The only guide you need for the best job sites in the UK.
Right now is the perfect time to go online and search for a job. Estimates show that between August and October 2021, job vacancies rose to a new record of 1,172,000.
Meanwhile, the best UK job sites make the process easy to find employment opportunities in all industries. UK job sites allow you to search both locally and nationally to explore available positions across the nation.
Using the right site will give you a better chance of landing your next big career move. Many of these sites allow you to upload your CV, as well as other relevant information to boost your profile. Some even offer skills quizzes and other features to help you stand out from the crowd.
But what are the best websites for job searches? How do these websites work? How can I use them to their full potential?
This guide will help you get started and answer some common questions you may have. Let’s dive right in.
What Are Job Websites?
Job websites serve as a place to find jobs online. Acting as a database and a search engine, these sites help candidates to find employment in all sectors, with any experience and education level.
Anyone that is looking for a job should use job websites to boost their chances of landing a position. There are plenty of opportunities out there, with the ability to apply for as many jobs as you’d like.
Job boards act as a place for employers to post adverts for their open position. This is a great place to find jobs for specific industries, allowing you to filter positions that are suited to you. Many sites even offer premium services such as cover letter writing and career coaching.
How Do Job Websites Work?
The majority of job websites are free to use. Simply use the search bar to type in keywords related to the role you’d like, as well as the area you are willing to travel to. Then, all the jobs that match your criteria will be shown.
Next, you can browse through all the available opportunities, then apply for any that you’d like to. The employer will take a look at your CV and profile and contact you if they’d like to progress the application further.
However, be mindful that some sites do have premium features where you have to pay for full browsing and application privileges. Meanwhile, many sites are completely free, which we will discuss later on.
Is It Good To Apply For Jobs Online?
Absolutely. Applying for jobs online is a good idea as there are many benefits. With so many roles posted online, the number of opportunities out there has never been higher.
Also, you can filter roles to suit your specific needs, such as education level, salary and location. It is also much quicker than applying in person, as well as improving your odds of getting a job with more hiring managers being able to view your application.
With job search sites, you can also set up alerts. Notifications will pop up to alert you of a new position that is available, matching your requirements. This can be email notifications or mobile messages.
What Are The Best Websites For Job Searches 2021?
So, with so many sites out there, how do you know which one is the best the use to find jobs?
Well, we have done the research and narrowed the list down to the top sites in the UK. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular sites for finding jobs.
One of the most popular websites in the world, Indeed has over 250 million visitors each month, being home to roughly 200 million CVs. Each second, there are 10 jobs added to this massive job site.
With so many job listings, you can find work all over the planet, with roles in every industry as well as remote, full-time and part-time positions. You can even find freelance and contract work too,
In the UK, CV-Library is one of the largest websites for job searching. More than 10,000 companies and a quarter of a million jobs make up the site, giving plenty of opportunities for those looking for a new career.
Companies such as Games Workshop, Lotus, Sky and Ocado all use CV-Library to hire staff. Simply load your CV and add some details to your profile and you are ready to go. The Premium Profile option provides a CV review and improved rankings, costing £9.99 for thirty days of service.
You may have heard of LinkedIn, the social network for professionals. However, you may not have known that there is LinkedIn Jobs. With over 30 million users in the UK, many use this site as the go-to for job hunting.
Being both a social network and job board, individuals can connect and network with those in their industry, helping to improve the chances of beginning a new career. Having a LinkedIn profile can be beneficial to your professional life.
More than a quarter of a million UK-based jobs can be found on TotalJobs. A commonplace for job hunters, this site has extensive search options as well as a one-click application system to quickly apply for roles.
With an app, as well as career advice articles and CV templates, TotalJobs offers plenty of features. You can even search for jobs based on how long you’d like your commute to take.
One of the original UK-specific job boards, Reed has been a mainstay for job finders. More than 300,000 job listings are located on the site, with every major employment sector with roles here, all ready for new employees.
Shortlisting roles is a great way to keep a tab on listings you are interested in. You may want to save that position while you do some more research, then come back to it later to apply.
What Are The Best UK Job Search Apps?
Job searching can be the most stressful and time-consuming part of starting a new career. However, job seekers have better tools than ever to quickly find what they are looking for. Let’s view some apps for finding your new role.
Career Builder Download on iTunes Download on Android | For those with a Career Builder account online, your details are saved on the database, making the whole process quicker. With just a few taps, you can easily apply for jobs, as well as save it for review later. |
Indeed Download on iTunes Download on Android | As mentioned earlier, Indeed is one of the most popular jobs sites on the planet. There are millions of roles to choose from, with the ability to apply directly through the app, receiving notifications and updates. |
LinkUp Download on iTunes | Slightly different to other apps, LinkUp will take you directly to jobs on employers’ websites. This gives you access to many jobs that have not been listed on the traditional job boards. |
Glassdoor Download on iTunes Download on Android | Glassdoor has a huge database of employers, giving you full access to prospective companies. With their anonymised database of company reviews, salaries, and interview methods, this is the perfect tool to find new positions matching your skills. |
Snag Download on iTunes Download on Android | Snag covers all different types of roles, from entry-level careers to jobs for teens all the way to full-time and part-time positions. They also offer daily job matches to roles that might fit you as well as the ability to make a video profile for prospective employers. |
Should I Just Stick To One Job Site?
Simply, no. You want to hedge your bets and apply for all different roles. There isn’t one website that will cover all the open positions in the job market. Especially for roles with specific needs such as remote working or high salaries.
Think of job hunting like fishing, you’ll want to cast your net in as many places as possible to get the most catches. Use several different job sites to cover as many bases as possible. Yes, some sites will have the same listings, but you’ll likely find more by broadening your searches.
Top Tips For UK Job Websites
Hundreds of thousands of opportunities are out there for those looking for a new career. By using online methods, you are more likely to find more positions, apply for them quicker and filter listings to your needs.
Try using social networks to create connections with those in your niche, or for the industry, you’re interested in. It makes the job hunt less lonely, as well as gaining useful insights into the world of work.
We recommend to build your CV and profile by utilising the tools out there. Many sites have courses and career advice all there for you to use. Take some time to go through these and make the most of them.
Don’t give up hope. There is a lot of competition out there and it may not happen immediately. We recommend setting aside some time each day to focus on applying for roles, building your profile and connecting with like-minded individuals. Good luck.