A Google job search is a surprisingly under-utilized resource
Google notches 300 million job searches monthly (30 percent of all Google searches) and 37 percent of the Fortune 500 have integrated their jobs directly with Google. Many smaller companies, nonprofits, and other mission-driven companies aren’t quite there yet but they are catching up.
Job boards like Idealist.org and Career Builder are sites where employers pay to advertise their positions. There are thousands of them (as in 5,000-7,000) and it’s impossible for a job seeker to keep up with all of them.
Google for Jobs is a job search engine, which means it scrapes the internet to present you with a long list of relevant opportunities, all conveniently listed in one place.
NOTE: You might already be using Indeed.com. It’s the most popular site to search, and it is also a job search engine. However, some job seekers on Reddit report negative experiences using Indeed such as applying to jobs that seem not to exist, and getting spammed if they upload their resume. Also, the same search terms will unearth somewhat different jobs on Indeed and on Google for Jobs. I recommend using both.
Does Google find everything? No. But it finds more and more each day.
A Google job search finds jobs that organizations and job boards that have structured to be “findable.” Google now uses schema to help it index content more effectively. Schema tells search engines what data means. There are different categories, such as recipes, articles, and jobs. Jobs that are coded this way are found more easily.
Using Google for Jobs is just one part of your job search strategy. To use it most effectively, follow these simple steps below. The example used is a Human Resources job, but the principles apply no matter what type of job or industry you are exploring.
- In a Google search bar, enter your target title or field, plus the word “job” (or “internship”).
- Click on “XX more jobs” at the bottom of the Google for Jobs results to get the full experience.
- Use the location filter to select a location.
- Use the date filter to see jobs posted in the last month.
- Change the date filter to see jobs posted in the last week (or less).
- Click the New job alerts toggle button at the bottom to be notified when they Google for Jobs finds new jobs.
- Try other job titles to see what you can find.
- Understand who posted the job.
- To apply: leave Google for Jobs to go to the company’s website.
- Go even further to use other Google features
- Don’t rely on a Google job search alone!
In a Google search bar, enter your target title or field, plus the word “job” (or “internship”).
There are many job titles used by companies for the same types of jobs, but Google is pretty smart and will find variations on a theme.
Click on “XX more jobs” at the bottom of the Google for Jobs results to get the full experience.
Use the location filter to select a location.
It defaults to your current location, but you can change this. Note that there may be Remote or Work from Home options.
Use the date filter to see jobs posted in the last month.
Jobs posted more than a week ago are often overflowing with applicants, especially during a down economy. HOWEVER, this is not always the case. For your first review, read all the jobs posted. If there is one that is a perfect fit for you but it was posted a couple of weeks ago, do some additional research to see if it’s still open, and then go ahead and apply.
Change the date filter to see jobs posted in the last week (or less).
This will keep older jobs from popping up in your Google job search alerts.
Click the New job alerts toggle button at the bottom to be notified when they Google for Jobs finds new jobs.
Try other job titles to see what you can find.
Google is smart, but people (including you) are smarter. Search a variety of job titles to see if you can find additional opportunities. Save those as additional Alerts. In the example below, HR Coordinator is a different job title and did not appear with the entry-level jobs. It is an entry-level role at some companies, but not at others.
Stumped about what job titles are out there? Here is a great article about researching job titles. Still have questions? Ask a connection who works in the field for the most in-depth information.
Understand who posted the job.
For each Google job search result listed, you will see lines for the job title, company, location, and where Google found it.
In the example below there are jobs from both staffing firms (also called external or third-party recruiters) and from companies posting jobs directly. Both are perfectly legitimate ways to find jobs. Staffing firms and external recruiters can be especially helpful for more entry-level jobs.
Feeling stuck in your search? Get 1-on-1 help today!
Learn more about working with me to jumpstart your search and find a job faster.
To apply: leave Google for Jobs to go to the company’s website.
Google for Jobs shows you all the places it found a given job (typically an array of job boards as you see below) and suggests that you apply that way. Don’t do this!
Jobs that identify the company should also be posted to the individual company website if they are still active. Always go there to find the original posting and to research the company. Click the job post in Google for Jobs and it should have a link to the company website. In the case of the Stanley Black & Decker job above, even though it says it was posted 6 days ago, it is no longer taking applications ☹️.
When you find active jobs, apply via the company’s own application system on their website whenever possible. It shows initiative.
Go even further to use other Google features
Having a list of target organizations is a huge help if you are looking for a new job. Once you have this list, create a Google Alert to stay up to date on the latest news and mentions of your target companies. Even if your target organizations don’t have jobs posted, you can approach them directly. If you are well informed you will have a MUCH better chance of landing an interview.
Don’t rely on a Google job search alone!
Your best bet will always be to research a list of target companies and go to those companies’ websites (their Careers or Work for Us sections). Monitoring those sites and responding as soon as new jobs are posted will get your foot in the door before other job seekers.
Want to find out about jobs even earlier? Connect with people at that company who can alert you to potential jobs before they are posted. Connect with me to find out more about how to make those connections!
