider information about various industries and companies.

What to do while looking for a job: Optimize your resume

Companies tend to use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to collect, parse, and categorize resumes. To get past an ATS, it can help to optimize your resume, synthesize your formatting, and tailor your materials. Learn more about navigating an ATS. 

9. Job fairs 

Job fairs bring together many companies that are currently hiring. They’re an opportunity for you to explore industries, companies, and jobs, as well as meet with recruiters or representatives who can discuss your experience.

10. Informational interviews

Whether you want to learn more about a job and what it entails or hope to expand your professional network, informational interviews can be an excellent opportunity to find out more about an industry, job, or person. Have a clear idea about what you want to gain from an informational interview before researching the best people to contact. Be respectful of their time by keeping your conversation brief and remaining focused throughout.

11. Recruiters 

Recruiters often spend their time identifying talent to fill open roles. Reaching out to relevant company recruiters can be a way to inform them of your interest and relevant experience. Before doing so, it’s best to make sure your professional profile is up to date and that you’ve researched the company in order to explain your interest in working there. 

12. Referrals 

Companies typically prefer referrals because they tend to lead to high-quality candidates who are hired faster and stay longer, according to a study by LinkedIn [1]. If you’d like to apply for an available job and know someone at the company, ask if they’d be willing to refer you. If you don’t know anyone, take time to expand your network. Use LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms to find and connect with relevant employees for informational interviews.

13. Internships 

An internship can be an excellent way to try out different jobs, gain relevant experience, meet new people in an industry, and even transition into an entry-level job. Whether you’re still working on your degree or recently graduated, look for internships in a field that interests you or at a company where you’d like to work. 

14. Mentors

A mentor can help you at any stage of your career, whether you’ve just graduated or you’ve been working for some time. They are people who offer valuable feedback aimed at helping you grow in your professional efforts. A good mentor has information that can help you develop and is willing to invest time in a professional relationship with you. Seek out a mentor, but as with informational interviews, be clear about your goals in working together.

15. Career counseling

There may be times when you need extra guidance about your career path. Career counseling is an opportunity to meet with a professional, reflect on your needs and goals, and align your search to meet those larger endeavors. They may be able to offer insight into the types of jobs you should explore or the kinds of industries that value your skill set.

How to find a job you love

The job search process is an opportunity to figure out what you want. Use our job search guide to walk you through each step of that process, beginning with picking a career and locating in-demand jobs by area. 

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