Job seekers often rely on two popular methods: mass applications and LinkedIn. Platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, Indeed, and Monster are commonly used to connect with employers. These tools have proven effective for many. However, skilled individuals in regions like South and Southeast Asia often face hiring issues despite their qualifications.
This article looks at some lesser-known but more effective alternatives for searching a job. It focuses on solutions that tackle common problems people face when looking for work.
Common Problems with Popular Job Platforms
Job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Upwork have revolutionized how people search for jobs, but they’re far from perfect. These platforms present several challenges that can make the job search frustrating and unproductive for many skilled professionals. Here are some common issues:
Many Jobs Are Never Posted Publicly
A significant number of job opportunities are never made available to the public. Many companies prefer to hire from within or use employee referrals to find new workers. This approach often makes job postings feel more like a formality than a real effort to find candidates.
A company might post a job opening to follow rules that say jobs must be advertised publicly. This can happen even if they already intend to hire someone from their own team. This practice creates an illusion of opportunities while wasting the time and effort of external applicants.
According to a report, nearly 85% of jobs are filled through networking rather than job boards. This means job seekers who aren’t part of robust professional networks are often left out, no matter how qualified they are. This issue particularly affects skilled professionals in regions like Southeast Asia, where networking opportunities can be limited due to geographic or economic barriers.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become a standard feature of online job platforms, but they often hinder rather than help qualified candidates. Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and some company websites use ATS, or Applicant Tracking Systems, to make the job application process easier. These systems filter resumes to help recruiters find the best candidates quickly.
Unfortunately, this process can be overly rigid.
ATS algorithms often reject resumes due to small issues, like poor formatting or missing keywords. They don’t always look at the applicant’s overall qualifications. For example, a resume without specific terms like “team management” or “project leadership” might be discarded even if the candidate has relevant experience.
Studies suggest that over 75% of resumes never reach human recruiters because of ATS filtering, meaning highly skilled job seekers may miss out on opportunities due to technicalities rather than merit.
This issue particularly impacts skilled individuals in developing markets who may not be familiar with optimizing their resumes for ATS. The focus on keywords and formatting can feel like an unnecessary obstacle, especially when these systems prioritize form over substance.
Oversaturation of Popular Platforms
Many people use platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, which means there is a lot of competition. This makes it hard for job seekers to get noticed. These platforms offer chances for freelancers and remote workers. However, there are many users, which leads to strong competition. This is especially true in areas like Southeast Asia, where many skilled workers rely on these platforms for their main income. High competition often lowers rates. This can lead skilled workers to take less pay for their work or have a hard time finding clients.
New users on these platforms might struggle to create a portfolio. They have to compete with established users who have good reviews and high ratings. The outcome is a frustrating cycle where skilled professionals are either underpaid or not recognized, which hinders their career advancement and financial security.
The Rise of Ghost Job Listings
Another growing issue on popular job platforms is the rise of ghost job listings. These are job postings that companies create without any intention of actually filling the position. In some cases, these postings are used to collect resumes for future reference, gauge the talent market, or simply fulfill organizational policies requiring job ads to be published.
For job seekers, ghost job listings are not just frustrating—they can also lead to false hopes and wasted time. For example, an applicant might spend hours crafting a tailored application for a position that doesn’t truly exist. This problem is particularly prevalent on platforms like LinkedIn, where job postings are easy to create and monitor for engagement without any real commitment to hiring.
Ghost listings also skew the perception of the job market. They seem to offer many opportunities, but the real number of available jobs might be much lower. This disproportionately affects job seekers in regions like South and Southeast Asia, where competition for international roles is already high, and resources spent on applications could be better directed elsewhere.
Effective Alternatives for Searching a Job
Finding a job in today’s competitive market requires exploring options beyond the popular platforms. While LinkedIn, Upwork, and other mainstream sites dominate, lesser-known alternatives for searching a job can provide more tailored and effective solutions for skilled job seekers, especially in the South and Southeast Asia. Below are some effective platforms and strategies to broaden your job search.
