Using Google to Find a Job

Googling for the Best Career Search Results

Oct 3, 2008 Deborah S. Hildebrand

Tired of using job boards like Monster, Careerbuilder and Hot Jobs? Want to find an opportunity that isn't necessarily on the beaten path? Google it.

For everyone who has used Google to research information on their favorite topic, now is the time to use it to search for a great job. Never thought about doing that? Then it’s time to learn the basics.

While there are a lot of different ways to use Google, there are some basic actions that are more suitable when looking for a job. Here are five tips on how to Google up a potential new employment opportunity.

Using Quotes in Google

A job seeker who types in a phrase – like, engineering jobs – will find a list of pages that include these two words, but not always together. On the other hand using quotes in Google enables job seekers to search for the exact phrase. So typing in the phrase “engineering jobs” returns pages which contain this exact phrase. While this is a useful tool for finding more specific information, be careful about placing too many items in quotes as it can limit a search.

How to Search for Similar Terms

When searching for a job, sometimes similar words – like jobs, careers and work – can get job seekers the results they want. Instead of typing out a long list of these words, using a ~ , called a tilde (pronounced ‘tilda’), in front of a search term will provide a result that includes similar terms.

Check Out Google Advanced Search

One of the best tools that Google offers to job seekers is Google Advanced Search. With this tool, job seekers have additional options that include the ability to use phrases (like when using quotes) as well as the ability to eliminate certain terms (which can also be done manually by placing a minus sign before all the words you don’t want; however, that takes more time). Google even offers “Advanced Search Made Easy” under their Advanced Search Tips.

Search for a Job at a Specific Company

Job seekers who know where they want to work might try a Google search using the company name. Then once at the company home page it is easy enough to search for the link to careers or jobs.

However, this method of job search isn't always successful. For instance, if a job seeker is looking for a position at say, Nabisco, putting this company name into the search engine will result in a link to Nabisco’s website where there is no career or job section. Why? Nabisco is a part of Kraft.

On the other hand, use the phrase “Nabisco jobs,” and the first link that pops up is for jobs at Kraft. The same result occurs when using “Nabisco employment.” That’s why it is important to consider all angles when conducting a job search by company name.

Google’s Version of Monster

Job seekers who don’t know about this little known gem of a job hunting tool should check out Google Base, a job posting data base with a ton of jobs listed. Not as fancy as some of its more popular siblings, Google Base offers employment opportunities and a basic sorting tool. It’s worth a look.

Remember what they say about practice making perfect. It might take a little time to get the hang of it and see what methods and terms provide the best results; however, with time and patience any job seeker will be able to Google up a new job.

The copyright of the article Using Google to Find a Job in Career Advice is owned by Deborah S. Hildebrand. Permission to republish Using Google to Find a Job in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Google for Work