What Was the Best Job Search Site in 2018? Top Boards Ranked from a 2026 Perspective
In 2018, the job search landscape was dominated by aggregator giants and networking platforms, setting the stage for today's AI-driven market. Platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn led the pack, offering massive job volumes and recruiter connections amid a booming digital economy. From a 2026 vantage point, these sites provide valuable historical lessons on volume vs. quality, niche targeting, and emerging remote trends--perfect for researchers, career coaches, or nostalgic seekers comparing eras.
This article dives into 2018 rankings, stats from Clutch and Curran Daly, head-to-head comparisons, and actionable takeaways. Whether you're studying past effectiveness or blending retro strategies with modern tools, here's the retro rundown.
Quick Answer
Indeed was the best overall job search site in 2018 due to its unmatched scale: 80 million monthly unique visitors, 100 million resumes in its database, 72 million ratings and reviews, and 9.8 jobs added per second globally (Curran Daly & Associates). It powered 66% of applications in Breezy HR studies, ideal for high-volume searches.
LinkedIn was the runner-up powerhouse, excelling in networking with 11 million active listings, 20,000 U.S. companies recruiting, 4 million contractors, and 94% of recruiters using it to vet candidates--plus 60% higher engagement from top recruiters.
Key 2018 context from Clutch: 21% of candidates applied to 6-10 jobs before landing roles, with 43% receiving offers within 2 weeks of interviews.
Key Takeaways: Top Job Search Sites in 2018 at a Glance
- #1 Indeed: Volume leader (80M visitors/month); 66% of apps (Breezy HR).
- #2 LinkedIn: Networking king (11M listings, 94% recruiter use).
- #3 Glassdoor: Review-driven (50:1 applicant-to-hire ratio).
- #4 Monster: Established database, multi-tier pricing.
- #5 CareerBuilder: Broad reach but fading vs. aggregators.
- Niche winners: Dice.com (tech/IT), FlexJobs (remote, 115% growth), USAJobs (2.7M government ops).
- User satisfaction: Clutch surveys showed 43% quick offers; Glassdoor averaged high ratings (4.2+ for top firms).
| Site | Monthly Visitors/Listings | Key Strength | Success Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indeed | 80M visitors, 100M resumes | Volume | 66% apps |
| 11M listings | Networking | 94% recruiters | |
| Glassdoor | N/A (reviews focus) | Insights | 50:1 hire ratio |
| Monster | Massive database | Variety | Established since 1960s |
Top Job Boards in 2018 - Rankings and Reviews
Indeed: The Volume King of 2018
Founded in 2004 in Austin, Texas, Indeed revolutionized job searching as an aggregator, pulling listings from across the web. By 2018, it boasted 80 million unique monthly visitors and added jobs at 9.8 per second. With 100 million resumes and 72 million company ratings, it was the go-to for quick, broad searches--accounting for 66% of applications per Breezy HR data. Recruiters loved its scale, but volume meant competition.
Pros: Free, easy one-click apply, robust filters (location, salary, skills).
Cons: Flood of low-quality apps; less networking.
Case study: Job seekers applied to 6-10 roles on average (Clutch), landing 43% offers fast.
LinkedIn: Networking Powerhouse
LinkedIn wasn't just a job board--it was a professional ecosystem. In 2018, it hosted 11 million active listings from 20,000 U.S. companies, with 4 million contractors and 94% of recruiters vetting candidates there (Curran Daly). Top recruiters engaged 60% more, per studies. While Indeed dominated volume, LinkedIn delivered quality: only 13% of apps but higher interview rates (Breezy HR/Octopus CRM).
Pros: Build connections, showcase skills, follow companies.
Cons: Fewer listings than Indeed; premium features cost extra.
Case study: 60% of top recruiters prioritized it for meaningful hires.
Other Standouts - Monster, Glassdoor, CareerBuilder
- Monster: A veteran since the 1960s (online by 1990s), it offered a massive database across industries. Effective for general roles with tiered employer pricing, but lost ground to aggregators (Chad Cheese notes Indeed/LinkedIn took 80% market share).
- Glassdoor: Shone with reviews and salary data; 50:1 applicant-to-hire ratio meant quality over quantity. Users rated top firms 4.2+ (Glassdoor surveys).
- CareerBuilder: Pros included broad reach; cons were outdated UI and declining relevance vs. Indeed.
