How do you compare and evaluate different online job board features and services?

Monster, Careerbuilder are industry dinosaurs now - think black/white TVs, AM car radios and typewriters. Dice, FlexJobs and the like are the main domain of off-shore recruiters who are useless for the average job seeker. Job search isn't about job boards, it's about finding contacts at the company you want to work for, and going around using them

Aggregate job boards pull jobs from external sources, which is why you see the same jobs repeated over and over across these sites. Most recruiters I know use LinkedIn exclusively now, instead of spending the money to post on all the different sites. The best way to find jobs that may not be on these sites or advertised is actually Google! Go to google.com and search for "job title near me" (example "project manager jobs near me" or "administrative assistant jobs near me"). Check out the aggregate results in the jobs section, but also keep scrolling through the results to look at what is showing on career pages at company websites!

Keep in mind that many jobs posted there aren't 'real' or have been filled. A company/recruiter buys a listing for 'x' days and it remains there long after it's been filled. Then the recruiter has a whole data source of contacts they can blast out their jobs to in the future. As to other social media, don't just apply to jobs there, find people at the companies and connect with them. Online job boards like Careerbuilder and the like are just as relevant as fax machines are now

There is ZERO benefit to applying on a job board unless you like busy work. Many times, jobs posted there either don't exist or have been filled - you never know. A company may purchase a 30-day period to post a job, and they fill it the first day. For the next 20+ days it sits there and the company collects resumes. Many people applying for jobs do whatever they need to make their resumes stand out even if it means exaggerating their background - why should you want to compete against that?

The problem with job boards is that you are in the same pool as lots of other candidates. Another way to find an opportunity is to tap into your own and other people's networks through actual conversations or digitally via LinkedIn.

Applying on online job boards is a mix between busy work and a mild addiction. When you don't feel like networking it fills a lot of time, feels like something is being accomplished and releases dopamine. It does mostly feel like wasted time but occasionally one pops through and an interview is granted. LinkedIn completely owns the job search business and you don't see as much of the political and controversial posts of other social media.

If you are a job seeker, assume that job boards are only one way to get noticed by recruiters - certainly not the best way. Most jobs today are found through people you know. That means that networking is the most effective way to get to know more people and get to the "front of the line" for the jobs you want. YES - it takes more time to build relationships. However, it is time well spent since the relationships you build today can last a lot longer than your next job! Stand out from your competition and get in front of hiring managers by having an authentic LinkedIn profile, a powerful resume, and a strong network of supporters!

I have a ton of clients who land jobs through the ATS and social media platforms. It is a legitimate way to find a job. Networking is always my recommendation for the first line of defense, but online applications can work in your favor with the right strategy.

Consider the platforms structure and efficiency. A ton of job boards expect candidates to spend hours scrolling and applying to positions, whether you are qualified or not. Look into job-search platforms, like FindWRK, where you make a one-time profile and employers search for YOU if you fit their role. This saves a ton of uncertainty and time on both the employer and candidate side.

I recommend using the job boards as a showcase of companies, rather than roles. You'll get a good idea of who is hiring and where there is growth happening. Take that knowledge and head to a specific company's career site and look for the work you want to do there. Submitting your application through their portal often yields better results than using an instant apply feature. Also, pay attention to ratings and reviews (most boards now have options to leave feedback on an employer) and make sure the environment is one you WANT to work in.

I advise an alternate approach: Ditch the boards entirely. Instead, focus on the companies that interest you. Find out as much as you can about them. Talk with insiders. Read their sites, trade coverage, their posts (and also "follow" them!); watch their videos. Know them. Then, reach out to recruiters representing them and hiring managers over the divisions of interest. Be curious. Strive for conversations about their business, and express interest in finding out more. Explain that this is your arena of experience. Ask, "When can we chat? I would love to learn more!" Guess what? Many, many jobs are not advertised. And also: Some jobs get added when the right person shows up! (you?)

Navigating online job boards demands a strategic approach. View job titles as portals into company dynamics, not mere labels. These platforms unveil hiring trends and organizational evolution. With this intel, channel your energy into targeted company career pages. Opt for their portals over the hasty "Apply" button for superior results. Also, explore employer ratings and reviews, increasingly available on job boards. Your aim isn't just a job, but a conducive skill-nurturing space. Assessing these facets shapes a personalized, fruitful job search. Remember, the quest is for an environment where your potential thrives.

Let's turn this one around. Job boards can be a supplement to a targeted, proactive job search strategy that is focused on networking - not the other way around.

I read so much on Reddit these days about people who don't get responses from companies when they submit resumes. Some of them submit hundreds of applications. Hundreds. So here's the deal: If you want to check out a job, make contact with the job poster and/or the hiring manager over that role. (Do this before you apply.) You also can make new friends with people who work there. Do some research. Find out more about whether the job is real, what it entails, and (very important!) what the company needs. Problems. Challenges. Know the market. Know the industry. Position yourself as the answer to the need. Conduct your conversations as a person who is curious and is gathering information. Stop "begging" and start "offering."

Tired of the resume black hole? Let's be proactive. Applying to many jobs may not work well. Instead, build relationships first. Connect with job posters or managers before applying. This isn't just expressing interest; it's a chance to gather insights. Learn the role, company pain points, and trends. With this knowledge, you're a solution provider, not just an applicant. Approach conversations with curiosity. Engage as a learner, offering value in return. Shift from "asking" to "offering." This turns you from a passive applicant to an engaged professional with something to bring. Remember, online job boards are just part of your hunt. Stand out by being proactive and thoughtful. Employers notice candidates like you.

Pick your company target list. Look for their posts on the various job boards. Some will favor one board over the other. When you find a post that interests you, look on the company website to see if the position actually exists or is still open, and then apply. There are many companies who will have a company page on LI, bit post jobs elsewhere.

Do not overly focus on job boards only. Nowadays not all jobs are posted on those job boards. Usually you will find many more jobs posted when you visit the company website directly. When I was looking for a job I set up alerts on three job boards and set up email notifications where I received updates once a week. This kept me more sane instead of my inbox getting bombarded with daily email notifications.