There are more places to find jobs online than anyone can follow. The trick is to pick a few that fit your field and country, and use them well. Here are the main kinds of sites and how to get the most from each.

General job boards

Big sites that list jobs from many employers. Examples that are well known in many countries are Indeed and Glassdoor, and in the Arab world Bayt.com, GulfTalent, Naukrigulf and Wuzzuf. Which ones are popular changes from country to country, so ask people in your field which sites they actually use.

How to use them:

  • Create one profile and keep it up to date, with the same facts as your CV.
  • Save searches for your job title and city, and turn on email alerts.
  • Apply soon after a job is posted; older adverts often already have many applicants.

Professional networks

LinkedIn is the best-known example. It is part job board and part network. Many recruiters search it for people, not only adverts.

  • Use a clear photo if that is normal where you live, and a headline that says what you do or want to do.
  • Make your profile match your CV.
  • Follow companies you want to work for, and connect with people you have studied or worked with.

Company career pages

Many employers post jobs on their own website first, or only there. Make a list of 10 to 20 places you would like to work and check their "Careers" or "Jobs" page every week or two.

Government and public job portals

Many countries have an official portal for government jobs or for national job seekers, sometimes with free training. Search for the official site of the labour ministry or public employment service in your country, and make sure the address is the real government one.

Recruitment agencies

Agencies match people to jobs for employers. A real agency is paid by the employer. Be very careful with any agency that asks you to pay to get a job: see our article on fake job offers.

Do not forget people

Many jobs are filled through people who know each other. Tell friends, family, former teachers and old colleagues what kind of work you are looking for. Ask for advice, not for a job; advice often leads to a lead.

A simple weekly routine

  • Two or three sessions a week on your chosen sites, not all day every day.
  • Keep a simple list: company, job, date applied, and any reply.
  • Change the top of your CV for each job so the most relevant skills come first.

Names of sites in this article are examples only. We are not linked to any of them, and what they offer can change, so check each site yourself.