Make your job search more efficient with my favorite job search site

My favorite job search site is one that you likely use every day: Google.

Google for Jobs is a job search tool where employers list their job openings so that they are easier to find on Google. Google for Jobs also scrapes job listings from all the major job search sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, etc... So you just have to go to Google to find all the job listings you want.?

Not only that, but your search results will be personalized based on your browsing and search activity on Google, so you are more likely to receive relevant results.?

Let me say off the top - if you are a veteran, you can find job opportunities and search by your military occupational specialty (MOS) code. Go to Google, enter “Jobs for veterans'' or “Jobs for veterans in [your location]” i.e., “Jobs for veterans in Boston” in the search bar then look for the following image for customized results:

GOOGLE JOB SEARCH QUERIES?

Let’s say I’m looking for Project Management jobs in Boston. Here’s an example of what my search queries could look like (queries?in bold):?

“Project Manager” jobs Boston?will show you just that … Project Manager jobs in Boston. NOTE: Put the job title in quotes, otherwise Google will pull up results that include “Project" and “Manager” but not necessarily “Project Manager.”

“Project Manager” jobs Boston OR Providence Use “OR” in your search query if you’re considering two (or more) locations for your next job.

“Project Manager” jobs near me?If you want to include your general area and not just a city.

“Project Manager” remote jobs?If you are only looking for remote or work-from-home jobs.

“Project Manager” jobs site:Apple.com If you only want Project Manager jobs at Apple. Add any company’s domain name here to find jobs specifically at the organization. NOTE: DO NOT include a space between site: and the name of the company. Make it all one word.?

“Project Manager” jobs site:Apple.com OR site:mit.edu This is an example of using the “OR” and “site:” features in a search query. These results will bring you only Project Manager jobs at Apple or MIT.?

“Project Manager” jobs Boston site:.edu This will bring you Project Manager jobs in Boston at any educational institution with a .edu domain.?

“Project Manager” jobs Boston site:.gov This will bring you Project Manager jobs in Boston at any organization with a .gov domain.

???BONUS: You will get even more accurate results if you enter the “Careers” or “Jobs” page for large companies. For example, if you want to work at Apple, you would get better results entering “site:jobs.apple.com ” over “site:apple.com .” Here’s a great sample query for a Project Manager who wants to work at Apple: “Project Manager” site:jobs.apple.com .?

???? DOUBLE BONUS: Add the name of any Applicant Tracking System (ATS) like Greenhouse, Workable, Lever, etc. to scan many job listings at once. For example, if you are looking for a Project Manager role, enter: “Project Manager” site:greenhouse.io / "Project Manager" site:jobs.workable.com / "Project Manager" site:lever.co

After you enter your search query, you will be shown three of the most relevant jobs plus a prompt to view more. It will look like this:

Click on the “100+ more jobs”? prompt to see the entire job search page, which will look like the screenshot below. Play around with the filters at the top, which I highlighted with a red box:

When you see a job you like, there will be blue boxes telling you how to apply. Whenever possible, apply through the company website, as indicated below:?

Even if you don’t see an option to apply directly through the company website, I would double-check the company’s careers page and look for the job before applying through a third-party site like LinkedIn or Indeed. Always apply through the company's website for three reasons:

1. You can confirm this is a real job and not a scam.
2. You can confirm the job listing is still live and they are still hiring.
3. You look like a more serious candidate by applying through the website rather than using a tool like “Easy Apply.” It indicates you have an honest interest in the company and you’re not just blindly applying to jobs on random job boards.?

Now that you have found a good job search query, Google makes it easy to set up alerts for that type of job by toggling on the “New job alerts” option in the blue box in the lower left corner of the page. It looks like this:?

While this is one good option (and I recommend turning it on), I like to use Google Alerts to ensure all my job search bases are covered.?

SET UP GOOGLE ALERTS FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH

Now that you have a list of job search queries, set up Google Alerts about them.?

Google Alerts are email notifications on whatever you want to know about. You can use it to track your favorite artist, learn more about your industry, or follow a news story. You can choose how often you want to get email notifications. You are allowed 1,000 alerts, so don’t be shy about using them!?

If you have a Gmail account*, you’ve got access to Google Alerts.

*If you don’t have a Gmail account, now is a good time to make one . PRO TIP: Even if you have a Gmail account, set one up just for your job search - [Your name][Your profession]@gmail.com . For example, [email protected] . Then publish this email address in your LinkedIn profile, on your resume, and in your job applications.?

HOW TO USE GOOGLE ALERTS IN YOUR JOB SEARCH?

Go to Google Alerts and sign in under your preferred Gmail address.? (Click here to learn more about signing up for and managing Google Alerts.)

Now enter your search query into the search box and click on “Show Options” to see the box below. Under “How often,” choose “As-it-happens” or “At most once a day” to stay on top of new job postings.?

Boom. Now your Google Alert has been created and you'll be notified of new jobs based on your search query.

And that’s it! That’s how you optimize Google for your job search AND use Google Alerts to stay up-to-date on the latest job listings. Pretty awesome, isn’t it?!?

(In case you’re curious about other Google prompts, I found these two resources helpful: Search for Jobs on Google and a Google Search Operators cheat sheet .)?

To your success,

- Emily

Thanks for reading this newsletter. I share practical career advice about the job search, personal branding, networking, LinkedIn, and building career confidence. The job search sucks. Let me help you make it a little easier.

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EMILY WORDEN is a certified professional career coach helping driven job seekers get hired, get paid, and get more confident in their personal and professional lives. She helps mid-career professionals with career transitions, whether they want to move into a new industry or return to work after a career pause. Emily created a proven five-step method to help people find jobs they love for more money than they were expecting - the typical client receives a job offer in three months with a 20% pay increase. Kick your career in gear at www.emilyworden.com .