Top 15 Sites for Free Resume Search to Get CVs Online
Where do you look for candidates when the clock’s ticking and the budget’s tight?
Most recruiters either ask for internal references or turn to the internet (social media and job platforms). While both of these are ideal options, they still fall short.
Internal references are limited, and internet searches are time-, money-, and effort-consuming.
Enter these top 15 free resume search sites that match you to your dream candidates without costing you a penny. Keep reading for the list!
Why Use Free Resume Search Sites?
Free resume search sites offer recruiters an accessible way to find top talents without paying for expensive job boards or premium services. These platforms allow you to:
- Reduce your hiring expenses
- Access an entire database of fresh new candidate resumes for FREE
- Quicken your CV search via filters for location, experience, qualifications, and more
- Broaden your reach
- Leverage mobile access to find and connect with candidates on the go
- Narrow down your search to industry-specific, targeted candidate pools, if needed.
15 Free Resume Databases for Recruiters
First, know there is no “best” free resume database. Yes, you can find the one(s) most ideal for you, but we recommend not to limit your search to any one of these platforms.
1. Indeed
With over 200 million resumes from across 60 countries and 28 languages in its database, Indeed is one of the best resume search engines available.
More than 300 million unique visitors use Indeed each month to search for jobs, hire candidates, post resumes (or find them), research companies, and more.
As per Sources of Hire Report 2021, Indeed delivers 2.5x more resumes than any other branded job site combined.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Large database of resumes | • High competition due to popularity |
| • Advanced search filters | • Limited free searches per month |
| • Integration with job posting platform | • Pricey |
| • Mobile app |
Best for SMBs to fill generic, non-specific job roles. According to Indeed, businesses making up to 11 hires a year can benefit from Indeed Resume Standard, while those above this number benefit from Indeed Resume Professional.
Pricing: Free Basic Plan, Premium requires a fee starting at $5 for Sponsored Posts, $100 for Indeed Resume Standard, and $250 for Indeed Resume Professional.
2. PostJobFree
As the name suggests, PostJobFree is free and one of the best job posting sites where employers post jobs and candidates’ resumes.
At the time of writing, the company boasts over 1.89 million jobs and 8440 resumes in the past seven days.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Up to 10 free posts per day | • No mobile app |
| • Syndicated job postings | • Does not post to other major job sites |
| • Resume search alerts | • No automatic candidate matching |
| • Lacks robust resume search functionality |
Best for SMBs and startups with a low turnover and budget. It is also ideal for businesses that have to place for a high volume of jobs – PostJobFree’s top-tier subscription allows 100 promoted job posts and 1000 resume contacts.
Pricing: Free for up to 10 job posts per day. Premium starts at $29 per month.
3. Jobvertise
Jobvertise is a U.S.-based job listing site that goes with the tagline, “The World’s Largest FREE Job and Resume Database.” Honestly, we have no reason to contradict!
The site boasts over 200,000 new resumes each month, has A+ ratings, and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
Local (from the U.S. and Canada) and international recruiters can post jobs or search for resumes here for free or pay for premium features.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Free resume search and job posting | • The majority of features are available only post-subscription |
| • Easily view resumes posted within the last 30 days in various formats | • No employer profiles are displayed in search results |
| • Receive resume alerts and filter them by category and title | • Does not offer applicant tracking tools or social media sharing |
| • Integration with popular job posting sites, including Glassdoor and Jooble | • Cumbersome interface |
Best for cash-strapped HR departments that don’t place jobs frequently or don’t need immediate placements. Also suitable for small businesses and recruiters looking for niche candidates.
Pricing: Free basic plan. Premium starts at $32.99/month. Discounts are available when billed quarterly or annually.
4. MightyRecruiter
With 21+ million resumes in its database, MightyRecruiter is one of the best and most advanced options on this list.
It allows users 10 free views (including full contact information) of any candidate in the system, and job postings across 29 different platforms at once.
You can also leverage its machine-learning matching algorithm to get a list of the “most qualified” candidates for your role. Simply, enter your keyword in the candidate directory tool and sit back while the platform handles the rest!
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Large resume database (over 21 million) | • No direct contact option through the platform in the free version |
| • Ability to post jobs across 29 different platforms | • Limited free access |
| • AI-powered candidate matching | • Employment ads may take 48 hours to be fully published, making it unfit for “hot jobs” |
| • Easy to navigate | • Lacks some advanced features found on similar platforms |
| • Mobile-friendly |
Best for businesses of all sizes across various industries that want to take advantage of an AI recruiting system but have a limited budget.
Pricing: It’s free to set up an account and get started with the resume search, but there are paid plans with added features.
