Job Search Resources

Comprehensive Job Search Resources

Casting a wide net in your job search will increase your chances of finding the right opportunity. Utilize major job boards, explore niche resources, and leverage state-specific job portals (especially if you’re open to positions in the Midwest states listed). Below is a breakdown of useful job search resources:

Major Job Boards and Websites

LinkedIn Jobs

Indeed

Glassdoor

Monster 

CareerBuilder

USAJOBS:
The official portal for federal positions, 
including some defense contractor roles requiring clearance. 

Specialized Tech Boards

ClearedJobs.net

ClearanceJobs.com

Dice 
(Tech Jobs)

Stack Overflow Jobs
(for software development roles). 

Academic Job Boards

HigherEdJobs

Chronicle of Higher Education Jobs

AcademicKeys. 

AIAA
(for aerospace jobs),

IEEE
(for electrical/computer engineering),

ACS
(chemistry), 

State-Specific Job Resources (Midwest & Plains States)

If you’re open to jobs in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, or Iowa, be sure to use the official state job systems. These are often free and can connect you with both public and private sector openings in the state:

IL

IN

IA

KS

MI

MN

MO

NE

ND

OH

SD

WI

Each state site above often features additional tools like resume builders, career exploration, and sometimes links to unemployment insurance systems. They are free to use. Pro tip: Many require creating a profile – take the time to do so and upload your resume; some states mandate that to receive unemployment benefits you must register on their job site anyway. And check if the site has a section for veterans or cleared jobs if that applies to you (many state sites tag jobs preferring veteran applicants or requiring security clearances).

Uncommon and Niche Job Search Resources

Professional Associations & Conferences: Defense-related associations offer job boards and career centers, like AFCEA for cyber and communications. Attending industry conferences or symposia can reveal hidden job opportunities and provide valuable networking.

Recruiters and Staffing Firms: Connect with recruiters specializing in your field, especially those placing engineers, IT professionals, or cleared personnel in defense and tech. They can access hidden job opportunities, so keep LinkedIn updated and stay open to outreach.

Company Career Pages: Create a list of target companies (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing, national labs, universities) and check their Careers pages regularly. Some specialized jobs aren’t posted on external boards, so set up alerts for relevant openings.

Networking (Hidden Job Market): Many jobs are filled through networking rather than job postings. Use strategies like informational interviews, reconnecting with former colleagues in industry, and letting your network know you’re looking. Referrals can fast-track your resume and give you insider knowledge on upcoming openings.

Job Fairs & Virtual Events: Watch for defense industry job fairs, both in-person (e.g., Washington D.C.) and virtual. Organizations like ClearanceJobs host fairs for cleared professionals. University career centers often allow alumni to attend their job fairs—check if your alma mater has events for research or tech roles.