Job Hunting 101: The Best Sites to Post Your Resume Online

Gone are the days when job seekers needed to go to an office to submit their resumes physically and hoped they would land an interview. Nowadays, it’s more convenient. Sending resumes directly to employers is still a common and much-needed practice. Technology has made it easy for people to put their resumes online and search for work. You can show your skills and experience to a wider audience. By posting the resume online, you increase your chances of getting noticed not only by employers who need someone like you, but also by recruiters who actively search for potential hires.

And with the proliferation of various job websites, everyone can choose where to post their resumes to land their dream jobs. Should you post it everywhere? Are there any niche industry boards you could explore, or should you focus on broader job search platforms? More importantly, what should an online resume look like?

In this article, we'll go over why uploading your resume online is important, what websites to use to get started, and how to optimize your resume for today’s job market before posting it online.

Why Post Resumes Online?

LinkedIn, as one of the most popular platforms to post resumes online, has an impressive 55% year-over-year growth in premium subscriptions. Why is that the case? Clearly, online platforms have increasing value to professionals because they make it easier for them to reach out to businesses and get noticed with minimum effort.

Employers and recruiting managers progressively utilize social media and online platforms to find potential candidates. So, by posting your resume online, there’s a huge chance you’ll get your resume noticed. Besides that, uploading your resume online provides the following opportunities:

• Access to job-search tools such as keyword matching and resume review

Advanced job platforms give you access to keyword matching, resume reviews, automated job alerts, and other useful features. Many sites use algorithms to analyze your resume and suggest improvements to improve its visibility. Keyword optimization can help align your resume with specific job postings, so you’ll be optimizing it for Applicant Tracking Systems that most employers use. These platforms can also offer instant feedback on your resume, so you can refine it before submitting it.

• Chance to align your professional brand across multiple platforms

When you upload your resume to several reputable sites, you’ll make sure your professional brand is consistent everywhere. Up-to-date profiles show a cohesive, polished online presence. That’s something you want recruiters to see when researching you as a candidate. Plus, making your skills and expertise visible makes it easy for recruiters to notice you and quickly assess your relevance as a candidate for an opening.

• Easier and faster application for various open positions

Online resumes speed up the job application process a lot! You’ll get a chance to submit one-click applications to job listings. This eliminates the repetitive task of filling out the same details for every job opening. Plus, you’ll get features like autofill and saved job preferences to simplify the process even more. You can apply to multiple positions within minutes.

Most sites also make it simple to upload your resume and use it to search for jobs and gain insights through proprietary tools. However, this doesn’t imply that you should post your resume on every website that allows it. Maximize your potential by:

• Using only reputable websites recommended by review aggregators

Not all job boards are equally effective. We recommend only using platforms with a strong track record and good reviews. Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are industry leaders because they offer a wide range of listings and have strong partnerships with companies. They are trusted by both job seekers and recruiters, so they are more likely to offer legit opportunities and protect your personal information.

• Seeking out popular, well-connected websites

Well-known job boards attract a higher volume of recruiters and employers. For example, LinkedIn has over 1 billion members. Sites like Monster and ZipRecruiter also have extensive employer networks and integrate with different applicant tracking systems. Use well-connected platforms so you’ll have a chance to get recommended for relevant positions.

• Finding industry-specific job hiring websites

General job boards are a great start that you shouldn’t miss out on. But never underestimate the value of your niche. Industry-specific platforms, such as Dice for tech jobs or Media Bistro for media and communication roles, have tailored job listings. When you post your resume on these websites, you can get noticed by employers looking for specific skills and experience. Niche job boards also offer unique insights and resources tailored to your industry. Explore them to get a competitive edge.

Best Places to Post Your Resume

It's easy to get your resume out there on the internet. But as we’ve said before, you must be careful where to post your resume. To start, here are five reputable job websites that will guarantee results:

• LinkedIn

With over 930 million members in more than 200 countries and territories, LinkedIn is one of the largest professional networks in the world. An online community for professionals, its users can network, research industry trends, and develop their brands all in the same place. Users do this by creating a LinkedIn profile.

Your LinkedIn profile is a dynamic and evolving document showcasing your industry connections, skills, and accomplishments. While your resume functions as a sales pitch, your profile narrates a complete story of your professional journey. Once you’ve created your LinkedIn profile, you can explore the platform and discover its features. It allows you to apply for jobs and post your resume with the help of its Easy Apply feature. Here’s how you can use this tool:

• View the details of the job title
• Click the Easy Apply button
• Fill in the required information
• Review your application
• Click submit

This streamlined way of applying for jobs also helps recruiters scout potential applicants quickly but thoroughly.

How do you stand out on LinkedIn? This platform is unique because it works both as a professional networking platform and a job search tool. It makes your profile more than just a resume. This is your personal brand, so you should treat it that way.