5. Ladders
Ladders Recruiter is a free job posting site and executive search software that boasts an exclusive repository of “American and Canadian Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders seeking roles that pay $100k+.” This makes it a perfect platform for executive searches.
Ladders offers many recruiter-friendly features like an extensive database that allows you to filter candidates based on location, education, salary, experience, and more.
It offers a free subscription that caps recruiters at 10 job postings, resume views, and emails each month. Advanced features are locked behind a paywall.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Access to mid-career and late-career talents | • No mobile app |
| • ATS integration | • A minimum salary of $80,000 is required for job posts |
| • Database of pre-answered interview questions | • No international talents |
Best for those looking to place executive and managerial positions, IT professionals, attorneys, and the like.
Pricing: Basic (Free), Lite Access ($199), Full Access ($597), Enterprise (Varies)
6. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the most widely used professional networking site available today, with 810 million members across 200 countries. Yes, you heard it – you get to post jobs to millions of daily active users on the platform. (Just imagine your chances of finding the right talent!)
LinkedIn allows you to post one free job at a time. With premium, you can not only post more but also unlock 20 resume search filters and automated recommendations.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Access to a wider talent pool (like no other!) | • The free version has limited features |
| • Job listing capabilities | • Expensive licenses for full recruiting capabilities |
| • Advanced resume search filters and automated recommendations | • Caps on features even in paid plans (e.g., 30 InMail messages a month) |
| • Detailed candidate profiles | • High competition for candidate attention |
| • InMail for direct communication |
Best for everyone (literally!). You can search resumes of professionals at any level, except the lower-wage workers. Over 75% of LinkedIn users reside outside of the U.S., which means you can easily search and connect with candidates from diverse demography.
Pricing: Basic (Free), Premium Essentials (at $39.99 per month), Recruiter Lite (at $1,439.88 per year), Premium Pro (at $669 per year)
Read: How to Recruit on LinkedIn – 10 Free Strategies for 2024 ||
7. JobSpider
JobSpider is a free resume search and job posting site that exclusively caters to candidates (from all industries and professions) and recruiters within the U.S. and Canada. The site is very easy to use and is modeled after the simplicity of Craigslist.
While JobSpider does not make candidate information available on its site, you can email candidates through its web form (No charge!).
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Free resume searches | • A smaller pool of candidates |
| • Integration with most applicant tracking systems | • No international candidates (only U.S. and Canada-based) |
| • Intuitive and easy-to-navigate web design | • No social media sharing or candidate-matching |
| • All candidates have manually submitted their resumes on the site | • No sponsored postings |
Best for everyone, especially those with a small recruiting budget. Hundred-thousands of candidates from all job levels have submitted their resumes on the site.
Pricing: Completely free
8. Wellfound
Formerly AngelList Talent, Wellfound is a free job and resume search engine tailored for startups and tech companies. Its free version offers limited sourcing capabilities and access to the company’s own ATS (or free integration with one you already use).
Wellfound provides recruiters tools like an in-built recruitment database, applicant tracking system, and customized hiring workflows. You can also contact candidates through the platform completely free of cost.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Access to global talent | • No mobile app |
| • Built-in ATS | • Assessment feature discontinued |
| • Advanced search filters | • Limited customer support |
| • Free ATS integration | • Automatic candidate matching is available in Recruit Cloud only |
| • Direct messaging to candidates | |
| • Scheduling included |
Best for recruiters who want to connect with candidates interested in working at Tech companies or Startups.
Pricing: Free, then $149 per month
9. FlexJobs
FlexJobs knows the daily struggle candidates go through looking for legitimate remote and flexible job opportunities. That’s why it provides them “a better way to work.” What does this mean for recruiters? If you’re looking for remote candidates, flock to FlexJobs – simple as that!
FlexJobs makes it easier, faster, and safer to search resumes, connect with candidates, and place them from entry-level to executive positions.
Interesting fact: FlexJobs was founded in 2007 and since then has been making waves with its consistent feature on NPR, Good Morning America, Fox Business Channel, and many more reputed media outlets.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • More focus on remote, freelance, and flexible work positions (though you can post full-time job ads as well) | • Limited free features; full access requires a paid subscription |
| • Access to a database of hand-screened resumes | • Average search functionality (neither good nor too bad) |
| • Offers free and premium job posting plans | • Customers dissatisfied with subscription cancellation policies and customer support |
Best for recruiters seeking candidates for remote, freelance, or part-time jobs, especially in creative or tech fields.
Pricing: Basic plan is free; paid plans start at $299/year for unlimited resume searches.
10. ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is a “leading online employment marketplace” that connects millions of job seekers with employers across various industries. Founded in 2010, the company has grown rapidly to become one of the largest job and resume search sites in the United States.
