There are more job search resources than ever, but knowing which ones are actually worth your time is another story. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing practical tools, some hidden gem platforms, and strategies that can help you focus your search where it matters most. And if you have a friend or colleague going through a layoff, check out this post on how to truly show up for them.
The job market feels different right now.
Whether you’re actively searching, quietly exploring your options, or supporting someone through a layoff, knowing how to find the right opportunities can feel overwhelming. Between AI, restructuring, budget cuts, and companies rethinking how work gets done, even incredibly talented people are finding that the search takes longer than it used to.
According to sources tracking workforce reductions, more than 1.2 million Americans were laid off in 2025, the highest level since the pandemic. The trend has continued into 2026, with more than 122,000 tech workers impacted so far this year. But layoffs are only part of the story. Many companies are flattening organizations, offering voluntary retirement programs, reducing contractor budgets, and reshaping teams as AI changes the work itself.
As more friends and colleagues find themselves navigating career transitions, I’ve been spending time exploring resources that can make the search a little easier. LinkedIn and Indeed still have their place, but they can also feel like Times Square at rush hour: crowded, noisy, and hard to stand out in.
Here are three platforms that deserve a spot on your job search shortlist.
Hiring Cafe
What it is
An AI-powered search engine that pulls jobs directly from company career pages instead of relying on third-party job boards. Think of Hiring Cafe as your search engine and LinkedIn as your networking engine.
Why I like it
You’re searching much closer to the source, which means fewer outdated postings and a cleaner overall experience. Because it crawls company career pages, it can surface openings from organizations that never pay to advertise on major job boards. That’s especially helpful if you’re targeting startups or mid-sized companies. It offers a lot of filters from the home page to narrow down the relevant opportunities you are searching for.
Cost: Free
Best for: People who know the type of company they’re targeting and want to find legitimate openings before they disappear into the noise. Link to Hiring Care.
Global Work AI
What it is
A platform focused on matching professionals with remote and international opportunities.
Why I like it
Global Work AI is intentionally focused on remote jobs, international employers, freelance work, and contract opportunities. If flexibility is your priority, that’s a meaningful advantage.
Cost: Unlike LinkedIn, Indeed, or Hiring Cafe, you have to subscribe before you can really evaluate the platform. A one-month subscription can be worthwhile if you’re in an active job search. Pricing appears to start low (monthly cost of $49.99), but read the renewal terms carefully before subscribing.
One note…I would be cautious about relying on the resume customization feature. While tailoring your resume to a specific role is worth doing in some scenarios, letting AI rewrite it for every application can strip away the qualities that make you stand out. Your goal isn’t to sound like the perfect keyword match. It’s to sound like the best candidate.
Best for: Professionals pursuing remote or global roles. Link to Global Work AI.
Built In
What it is
A job board focused on technology companies that also provides detailed information about company culture, benefits, salaries, and workplace policies.
Why I like it
One of the hardest parts of a job search isn’t finding a job. It’s finding the right job. With Built in, you can search regionally by searching “Built in Portland” or “Built in Seattle” and it will direct you to roles that are either based in that city or are remote friendly from that location.
Built In gives you a much better sense of what it’s actually like to work somewhere before you invest hours preparing an application. If you’re trying to avoid repeating a difficult work experience, that context is incredibly valuable.
Cost: Free.
Best for: Anyone targeting technology companies, startups, or growth-stage organizations. Link to Built In.
Beyond the Platforms
We all know no platform alone is a magic solution to landing a new role.
The people I see making the most progress aren’t applying to hundreds of jobs. They’re identifying companies they’re genuinely excited about, using tools like these to uncover opportunities, and then investing their energy in networking, warm introductions, and thoughtful outreach.
That approach takes more intention, but it usually leads to better conversations and better opportunities.
If you have a favorite job search resource that deserves more attention, I’d love to hear about it. Leave it in the comments below!
Thanks, as always, for reading & sharing. xx
