Where to look for software engineering jobs

Searching for open software engineering jobs can feel like full-time work, and it’s easy to see why. Job listings are scattered across different websites, networking events, and job boards, and, in today’s market, it seems like every role has hundreds of applicants within minutes. It’s hard to know where to start. Without a clear focus, you can find yourself wading through a lot of noise and wasting a lot of time. 

We compiled a list of the best places to search for software engineering jobs so that you can move faster, cut through the chaos, and find the job opportunities that are the right fit for you.

Start with job posting sites

Job posting sites are the go-to platforms that form the backbone of the job search process. These sites offer a centralized hub for job seekers to sift through a variety of opportunities and filter roles that align with their skills and aspirations.

LinkedIn: With its extensive network of professionals and companies, LinkedIn offers a comprehensive platform where seekers can discover job opportunities, showcase their skills, and build a professional brand. It has a reputable and centralized job posting board, complete with a robust filtering system to refine your search.

Indeed: Often features listings from well-established companies with larger hiring budgets. Its user-friendly interface and robust search functionalities make it a popular choice that provides access to a diverse range of roles across industries.

AngelList: Specializing in connecting job seekers with innovative startups, AngelList offers a dynamic platform where entrepreneurial spirits can find roles that align with their ambitions.

YCombinator jobs: YCombinator Jobs, an extension of the renowned YCombinator news, provides a curated space for job seekers to explore exciting opportunities within the startup ecosystem.

Company Career Pages: Directly navigating a company's career page is often an underrated yet valuable approach. These pages provide the most up-to-date and accurate listings of available positions within the organization. Job seekers can gain insight into a company's culture, values, and specific job openings, making it a direct source for targeted applications.

The Muse: Catering specifically to early-to-mid software engineering professionals, The Muse offers a curated platform that goes beyond job listings. It provides valuable insights into company culture, work environments, and the overall job-seeking experience, aiding professionals in making informed decisions about their next career move.

Onramp: For those looking to kickstart their careers through apprenticeships, Onramp serves as a dedicated platform. It connects aspiring professionals with apprenticeship opportunities, providing a pathway for skill development and hands-on experience in the software engineering realm.

Otta: Otta takes a personalized approach to job matching. With a focus on relevance, Otta uses advanced algorithms to match seekers with positions that align with their skills, preferences, and career goals. It streamlines the job search process by delivering tailored matches to help seekers find their ideal roles.

BuiltIn: BuiltIn focuses specifically on tech jobs, offering a platform that allows job seekers to filter opportunities by company, location, and remote work options. It caters to the tech-savvy crowd, providing a targeted space to explore opportunities within the ever-evolving technology sector.

Startup.jobs (developer): Catering to the niche of developer roles within startups, Startup.jobs offers a segmented job posting board. It's a go-to platform for those with a passion for startup culture, connecting them with roles that align with their skills and aspirations in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.

Try hiring platforms

Hiring platforms are specialized spots designed to connect skilled professionals with companies on the lookout for top-tier talent. Unlike traditional job boards, which primarily display job listings for candidates to apply to, hiring platforms often incorporate additional features to enhance the job search experience. Here's a breakdown of their general functions and how they differ from job boards:

Hired.com: Allows software engineers to state their compensation targets upfront. Job seekers on Hired.com can create profiles specifying their desired salary range and other relevant preferences. Companies looking to hire can then review these profiles and, if interested, extend interview requests directly to the candidates. It's a two-way street where candidates and companies can connect based on alignment in compensation expectations and job preferences.

Hatchways: Caters to individuals who may be starting their careers with limited or no professional experience. It serves as a platform that connects these individuals with companies willing to provide opportunities for entry-level roles. Job seekers can leverage Hatchways to gain exposure to the job market, even without extensive prior experience. The platform focuses on bridging the gap between eager newcomers and companies looking for fresh talent.

Browse VC firm portfolio companies

Venture Capital firms are the institutions that invest in startups as they grow. Some have earned incredible reputations for identifying tomorrow’s unicorns and having the best sense of what tomorrow’s household names will be. VCs tend to list their portfolio companies, and this is a great way to discover companies that may not be in the headlines day-to-day but are well-funded and are already established or on their way to product-market fit and scaling.

Here’s a list of VC firms to check out:

A16z: A16z is a prominent Silicon Valley venture capital firm founded by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. Known for its deep industry expertise, A16z invests in a wide range of technology sectors, including software, fintech, and biotech, and has been a key player in supporting high-growth startups.

Sequoia Capital: Sequoia Capital is a global venture capital firm with a storied history of backing successful tech companies. Recognized for its early investments in giants like Apple and Google, Sequoia focuses on funding innovative startups in various industries, emphasizing long-term partnerships.

Accel: Accel is a venture capital firm with a global presence, supporting entrepreneurs and startups across different stages of growth. With a focus on technology-driven innovation, Accel has invested in companies spanning software, cybersecurity, and e-commerce.

Founder’s Fund: Founder’s Fund is a venture capital firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, known for its contrarian and forward-thinking investments. The firm focuses on supporting companies with revolutionary ideas, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, space exploration, and biotechnology.

Bessemer Venture Partners: Bessemer Venture Partners is one of the oldest venture capital firms with a rich history of backing successful startups. Known for its global reach, Bessemer invests across various industries, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and healthcare.

Kleiner Perkins: Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm with a legacy of backing groundbreaking technology companies. Established in the heart of Silicon Valley, Kleiner Perkins invests in sectors such as enterprise software, biotech, and clean energy, nurturing startups through various stages of growth.

Insight Partners: Insight Partners is a leading venture capital and private equity firm specializing in software and technology investments. With a focus on scaling high-growth companies, Insight Partners provides capital, strategic guidance, and operational support to fuel the success of its portfolio companies.

Keep up to date with news of fundraises

Keeping in touch with news is a great way to know which companies have recently had an influx of cash and are poised for growth. When you read the news, you’re looking for headlines like “[Company] raised Series [X] of $[Value].” Then, navigate to that company’s career pages and check out the career listings.

Here are two places to keep up with the latest fundraises:

Crunchbase News: Crunchbase News is the editorial arm of Crunchbase, a platform that provides data and insights about companies, startups, and the broader business ecosystem. Crunchbase News delivers in-depth articles, analyses, and reports covering the latest trends, funding rounds, and industry developments. It serves as a valuable resource for professionals, investors, and enthusiasts seeking to stay informed about the landscape of startups and businesses.

Techcrunch Venture: TechCrunch Venture is a section of TechCrunch, a well-known technology media property. TechCrunch Venture specifically focuses on covering news and stories related to venture capital, startups, and the broader tech investment landscape. It provides timely updates on funding rounds, acquisitions, and emerging trends in the startup and venture capital ecosystem. TechCrunch Venture is a go-to source for staying abreast of the latest developments in the world of technology investments.

Find out where you’re ready to apply

The nuances of applying for software engineering roles can make it difficult to know where to start. That’s why we created the Technical Interview Readiness Assessment (TIRA). 

With this completely free technical assessment, you can gauge where your technical strengths lie, identify exact skill gaps, find out the types of companies where you’re ready to interview and get tailored advice on how to improve. 

Take the test and get your TIRA results today.