Are you stuck in an endless scroll on the same old job boards? While the big players like Indeed and LinkedIn are undeniably useful, the smartest job seekers know that finding your dream role often means looking beyond the obvious. Niche sites, industry-specific boards, and lesser-known platforms can unlock hidden opportunities and connect you directly with employers actively seeking your unique skills.
It’s time to expand your job search horizons. Here are 10 top job search websites you might not be using but absolutely should be:
1. The Muse
The Muse isn’t just a job board; it’s a career discovery platform. It stands out by offering in-depth company profiles, including photos, videos, and employee testimonials. You get a real feel for a company’s culture before you even apply. It also features career advice and job listings from a diverse range of industries, often highlighting roles at innovative and fast-growing companies.
2. Built In (Specific City/Region Focus)
If you’re in tech, design, or startups and looking to work in a major hub like London, Manchester, or even a smaller tech city, Built In (e.g., Built In London, Built In Manchester) is a must-visit. These sites are hyper-local, focusing exclusively on tech companies and startups in specific regions. They offer job listings, company profiles, and industry news, making them invaluable for tech professionals looking to stay local.
3. Idealist
Passionate about making a difference? Idealist is your go-to for non-profit jobs, volunteering opportunities, and internships. Whether you’re looking for roles in social justice, environmental advocacy, education, or community development, Idealist connects you with organisations striving for social impact globally.
4. Otta
Otta focuses specifically on jobs at fast-growing tech companies and startups. What makes it unique is its personalised job matching and transparent information about company culture, mission, and benefits for each role. It helps you cut through the noise and find companies that truly align with your values.
5. UK Parliament Jobs / Local Government Jobs
Looking to serve your country or community? These aren’t just for politicians. The UK Parliament Jobs website lists roles across various departments within Parliament, including research, administration, communications, and IT. Similarly, local government job portals (often found on council websites or aggregated on sites like jobs.localgov.co.uk) list positions within your local council, covering a vast range of public service roles. These are excellent for stable, impactful careers.
6. CharityJob
Similar to Idealist but with a UK-specific focus, CharityJob is the largest and most popular job board for the UK charity and non-profit sector. If your career goal is to work for a cause you believe in, this site is indispensable for finding roles across fundraising, operations, marketing, and more.
7. Dribbble / Behance (for Creatives)
For designers, artists, and creative professionals, Dribbble and Behance aren’t just portfolio sites; they’re also powerful job boards. Companies often post design-specific roles directly where creative talent showcases their work. It’s a fantastic way to find roles that truly value visual and creative skills.
8. eFinancialCareers
If you’re in finance, banking, or fintech, eFinancialCareers is the premier global career platform for professionals. It lists roles from investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, and fintech companies worldwide. It’s highly specialised and features jobs that you might not see on general job boards.
9. Guardian Jobs
While The Guardian is a well-known newspaper, its Guardian Jobs section is a strong, reputable job board, particularly for roles in the public sector, education, charity, media, and arts. It often features higher-level or more specialised roles than general platforms and is trusted by a wide range of UK employers.
10. NHS Jobs
The NHS (National Health Service) Jobs portal is the official gateway to all healthcare roles within the NHS across the UK. From doctors and nurses to administrative staff, allied health professionals, and IT roles, if you want to work for the NHS, this is your definitive starting point. It’s comprehensive, constantly updated, and essential for anyone looking for a career in the UK’s largest employer.
11. Jobshunt.co.uk
While not as widely advertised as some behemoths, Jobshunt.co.uk positions itself as a straightforward UK job search engine, often aggregating listings from various sources. Its strength lies in its simplicity and broad coverage across different sectors and locations within the UK. If you’re looking for a no-frills, direct approach to finding a wide range of available positions, Jobshunt.co.uk can be a useful platform to add to your rotation. It’s particularly helpful for casting a wide net across general job categories and discovering roles that might not be prominently featured elsewhere.
Don’t limit your potential by sticking to the same old search habits. By exploring these niches and often more targeted platforms, you can uncover opportunities that are a perfect fit for your skills and aspirations, putting you directly in front of the employers who need you most.
Ready to diversify your job search strategy? What’s your favourite lesser-known job site?