Here are some tips to get yourself noticed on LinkedIn:

• Optimize your profile for search

Your LinkedIn profile is just like a web page that’s indexed by Google. Use relevant keywords in the headline, summary, and job descriptions, so you’ll improve your online visibility. Recruiters often base their search on skills and job titles relevant to their industry. If you’re a marketing specialist, for example, you should enrich your profile with specific skills like SEO, content strategy, and social media management.

• Make your headline compelling

LinkedIn users often see the headline as the most challenging part to write, so they omit it. But it’s the first thing a recruiter sees after your name. Your job title is not enough. Think of a short, impactful summary of what you do. For example, instead of writing “Project Manager,” you can go in-depth with something like: “Experienced Project Manager | Expert in Agile Methodologies & Team Leadership.” That approach will instantly communicate your expertise, but will also make you stand out in search results.

• Make the “About” section impressive

The “About” section on LinkedIn gives you a chance to tell your story. So don’t make it generic. Use the space to write about your unique skills, achievements, and what you’re passionate about. This is not an official resume, so a conversational tone is acceptable. Focus on what value you bring to a company instead of just talking about yourself.

• Benefit from LinkedIn’s networking features

It’s where the true value of this platform is. LinkedIn thrives on networking and relationships. Your profile is just a foundation, which you’ll use to connect with industry leaders, recruiters, and peers in your field. Personalize your connection requests with a brief message saying why you want to connect. You can (and should) also join LinkedIn groups related to your industry. That will increase your visibility and help you connect with like-minded pros.

• Use the power of content

There’s another unique aspect to LinkedIn: content. The platform lets you share articles, post updates, and comment on other people’s content. Being active on the platform shows you’re engaged in your industry. Great content can make you look like an expert. Share valuable insights, industry news, or your own professional achievements. Engage regularly! That will increase your visibility and build your reputation.

• Indeed

With more than 300 million unique monthly visitors, Indeed is among the most popular and successful job search engines. Job-seekers can use it without cost to post resumes, browse for openings, and sign up for email notifications.

The process of uploading your resume to Indeed.com is straightforward. To get started, sign up for a free account and create a new resume or upload an existing one. Since this resume posting site targets users worldwide, it will expose your application to more hiring managers.

Indeed can also help applicants find jobs quickly. Similar to LinkedIn's Easy Apply, their quick hiring function enables job-seekers to quickly and precisely upload their resumes and narrow their search results.

How do you use your Indeed profile to get noticed? This platform is unique because it aggregates job listings from thousands of company career pages, job boards, and staffing agencies. It’s a comprehensive tool for job hunting, so you should use it that way. Here are some tips on how to get noticed on Indeed:

• Make the resume public

Indeed gives you an option to set the resume’s visibility to public or private. Always opt for public! It’s the best way to enable recruiters to directly find you when searching for candidates. If you have concerns about your privacy, you can only share the resume when directly applying for jobs. But that will make it difficult for recruiters to reach out.

• Use keywords in your resume

Indeed’s search algorithm heavily relies on keywords. That’s why you should use specific industry terms and job titles that employers are likely to search for. Indeed has a great Resume Review feature, which you can use to get feedback. It will tell you how well your resume matches the job you’re applying for.

• Set up job alerts

This is Indeed’s most useful feature. It will help you stay on top of new job postings that match your criteria. You can set multiple alerts based on different job titles, locations, or companies. Check the alerts, so you won’t miss out on relevant opportunities.

• Upwork

Upwork is a highly regarded online platform for freelancers worldwide, facilitating connections between independent professionals and a wide range of job opportunities. It serves various businesses in fields like information technology, finance, customer service, content creation, advertising, and marketing.

To join the platform, freelancers create a profile based on their resumes and undergo a simple identity verification process. Once their profiles are set up, they can apply for jobs or create projects that clients can purchase. Additionally, businesses can make first contact with freelancers after reviewing their profiles.

By leveraging the benefits of Upwork and posting your resume on the platform, you can tap into a vast network of job opportunities and ensure a secure payment process for your freelance work. Every job hunter should consider trying Upwork, even if they are primarily focused on traditional employment. The platform gives them access to a global job market, it’s very flexible and it offers a huge diversity of opportunities. If you decide to upload your resume there, here’s how to get noticed:

• Write the perfect profile overview

Use the profile overview to show your expertise and unique selling points. Explain the value you can bring to a project. Keep this section short, concise, and client-focused. It’s the first thing potential clients see, so it should tell them why they should give you a chance. Instead of simply listing some skills, tell them how you can contribute to their goals.

• Choose the right profile title and specialty

The way you personalize your profile is crucial for getting noticed on Upwork. The title appears in search results and at the top of your profile. Be very specific and include keywords that potential clients would search for (such as Expert SEO Content Writer). Upwork also allows you to choose a specialty, so opt for the one that reflects your strongest skill set. That’s how you’ll attract the right clients.

