Today in 5 minutes or less, you’ll learn how to actually use job boards in your remote job search.

Plus, the best links and resources on remote work. You’ll learn:

• How to juggle two full-time remote jobs
• Strategies to boost remote work engagement
• How a new study challenges Elon Musk’s in-office productivity belief

Let’s jump in:

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of vitriol towards job boards. I get it. Hunting for that remote job in the face of such stiff competition is frustrating.

It’s easy to get your hopes up about the perfect role… only to discover:

• The job never existed — it was posted to boost search engine rankings
• That “fully remote” role requires 3 days in office/week
• 347 people already applied

The problem: most people look at job boards the wrong way. They put all their hopes and dreams in the proverbial job board basket.

Here are 4 truths about job boards that will change how you use them in your remote job search:

Truth 1/ LinkedIn & Google are (nearly) free

These sites will display open roles across most countries. You can review job descriptions and requirements. You click a link, and you’re taken directly to where you can apply.

You can do this all for free.

The only cost is time.

You’ll spend your time sifting through some “trash.”

Fortunately, there are ways to get your time back from free platforms. You set strict rules with filters and notifications.

For filters, I use:

For LinkedIn notifications:

Once you’re using filters and turned on alerts, build a high-volume application strategy around these jobs boards. 

Truth 2/ Not all job boards are created equal

I recommend using three different job boards to help source, evaluate, and apply for remote roles: LinkedIn, Google, and one more of your choice. Because job boards are not created equal. They serve different use cases.

• LinkedIn you can’t beat in terms of volume and coverage
• Google aggregates from a variety of sources
• Your third choice helps you get specific and find roles that slipped through the cracks

I give recommendations on other job boards in the Remote Job Hub.

Truth 3/ Stop optimizing $2.99 decisions

Don’t guess if you should “pay for a job board.”

Stop asking, “Is it worth it?”

Test it and find out for yourself. Most job boards have a trial period.

For example, the trial fee for a well-known remote job board is $2.99. You get access for a week.

Use that. If you like it, keep it.

Don’t? Cancel.

In the time spent researching and debating a paid job board, you could have tried it and sent in 10 applications.

Testing and iterating are how you’ll get to the answer.

Truth 4/ Job boards are a tactic

They are one small part of a much larger remote job search strategy.

Here’s the strategy I recommend:

• Set your success range. What is an acceptable outcome, and what is your dream outcome? You’re trying to land somewhere in the middle
• Reverse engineer the right roles and companies. Start with the outcome you want and work backward from there.
• Polish your resume and cover letter. Based on your research, get your marketing materials to a 90% state.
• Apply for jobs. Use filters and notifications to do this effectively, so you can do it and get on with your life.
• Informational interview. Go deeper than 95% of your competition.
• Get referrals. So you have the inside track on any open role.
• Interview. With a focused and practiced narrative in your back pocket.

Incorporate a holistic strategy to land your next remote job, which includes job boards.

Conclusion

No, landing a remote job shouldn’t be this hard.

Yes, some roles and industries are challenging.

Yes, some people are more adversely affected by this climate than others.

Job boards are just one tool in your job-search arsenal. Use them strategically and as part of a broader strategy in your research and networking.

Keep going. You got this.

That’s a wrap. See you next week 👋