Job searches on Google research summary: Google searches have become the normal route for browsing anything online, and jobs are no different. Today, the vast majority of online job searches begin on Google, with many seekers relying on the engine to give them results.
So, if you’re a job seeker who wants to know more about the importance of Google in your job search, we’ve got you covered. We’ve investigated the percentage of job searches that start on Google, and according to our research:
Key Takeaways:
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70% of job searches begin on Google.
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Google experiences over 150 million job searches every month.
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There are 175,000 to 200,000 unique US job listings available through Google search.
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29.9% of job seekers on Google are looking for open positions, and 27.3% are applying for open positions.
What job seekers are searching for on Google
| Goal of Google search | Share of job seekers |
|---|---|
| Searching for open positions | 29.9% |
| Applying to positions | 27.3% |
| Networking | 24.0% |
| Researching companies | 12.9% |
| Working with recruiters | 5.6% |
The most searched jobs on Google
Global Google job searches are driven by the top jobs, and if you’re curious about which careers job seekers are searching for, look no further:
Top 10 most-searched-for jobs on Google
| Job | Search Volume |
|---|---|
| Human resources | 1.18M |
| Accountant | 951,860 |
| Graphic designer | 951,623 |
| Mechanical engineer | 909,677 |
| Civil engineer | 877,817 |
| Data analyst | 780,677 |
| Cleaner | 746,717 |
| Receptionist | 702,560 |
| Teacher | 684,382 |
| Journalist | 628,147 |
According to this chart, the world’s top three most-searched-for jobs are Human Resources, Accountant, and Graphic Designer. Of the three, Human resources is the only job to break over a million in search volume.
Google job searches over time
Internet job searches on Google have come to dominate the job market over time. In 2005, only 26% of job seekers used the internet to find work. At that time, Google only had a market share of 46.2%
Today, 90% of recent job seekers have researched a job online, and 84% have applied for jobs through search engines like Google. As it turns out, Google holds 91.6% of the search engine market share in 2023.
While these numbers aren’t directly related, it’s clear that Google has greatly influenced the shift toward online job seeking. Especially with the introduction of Google for Jobs in 2017, employers have seen the number of job seekers from Google increase by 350%.
Google job search FAQ
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Do 70% of job searches start on Google?
Yes, 70% of job searches do start on Google. While this level of dominance would have been unimaginable 20 years ago, the internet has become a much larger part of everyone’s lives today. Plus, Google dominates online searches.
Further, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 sparked increased interest in online jobs and remote work opportunities. With that in mind, an increasing number of people are also starting their job search online because they intend for their careers to be online.
But, even when searching for work at a physical location, online job search is still often the easiest option. 71% of all businesses have a website in 2023 and list new jobs daily.
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What percentage of all job openings are now posted online?
Between 60% to 70% of all job openings are now posted online. Between the availability of job search engines and the share of businesses owning their own website, the majority of job listings are now posted online.
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What are the most searched-for jobs on Google in the US?
The most searched-for job in the US is a Real estate agent. Compared to global interests, Americans search for different jobs. While there are no released numbers for the exact search volumes, here are the top jobs searched for by Americans on Google:
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Notary
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Firefighter
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How can I use Google to find a job?
To find a job using Google, there are a few key steps you can take. Here are some tips you should use for the most effective results:
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Research. Have a general idea of what careers you’re interested in and what you’re qualified for. You can easily use Google search as an opportunity to research what’s available. Also, visit the websites of companies you want to apply for or industries you’re interested in, so you can get an idea of what to expect.
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Use keywords. Google searches are driven by keywords, so go into your search knowing what keywords are associated with your ideal career.
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Search recent jobs. You’re far more likely to hear from an employer who posted their job two days ago instead of two months ago. Luckily, Google searches provide you with the ability to specify this.
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Don’t forget about location. It might seem obvious, but ensure that the jobs you’re looking at fall within your desired location. Or, if you want to work remotely, be sure to specify in the search bar or through filters.
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Further narrow your results. Google job searches come with many other filters you can utilize to find the perfect job for you.
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Conclusion
Google has come a long way from being non-existent 30 years ago to now being a hub for job seekers worldwide. 70% of job searches now begin on Google, and the search engine receives over 150 million job searches monthly.
With more and more job listings posted on Google every day, the search engine is an excellent tool for finding your next career. Consider one of the top-searched careers in the world, or try your hand at a more obscure career path.
References
Author
Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.