The best part about ZipRecruiter is – It stays current. The platform uses technologies like generative AI and machine learning for “smart” resume recommendations based on job descriptions, previous searches, and specific keywords.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • One-click job posting to multiple job boards | • Potential information overload |
| • Customizable screening questions | • Not enough filters for targeting niche roles |
| • ATS integration | • A paid subscription is required after the free trial ends |
| • AI-powered candidate matching system | |
| • Automated alerts for newly uploaded resumes matching your job criteria |
Best for staffing agencies and businesses of all sizes looking for a streamlined, AI-powered recruiting platform.
Pricing: Free trial available; paid plans start at $299/month.
11. Craigslist
Craigslist, the U.S.-based platform launched in 1996, is a classified advertisements website with sections devoted to jobs, housing, for sale, items wanted, services, community, gigs, résumés, and discussion forums.
While primarily known for its local marketplace offerings, Craigslist also serves as a platform for job postings and resume searches. The site’s simplicity and widespread use are well-regarded among employers and job seekers.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Ability to search by keyword, category, and location | • Limited filtering options and no advanced search capabilities |
| • Cost-effective | • Prone to unverified and spam resumes |
| • High traffic volume | • No free job posting in the USA |
| • Popular in certain industries, especially for lower-skill or blue-collar jobs | • Not BBB accredited |
| • Simple, no-frills user interface |
Best for local businesses, especially in the service, retail, and blue-collar sectors looking for candidates in specific geographic areas.
Pricing: Free for resume search, but job postings require a fee starting at $10 to $75 depending on the location.
12. Behance
Looking for creative people like art directors, architects, photographers, UX/UI designers, etc., to join your or your client’s team? Behance is designed for the exact purpose. It is a free but “not your regular” resume database-cum-social network.
Unlike other job boards that show PDFs of resumes, Behance lets candidates flaunt their expertise. For example, if you want to hire an architect, the site won’t just list the past architecture firm candidates worked for, but let you scroll through a gallery of their designs and finished projects.
The platform promises to, “facilitate meaningful collaboration and cross-pollination between creative individuals and employers, even when no profit is involved.”
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Visual portfolio showcase so you can confirm the candidate’s “fit” on the spot | • Limited to creative fields |
| • Industry-specific search | • Incomplete career information. You see the work, not the work histories |
| • Advanced search filters (field, tools used, location, and more) | |
| • Perfect for hiring freelancers (from discovery to payment – all from one platform) |
Best for companies and recruiters specifically looking for creative talent, especially in visual fields.
Pricing: Free for resume/portfolio searches. Just create your Behance account and you can hire any creator whose profile impresses you for “a full-time” or “part-time gig” depending on the creator’s availability (Always mentioned in the profile).
13. CV-Library
CV-Library, established in 2000, is one of the UK’s largest online job sites and hosts an extensive database of over 17 million CVs. The platform caters to diverse industries and job types, including administration, healthcare, engineering, and more.
At the time of writing, CV-Library claims a total of “141,821 new jobs added by 10,271 companies.”
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Advanced filtering options are available | • Primary focus on the UK market |
| • Provides job posting services and targeted email campaigns | • Limited free access (mostly every advanced feature is behind the paywall) |
| • ATSs integration | |
| • Easy-to-navigate user interface |
Best for recruiters and businesses in the UK hiring (on a budget) at mid-career and junior levels across various sectors.
Pricing: CV-Library offers free access to its basic resume database, but paid plans start at £75 per month for 28 days of job posting and £199 per month for unlimited CV views.
Read: Best Ideas to Launch Recruitment Campaigns that Work ||
14. TechFetch
TechFetch is a technology job portal that “connects recruiters and candidates directly.” This resume search engine can:
- Save over 30% of your sourcing time
- Assist you in finding the best possible candidate in 30 seconds via its fetch Engine
- Help find tech candidates for full-time, consulting, and contract jobs.
With over 5000 staffing and consulting agencies leveraging TechFetch to hire candidates, it’s a must-try.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Access to over 2 million Tech resumes from the global Tech workforce community in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., India, the Middle East, and more | • Only annual subscription packages are available |
| • 7-day free trial (100 resume views with complete contact details) | • No candidate management system |
| • Advanced Fetch Engine to find relevant resumes within 30 seconds | • Limited resume views on both subscription packages |
| • You can save your resume searches | • High visibility, promoted jobs, and job post syndications are available in a more expensive diamond package |
| • Include a social job share feature |
Best for employers in the tech industry who need quick access to highly skilled IT professionals, especially in fields like software development, cybersecurity, and data science.
Pricing: TechFetch offers a limited free version, with paid plans starting at $1799/year/user for unlimited job posting and resume access.