Clutch 2018 stats: Healthcare/science roles saw 48% applying to ≤5 jobs.
Indeed vs LinkedIn 2018 Comparison: Which Was Better and Why?
The ultimate rivalry: Indeed's mass volume vs. LinkedIn's targeted networking.
| Feature | Indeed | |
|---|---|---|
| Listings/Visitors | 9.8 jobs/sec, 80M visitors | 11M listings, 94% recruiters |
| Apps/Interviews | 66% apps (Breezy HR) | 13% apps, higher interviews |
| Best For | Quick volume searches | Networking, quality connections |
| User Experience | Easy filters, one-click | Profiles, endorsements |
Indeed won for sheer opportunity (Octopus CRM/LinkedHelper data), but LinkedIn edged interviews due to recruiter engagement. Verdict: Use Indeed for apps, LinkedIn for relationships--complementary in 2018, still relevant today.
Best Niche Job Sites in 2018 by Industry
Tech Jobs: Dice.com and Top IT Boards
Tech boomed in 2018; Dice.com led with user-friendly matching for IT roles (Arc.dev). Stack Overflow Jobs networked devs (pre-2022 discontinuation). Others: Ruby Now (Ruby on Rails niche since 2005), Tech Fetch (U.S.-focused, 300K+ offers). IT/telecom recruited most globally (Jobboardfinder).
Remote and Flex Work: FlexJobs in 2018
Remote grew 115% (FlexJobs survey of 49K companies). FlexJobs topped with verified listings from Appen (8/10 top tech clients) and TTEC (20K remote of 50K associates). Ideal for "remote OK" roles.
Government: USAJobs offered 2.7M federal opportunities (Zety).
Hidden boards: Niche sites like Hcareers (hospitality, 6M pros) tapped unposted jobs (Goodwin Recruiting).
Job Search Statistics and Success Rates in 2018
Clutch data: 21% applied to 6-10 jobs; 43% got offers <2 weeks post-interview (55% at startups). 91% said interviews shaped company views. Mobile apps rose (Android rankings favored LinkedIn/Twitter for networking). Aggregators like Indeed outperformed pure boards; contradictory data showed Indeed's quick apps vs. LinkedIn's long-term wins.
Pros & Cons of Premium Job Sites and Employer Costs in 2018
Free sites (Indeed) dominated, but premiums added value:
| Site | Model | Cost Example | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monster | 3 tiers/subscription | Pay-as-you-go $425/post | Resume views; higher cost |
| FlexJobs | Subscription | N/A (seeker-paid) | Verified remote; fee-based quality |
| Freemium | Premium ~$30/mo | Visibility; paywall for InMail |
Best free employer postings: Indeed (even free got video interviews, Job Board Doctor).
Practical Steps: How to Maximize 2018 Job Sites in Your 2026 Search
- Build profiles on Indeed + LinkedIn (extend reach x2, Brite Recruitment).
- Use filters/skills for targeted apps.
- Network aggressively on LinkedIn (94% recruiters there).
- Check Glassdoor reviews (50:1 ratio insights).
- Target niches: Dice for tech, FlexJobs for remote.
- Mobile tips: Android apps like Indeed for alerts.
Blend with 2026 AI tools for hybrid success.
2018 Job Search Trends and Lessons for Today
Aggregators ruled (9M+ listings syndicated); hidden markets grew via networking (Goodwin). Trends: Video interviews (Indeed launch), AI hints (CVViZ), voice search (Hays). Lessons: Balance volume/quality; remote exploded from 115% growth. Case: FlexJobs' top 100 firms integrated off-site fully.
FAQ
Is Indeed better than LinkedIn for job searching in 2018?
Yes for volume (66% apps), LinkedIn for interviews/networking.
What were the top job boards for tech jobs in 2018?
Dice.com, Stack Overflow, Ruby Now.
How effective was Monster job search in 2018?
Solid database but overshadowed (80% market to Indeed/LinkedIn).
What are the best remote job sites from 2018 like FlexJobs?
FlexJobs (115% growth), featuring Appen/TTEC.
Indeed vs Glassdoor: Which had better user reviews in 2018?
Glassdoor for company insights (4.2+ ratings, 50:1 hires).
What were job search success rates and stats in 2018?
21% applied to 6-10 jobs; 43% offers <2 weeks (Clutch).