• Upload strong samples

Upwork gives you a portfolio section. It’s a great place to showcase your best work, so don’t neglect it. Include examples that reflect the type of projects you want to attract. Always provide context for the samples, explaining what your role was and how you helped the client achieve results.

• RemoteOK

Nowadays, remote work is becoming the norm. Freelancers have more opportunities as more jobs offer flexible work schedules and work-from-home setups. Sites like RemoteOK make this possible. RemoteOK is a large job board that features 100% remote jobs in the United States and around the world. You can use keywords to narrow down job postings and find opportunities in a specific field or with a particular title. With this resume posting platform, jobseekers have a broader reach and can search for industry-specific job roles.

Here’s how you can use RemoteOK’s unique features to stand out with your resume:

• Optimize the resume with remote-friendly keywords

RemoteOK is meant for candidates with specific remote-working skills. That’s why you should enrich your online resume with keywords like “remote project management” or “distributed team experience.” These skills will show that you’re ready for the challenges of remote work.

• Share your remote work experience

Although you can include all previous jobs in your RemoteOK profile, it’s best to emphasize your remote work experience. Mention details about successfully managing projects across different time zones. You can use metrics to show how you thrived in a remote environment.

• Clarify your availability and preferred time zones

Many companies hiring on RemoteOK have preferences regarding time zone availability. That’s important if they need real-time collaboration. In your profile, you should specify when you’re available, including the time zone you’re in and your flexibility for meetings across different time zones.

• FlexJobs

FlexJobs is another trusted job hiring platform that offers hybrid and flexible work to job seekers. This platform, accessible via paid membership, allows users to post their resumes, search for available positions, and apply online for jobs in more than 50 fields. The most sought-after skills are administration, accounting and finance, writing, client service, advertising, and promotion.

Prices for subscriptions start at $9.95 for a week and go up to $59.95 for an entire year. The site provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and carefully reviews each job posting to prevent scams. In addition to job postings, FlexJobs provides its users with a wealth of free resources, such as industry research, company profiles, and resume and cover letter writing guides.

What makes FlexJobs different from other job platforms is prioritizing quality over quantity. That makes it a trusted resource for those looking for flexible work arrangements. It means that you have to make your profile shine, so you’ll stand out among all that quality.

• Have a complete profile

A fully completed profile on Indeed gives you a better chance of getting noticed. The first step is to upload a polished resume. You can rely on an academic CV writing service to get it as perfect as possible. But you shouldn’t stop there. Your profile also needs a professional photo. A complete profile makes you look more professional.

• Write a customized resume and cover letter

FlexJobs lets you upload multiple resumes tailored to different types of jobs. Take advantage of that opportunity! Create targeted resumes for different roles. For example, you can have one resume for administrative roles and another one for customer support. Pair each resume with a customized cover letter, which addresses the specific job and company. You’re more likely to catch an employer’s attention with a personalized application.

How Can I Optimize My Resume Before Posting It Online?

Ready to get started on your online application? Now that you know the best places to post a resume, you can improve it to increase your chances of getting hired. Follow these tips to optimize your resume before submitting it online:

• Tailor Your Resume for Each Application

Customize your resume to align with the specific job requirements and keywords mentioned in the job posting. This shows that you have taken the time to understand the role and highlight relevant skills and experiences.

• Keep it Short

Resumes must be concise. Recruiters will most likely ignore your application when you have a more than one-page resume. So, keep it short. Only include relevant information, such as your contact information, objectives, skills, and work experience. Other things can go, or you can strategically place them in your cover letter.

• Include Relevant Keywords

Companies often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to look for candidates by using keyword searches of submitted resumes. Find out what the employer is looking for in a candidate, and make sure your resume highlights those qualities. Thoroughly examine the company's job posting and include the keywords in your application. This will increase your chances that their ATS will read your posted resume.

• Proofread

Make sure your resume is error-free in terms of spelling and grammar. Spellcheckers are helpful, but remember to give your resume a comprehensive review by hand. It's essential to proofread carefully to avoid sending the wrong message due to typos or other errors.

• Seek Help from Professional Writing Services

And if you still need help, it's a good idea to hire a resume writing service to look it over or help you create one from scratch. Resumeble can help you with that. A professional resume-writing company, Resumeble has expert teams with industry-specific niches that can help applicants with their resumes. We assist applicants with resume writing and other services like cover letter writing and LinkedIn write-ups. With these services, we guarantee higher chances for our clients to land their dream job and start their journey toward a successful career path.

Post Your Resume and Put Your Best Foot Forward

Posting your resume online is a critical first step in attracting potential employers' attention. Personalizing your resume, optimizing its format, and knowing where to post it online can increase your chances of getting a job. So, make sure yours is in tip-top shape before sending it out in the hopes of landing that dream job.