Tips for Using Google for Job Searches

woman using Google for Jobs
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Google for Jobs uses advanced Google tools to help job seekers find positions closely matching their preferences. Learn what Google for Jobs is, how it works, and how it can improve your own job search.

What Is Google for Jobs?

Google for Jobs is a job search feature powered by Google. Job seekers can search for and apply to open positions directly from the Google search bar.

Google for Jobs is similar to job search engines like Indeed.com, which pulls job listings from many different sources. The difference is that Google is pulling the job listings for your review and Google's technology will power the search results.

How Google for Jobs Works

Like other Google products, Google for Jobs works very simply. When you type a query into Google Search, it will give you a list of jobs that match that query. The Google for Jobs search mechanism will retrieve jobs from many different job sites and list them at the top of your search results. TechCrunch reports that CareerBuilder, Monster, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Facebook, Care.com, and other services have partnered with Google. However, it’s important to note that one site that does not currently partner with Google for Jobs is Indeed.com.

If you type “marketing coordinator jobs” into Google Search, for example, you’ll get a list of postings from various job sites. These will be toward the top of your search results, in a box labeled “Jobs.” This box will contain a few job listings, and then you can click on a link at the bottom of the box to see even more jobs that match your search terms.

The job listing will show you when the job was posted, where it was originally listed, how long the commute is, and whether the position is full-time.

Filter the Job Listings

You can add filters to the Google search. Use them to filter those job listings like you do when you use the advanced search options on a job search site. You can narrow your search by category, the date the job was posted, the type of job (full time, part-time, etc.), the company type, the specific employer, and more. You can also narrow your search by location: Google for Jobs offers options for jobs within 2, 5, 15, 30, 60, 100, and 200 miles of your location (or any location you select).

Check Salary Information

Another feature of Google for Jobs is that you can see salary information for the job, even if the listing doesn't contain any salary information. If no salary information is included, Google for Jobs will provide data on a typical salary for that kind of job, based on information compiled by Glassdoor, PayScale, Paysa, LinkedIn, and other sites.

Get More Information

At the bottom of each job listing, you can see even more information compiled by Google. You can see the company’s rating on Glassdoor and other career-related sites (if this information is available), a link to the company’s website, and even more job openings from the company. You can also see Google Search results for the company if you want to get more information on the organization.

Applying for Jobs

If you are interested in a job, you can submit your application. At the top of the job description, Google for Jobs will show you all of the job boards that have this listing (including the company website), so you can choose which job board or website to use to apply. This is useful if you already have an account on some job boards, but not others.

Saving Jobs and Job Alerts

You can also bookmark any job listing by clicking on the Save button at the top of the posting. You can then access any bookmarked jobs by clicking on your Saved tab at the top of the Google for Jobs page.

You can also set up job alerts for a particular job search. If you do this, Google will let you know when a new job that matches your requirements is posted.

Google Jobs for Veterans

Google also has a job search tool created to help veterans find job openings that are a match for their military experience. Service members can search "jobs for veterans" on Google and then enter their specific military job codes (MOS, AFSC, NEC, etc.) to see relevant civilian jobs that require similar skills to those used in their military roles.

How Google for Jobs Helps You Search

By using Google for Jobs and Google Jobs for Veterans, you can save a step or two when you are searching for jobs. Instead of using a specific job search site to look for jobs that meet the criteria you enter, you can do all of this directly on Google.

Find More Job Listings

Google's job search tools can help job seekers find jobs that might not show up in a traditional Google search, or even in a job search on another job site. Users can refine results and produce more personally relevant lists of jobs by using filters for factors like industry, job title, location, and date posted. 

Narrow Down Your Search Criteria

Google for Jobs helps job seekers find hard-to-categorize jobs that might not be easily found by clicking on traditional job categories like retail, sales, or finance. For example, if you search for “teacher jobs,” Google for Jobs will offer ways to narrow down your search. They will offer more detailed titles (such as “Assistant Teacher,” “ESL Teacher,” and more), as well as a list of relevant employers.

Save Job Search Time

Google for Jobs also saves job seekers time. For example, once job seekers generate a list of open positions, they will be able to click on individual jobs and apply directly through the employer’s website or another job board. That's a big time saver. 

Get the Scoop on the Job and the Company

Google for Jobs also provides a lot of information on the company, the average salary, and more. This helps job seekers quickly learn whether an organization is a good fit for them, which helps them save time applying to jobs they aren’t actually interested in.

Optimally, users will have a better selection of jobs to consider, and they will be able to access them more easily. That's a win for both job seekers and for employers who are having difficulty finding strong candidates.

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