If you’ve recently graduated, odds are you’re actively looking to find a job.
Nobody enjoys that awkward conversation you have with a random former classmate at the grocery store. You know, the one that goes “so, what are you doing now? Have you found a job yet?”
It’s especially awkward if you haven’t. And you’re probably tired of that question.
The job hunt is exciting, nerve-wracking, and time-consuming, especially if you’re diving into full-time work for the first time after college. Fortunately, the internet has many job sites aimed at new grads, where the skills you developed in college can shine.
In this article, we’ll share our best job sites for new grads. We’ve hand-picked 13 of our favorite resources so you can start applying the minute you’re done reading.
The best job sites for entry level positions
1. College Recruiter
College Recruiter plugs new grads into entry-level positions and continuing education opportunities, both in and outside the United States.
This is a great site to visit if you’re overwhelmed—the Advice & Resources section offers guidance on resumes, interviews, and other aspects of the job hunt. You can sign up for job alerts to see when a position matching your interests and qualifications is posted, so you’re always ahead of the curve.
2. Indeed
One of the absolute best job search sites online, Indeed has a simple interface, similar to a Google search (type in a keyword, like a job title or company name).
Indeed is uniquely helpful because it’s a job aggregator. It collects postings from all over the Internet, including company websites, online classifieds, smaller industry websites, and more. You’ll find a wealth of resources together in one place.
You can upload your resume to Indeed, too. This allows employers who search the site for candidates to find you based on your location, skill set, and career goals.
3. One Day One Job
One Day One Job is exactly what it sounds like.
Blog creator Willy Franzen highlights a new employer daily, rounding up the entry-level jobs they offer. The site includes a search engine and tips on how to navigate the Internet to find work. One Day One Job can be a great place to find jobs where you hadn’t thought to look!
4. Experience
This job searching site’s ideal if you’re just starting out, since it helps job seekers use interests and abilities to connect to a career. Experience also partners with organizations and schools to offer great opportunities.
5. Craigslist
With careful searching, you can find a good job on Craigslist.
It’s the 12th most visited site in the US, and many smaller companies, employers, and temporary agencies post job listings there. You’re more likely to connect directly with the hiring manager or supervisor via Craigslist, since most jobs post direct contact information. And you can search multiple locations.
For best results, look for postings with lots of information and a compelling voice. Young job seekers have had success here, but be alert and avoid any posting that doesn’t seem legitimate.
The best sites for connecting with college alumni
6. After College
As the name suggests, this site’s specifically designed for recent graduates.
Set up an online profile, and then connect to employers in your alumni network. After College supplies a search engine and helpful articles on navigating professional life.
7. AlumniCentral
AlumniCentral is a division of CollegeCentral—a similar site geared towards students.
You enter your school’s information when you register, and you’re connected to a network of fellow alumni. The database includes over 500,000 entry-level positions, and the site offers plenty of career advice.
8. Startjobs.net
On StartJobs, you can search for available positions by keyword, location, or university. The university feature is designed for recent college graduates who want to stay plugged in to their campus community, whether by reaching out to alumni or finding jobs near the campus.
The best site for building your professional network
9. LinkedIn
A LinkedIn profile is a must.
LinkedIn lets you build a creative, interactive version of your resume by entering jobs, internships, and accomplishments. Pick quality over quantity—you don’t need to list every job you’ve ever had, but focus on the experiences that best prepared you for the career you’re looking for.
And don’t forget a professional photo—it’s the number one recommended profile to-do from LinkedIn. Here are the other four:
LinkedIn’s standout feature is the ability to make connections. Based on the information you enter, the site suggests people you may know, such as other alumni or former colleagues.
You can request to connect, send messages, and search for experiences in common. The site also has regularly updated job postings and a search engine.
Further reading: How to Stop Being Awkward and Start Networking Like a Champ (via AfterCollege)
The best site for working in the public sector
10. USA Student Jobs
Government positions, or jobs in federal service, require diverse skill sets and offer great benefits.
If you’re interested in working for the government, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has a site designed for recent grads. The jobs include part-time and temporary positions, as well as full-time work.
You can search by location, career field, required experience, federal agency, and other terms to find a job that works for you.
The best site for seasonal employment opportunities
11. Cool Works
If you’re looking for short-term employment, whether it’s to gain experience, to tide you over till something permanent comes along, or just to try something different, Cool Works may be just the site you’re looking for.
Cool Works collects jobs across the country at summer camps, ranches, ski resorts, tour companies, theme parks, and more. Be ready to travel!
The best site for working while traveling the world
12. iHipo
Looking for international work experience? This site collects “international high potential” with lists of jobs and internships overseas.
You can also participate in discussion groups, and get interview tips for competing in the fast-moving global job market. Since iHipo caters to a global crowd, you’ll find advice on preparing a CV for different countries, and information on the expectations of different cultures.
The best site for non-profit or activist work
13. Idealist
Idealist posts “opportunities for action and collaboration,” including job listings around the world. You can search by location, focus, minimum salary, employment type (entry-level or advanced), and more criteria.
Nonprofit and community organizations offer the bulk of the jobs here. There are also postings from government agencies, recruitment firms, and more. Create a profile, save your information, and connect to others with similar interests.
Other resources
Job sites aren’t the only place to look! Try these additional resources:
14. Access your college’s alumni network
Your university website probably has an alumni page. If you can access the alumni directory, try searching for alums in your career field or location. If contact information is provided, reach out politely to see if they’d be available to talk. They might know of opportunities that hadn’t occurred to you.
15. Work backwards
Go directly to the pages of companies you’d like to work for, whether they’re hiring or not. Gather as much information as you can, so if a job does open up that fits your skills and experience, you’ll be prepared.
16. Use online social networks
Try networking on any social media platforms you use. This method works best if you have specifics in mind, like a certain type of job in a certain city, or a niche career field.
Summary
Looking for a job is tough, and it’s important to use all the resources at your disposal—whether online or IRL.