15. Hound
Hound is a free job search platform that aggregates listings (over 60,000 jobs) from multiple sources (30,000 employer websites). Most of these jobs are not widely advertised elsewhere, making it a unique resource for employers and job seekers.
| Features | Drawbacks |
| • Aggregates jobs and resumes from multiple sources | • While there is a free plan, most premium features, such as resume downloads and advanced job posting options, require a paid subscription. |
| • Ad-free user experience for employers | • The cancellation process for paid plans is not straightforward, as it requires manual phone confirmation. |
| • Unlimited resume search and job posting on various boards and social sites (approximately 500) | |
| • Candidate management tools for easy tracking of applicants |
Best for recruiters looking for passive candidates who are not actively applying on mainstream job boards, as well as employers seeking a large pool of remote job seekers.
Pricing: Basic free plan, then premium starts at $199/month.
9 Tips for Maximizing Your Free Resume Search Success
Recruiting is tough, no doubt, but it doesn’t have to be. With 15 free resume search engines at your disposal, you can streamline your candidate sourcing and find top talents faster without breaking the bank.
Now, the question is – How can you make the most of the above-listed tools? Here are some tips:
Use Boolean Search Operators
Boolean search operators—AND, OR, NOT—can narrow down your searches to more “relevant” resumes.
Use AND to include multiple keywords, like “web developer AND HTML AND Java.” This query will return resumes that mention all three keywords.
Use OR to broaden your search. For example, if you want to search for a content writer, creator, or manager, you can use the OR operator to search for “Content writer OR creator OR manager.”
NOT is used to exclude specific keywords from your search. For example, if you want to find a content writer or creator but not an editor, your query will go like this: “Content writer OR creator NOT editor.”
Leverage Location-Based Searches
While free resume databases offer resumes from all over the world, location-based searches will make it easier to find candidates who are logistically suitable for the role.
You can filter resumes based on city, state, or even proximity to a particular area to ensure that the candidates you’re considering are geographically aligned with the position requirements.
Set Up Email Alerts
Many free resume search engines offer the option to set up immediate email alerts for new resumes matching your search criteria.
Setting up these alerts ensures you never miss out on fresh talents!
This feature is particularly useful for hard-to-fill positions, where timing can make all the difference.
Look for Recently Updated Resumes
Why? Because candidates who are regularly updating their resumes are more likely to be actively seeking employment.
Reaching out to these candidates means faster response rates and a higher likelihood of them saying “yes” to your offer.
Most resume search platforms allow you to filter resumes by the date they were last updated – giving you the freshest leads.
Cross-Reference with Social Media
Once you find a promising candidate on any of the free resume search sites, cross-reference their profiles with their social media, particularly LinkedIn. This will give you more context into their experience, skills, and career trajectory.
Social media platforms often contain endorsements and recommendations that help validate a candidate’s qualifications and suitability for any role.
Customize Your Outreach
Once you’ve cross-referenced the candidate’s profile and are 100% satisfied, craft your outreach. Make sure it is highly personalized.
Avoid sending generic messages, as these can easily get lost or ignored.
Mention specific details from their resume or social media profiles to show you’ve done your research.
A personalized outreach will increase your chances of engaging the candidate and starting a meaningful conversation.
Read: How to Optimize Your Outreach Sequences? ||
Be Mindful of Candidate Privacy
Respecting candidate privacy should be your top priority, no matter what!
Always make sure whatever free resume search platforms you use comply with data privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA.
Be respectful with candidates when reaching out or following up with them. (Yes! Even if they turn down your offer!)
Avoid sharing candidate details with anyone without their consent, and be transparent about how you intend to use their information.
Rotate Between Different Platforms
Each free resume search platform has its unique pool of candidates. Rotating between them ensures you get the best of each world.
It will help you –
- Find diverse talents
- Reduce the risk of relying too heavily on one source
- Stay updated on fresh resumes
- Gain a competitive edge in the market.
Be Open to Potential
Not every candidate will match your job requirements perfectly on paper. However, be open to those who have the potential to grow into the role.
Sometimes candidates with transferable skills, strong cultural fit, or a passion for the industry can outperform those who meet every requirement.
Stay flexible and consider candidates who may not have the exact experience but show promise.
Tip: Use the Semantic Search feature to find resumes that are conceptually similar to your search terms, even if they don’t contain the exact keywords. This will help you identify candidates who may have the right skills but use different terminology to describe them. It will broaden your candidate pool while still keeping results relevant.
And there you have it! Couple up these nine tips with the right candidate sourcing tools and techniques like employee referrals, social recruiting, etc., and watch your hiring efforts soar like never before!
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