Kuubiik
Kuubiik is a standout outsourcing platform that bridges skilled professionals with global companies. It emphasizes transparency and offers career development opportunities, making it particularly valuable for job seekers in emerging markets. Whether you’re in IT, customer service, or administration, Kuubiik connects you with consistent job openings.
What sets Kuubiik apart above other alternatives for searching a job is its focus on professionals from regions like Southeast Asia, where opportunities on global platforms can often feel out of reach. By avoiding oversaturation and emphasizing quality over quantity, Kuubiik ensures that skilled workers have access to relevant roles without the noise of excessive competition.
However, its specialization means it may not cover niche fields or highly specific industries. If your expertise lies outside the platform’s focus areas, you may need to explore additional options.
Interested? Check current job openings here.
Remote.co
For those seeking the flexibility of remote work, Remote.co provides a curated list of jobs across various industries. The platform helps job seekers find jobs in IT, digital marketing, and creative fields. These jobs do not need moving to a new place or commuting every day.
Remote.co is particularly appealing to professionals balancing personal commitments or looking to work for international companies. It offers a user-friendly interface and detailed job postings, often highlighting roles that prioritize work-life balance.
However, its popularity means high competition for many positions, especially for senior-level or specialized roles. Entry-level jobs are not very common. This makes it hard for new graduates or people changing careers to find the right position, but it is still one of the different alternatives for searching a job you should consider.
AngelList
AngelList is a go-to platform for professionals interested in working with startups. It is known for its focus on new ideas and quick work settings. It provides remote and flexible jobs in technology, marketing, and other areas that are growing.
Startups often prioritize skills and potential over rigid credentials, making AngelList one of the great alternatives for searching a job for candidates who can demonstrate their abilities through portfolios or projects.
The platform also allows job seekers to see salary ranges upfront, reducing the guesswork during the application process.
On the downside, many roles are technical or require specialized skills, limiting options for non-technical professionals. Additionally, startups may offer lower salaries or benefits compared to established corporations, which could be a drawback for those prioritizing financial stability.
Job Referral Networks
Employee referrals are one of the best alternatives for searching a job. They help candidates skip common obstacles, like applicant tracking systems and busy job boards. Building a network of contacts within your target industry can lead to direct recommendations, significantly increasing your chances of getting hired.
Referrals not only add credibility to your application but also provide insights into the company culture and role expectations. This method is particularly beneficial for skilled professionals with strong personal connections in their fields.
However, for those new to the industry or lacking a professional network, this approach can feel inaccessible. Establishing connections requires time, effort, and often some level of extroversion, which may not come naturally to everyone.
Coworking Communities and Industry Events
Coworking spaces and industry events are becoming valuable hubs for professional networking and job hunting. By participating in these spaces, job seekers can build genuine relationships, engage in meaningful conversations, and discover unlisted job opportunities.
For example, going to tech meetups or design workshops in a coworking space can help you meet hiring managers or company representatives directly. These informal settings often lead to opportunities that would never appear on traditional job boards.
However, this approach is time-intensive and relies heavily on interpersonal skills. It requires consistent effort and a proactive mindset, making it less appealing to those who prefer the convenience of online applications.
How to Get Ahead in Your Job Search
Apart from understanding the alternatives for searching a job, it’s important to tackle issues in the hiring process to increase your chances. You should also use strategies that match your goals.
The following resources can help you refine your approach:
- Dealing with Ageism in the Job Search – Learn how to overcome biases and present your experience effectively.
- Crafting a Strong Elevator Pitch – Make a lasting impression during networking events or interviews.
- Online Job Interview Tips – Master the virtual interview process with practical advice.
Conclusion
While mass applications and popular platforms like LinkedIn dominate job searches, exploring alternatives for searching a job can open new doors. Platforms like Kuubiik, Remote.co, and AngelList, combined with networking and referrals, can help job seekers stand out. By diversifying your job search strategy, you increase your chances of landing the right opportunity.
Ready to start? Check out Kuubiik’s job openings and take the first step today!
