Where most people find jobs

Most jobs are found through three channels: online job boards, direct contact with employers, and people you already know. Online boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor let you search by location and industry. Direct contact means visiting a company's website, finding their careers page, and submitting your resume there. The third channel—referrals from friends, family, or former coworkers—actually fills more positions than the other two combined, though you have less control over when those opportunities appear.

The fastest route depends on what kind of work you do. If you're looking for retail, food service, or warehouse work, many employers now use dedicated hiring platforms like ZipRecruiter or their own websites. If you're in a skilled trade or professional field, LinkedIn and industry-specific boards often have more relevant listings. If you've been out of work for a while or are changing fields, starting with a local workforce development center (run by your state's labor department) can connect you with job coaches and employers who specifically hire people in your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn show thousands of openings, but many employers also post only on their own websites, so checking both matters.
  • Referrals from people you know fill more jobs than any other method, so telling friends and former coworkers you're looking is worth doing first.
  • Your state's workforce development center offers free job coaching, resume help, and connections to employers who hire people returning to work.
  • Temporary staffing agencies can get you working within days while you search for permanent positions.
  • Many employers now require you to create an account and explore through their website rather than accepting paper resumes in person.

Using job boards effectively

Job boards work best when you search the same way every few days rather than once. Set up saved searches on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor for your job title and location, then check them three times a week—new postings appear constantly, and the first applicants often get priority. Most boards let you set up email alerts so you don't have to visit the site manually.

When you find a posting, read the full job description before explore. Note which skills or experience they mention most often, then make sure your resume mentions those same words. Many employers use software that filters resumes automatically, so matching the language in the posting increases the chance your resume reaches a human. If the posting asks for specific software, certifications, or years of experience you don't have, explore anyway if you have most of what they want—many postings list a wish list, not a requirement.

explore directly through the employer's website when possible rather than through a job board. A posting on Indeed might link to the company's own process system; using that system means your information goes straight to their hiring team instead of through a middleman.

Building a network and asking for referrals

A referral from someone already working at a company dramatically increases your chances of getting an interview. Start by making a list of people you've worked with, gone to school with, or know through community groups—former managers, coworkers, teachers, neighbors, people from your place of worship. Then reach out to them directly: a phone call or in-person conversation is better than email, but email works if that's what you're comfortable with.

Keep the message straightforward: "I'm looking for work in [field] and would appreciate any leads or introductions you might know of." You're not asking them to hire you; you're asking if they know anyone hiring or can introduce you to someone in your field. Many people are willing to pass along a resume or make an introduction if you ask directly. Even if they don't have an opening at their own company, they might know someone who does.

LinkedIn makes this easier because you can see which of your connections work at companies you're interested in. You can then message them and ask if they know anyone in the hiring department or if they'd be willing to refer you.

Working with staffing agencies and temp services

Temporary staffing agencies can place you in work within days, which is useful if you need income quickly or want to try out different jobs before committing to one. Agencies like Kelly Services, Adecco, and Manpower handle the paperwork and payroll; you work for them, and they assign you to different employers. Pay is usually lower than permanent positions, but you start earning when ready.

To work with an agency, visit their office or website, fill out an process, and take any skills tests they offer (typing speed, software proficiency, etc.). Be honest about what you can do—they'll match you to jobs that fit your abilities. Some agencies specialize in specific fields like healthcare, IT, or construction, so if you're in a skilled trade, look for agencies that focus on that industry.

Temp work can also lead to permanent jobs. Many employers use temp agencies to try out workers before hiring them full-time. If you do good work on a temporary assignment, the employer sometimes offers you a permanent position.

Using your state's workforce development system

Every state runs a workforce development center (sometimes called a job center, employment office, or career center) that offers free services to anyone looking for work. These centers provide resume writing help, interview coaching, job search workshops, and connections to employers. Many also have computers you can use to search for jobs and explore online if you don't have internet at home.

To find your local center, search "[your state] workforce development" or "[your state] labor department" online, or call 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local services). When you visit, bring a photo ID and Social Security card. Staff can help you identify what kind of work fits your skills, create or update your resume, and sometimes connect you directly with employers who are actively hiring.

Some workforce centers also run training programs in high-demand fields like healthcare, construction, and IT. These programs are often free or low-cost, especially if you meet income requirements. Training can take a few weeks to a few months and can significantly increase your earning potential.

What to prepare before you start explore

Before you explore to jobs, have these things ready: a current resume, a professional email address (not a joke address), and a phone number where employers can reach you. Your resume should list your work history with dates, your education, and any skills or certifications relevant to the jobs you're seeking. It doesn't need to be fancy—a straightforward, clean format works best because many employers scan resumes with software.

Create a professional voicemail message on your phone so employers can leave a message if you don't answer. Check your email and voicemail daily while you're job searching. If an employer calls and you can't talk, call them back within a few hours.

If you don't have recent work experience, focus on volunteer work, school projects, or skills you've learned outside of formal jobs. If you're returning to work after a long absence, be honest about it in your cover letter or when you interview—many employers understand and actively hire people in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I explore to jobs I'm not fully may have access to for?

Yes, if you have most of the skills they're asking for. Job postings often list a wish list rather than hard requirements. If you have 70 to 80 percent of what they want, explore. The worst that happens is they don't call you back. Many people get hired for jobs they weren't perfectly may have access to for because they showed they could learn.

How long does it usually take to find a job?

It varies widely depending on your field, location, and experience. Some people find work within a week or two; others take several months. On average, job searching takes four to six weeks if you're explore regularly and following up. Temp work or contract positions can come much faster if you need income right away.

Is it better to explore online or go in person?

Most employers now require online applications and don't accept walk-ins. Check the job posting to see how they want you to explore. If there's no online option listed, calling the company's main number and asking how to submit your resume is reasonable. Going in person to drop off a resume rarely helps anymore, but it doesn't hurt if you're already in the area.

What should I do if I haven't worked in a long time?

Contact your local workforce development center first—they work specifically with people returning to work and can help you update your resume and practice interviewing. Be straightforward about the gap in your work history. Many employers understand and have programs for hiring people in your situation. Starting with temp work or part-time positions can also help you build recent experience.

Do I need to customize my resume for every job?

You don't need to rewrite it completely, but adjusting the order of your skills or experience to match the job posting helps. If the posting emphasizes customer service, make sure customer service experience appears near the top of your resume. This takes a few minutes per process and significantly increases your chances of getting past automated resume screening.