In this guide
Applications, follow-ups and tracking
Where to find job listings, and what each source is good for
The main places vacancies are advertised, from employer sites to official public-sector boards, what each is best for and how to search them efficiently.
The main sources
| Source | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Employer careers pages | Organisations you already want to work for | Checking many sites by hand |
| General job boards | Breadth across sectors and locations | Duplicates and out-of-date adverts |
| Specialist boards | Sector-specific roles and professional jobs | Narrow coverage |
| Official public-sector sites | Government, civil service and health roles | Formal application forms |
| Recruitment agencies | Roles employers have outsourced | Being put forward without agreement |
| Your network | Roles that are filled through referrals | Slow, relationship-based |
Official job sites
Public employers publish their own vacancies. In the UK, GOV.UK points to the government's job search service, Civil Service Jobs lists civil service roles and NHS Jobs lists roles across the NHS in England and Wales. In the US, USAJOBS is the federal government's official job site, and CareerOneStop, sponsored by the US Department of Labor, includes a job search.
Search efficiently
- Use the same two or three job titles across every source so results are comparable.
- Save searches and set alerts rather than repeating searches by hand.
- When an advert appears on several sites, apply through the employer's own route where possible.
- Record where you found each role, so you learn which sources work for you.
Check unfamiliar sources
Fake adverts appear on genuine platforms as well as fake ones. Be wary of adverts that ask you to move to a messaging app, pay for anything or share bank details early, and check any unfamiliar employer independently.
Before applying through an unfamiliar site
- The employer can be found independently, with matching details.
- The advert describes real duties, location and pay or a pay range.
- The application route belongs to the employer or a known service.
- Nobody has asked for money or financial details.
Common questions
Is it better to apply on the company website or a job board?
Where both exist, the employer's own route is usually more direct. Follow the instructions in the advert.
Are official government job sites free to use?
Yes. Official public-sector job sites are free for applicants. Be wary of any site that charges you to apply for a public-sector job.
Sources
- Find a jobGOV.UK · Great Britain · checked 3 October 2026
- Civil Service JobsUK Civil Service · UK · checked 3 October 2026
- NHS JobsNHS · England and Wales · checked 3 October 2026
- USAJOBS, the federal government's official employment siteUS Office of Personnel Management · US · checked 3 October 2026
- CareerOneStop job searchCareerOneStop, sponsored by the US Department of Labor · US · checked 3 October 2026
Put it into practice
See how Luceria helps with thisDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.