Job banks, sometimes called job boards, are Web sites that allow job seekers to search through and apply for job openings online.

Searching for jobs. There are thousands of job banks on the Web, and most work in the same basic way: employers pay to post job openings and job seekers search through the openings and apply for those they are interested in.

Posting resumes. Sometimes you can post your resume without applying for a specific job: then you’ll be considered by employers reviewing resumes for positions they haven’t even posted. Follow the specific instructions on each job bank site to post your resume.

You should not have to pay to post your resume or search through job openings on a job bank. However, you may have to register with a user name and password in order to use all the features of a job bank.

To get started, take a look at several job banks. You’ll get a feel for the various types and see which you are most comfortable with. Remember that most large jobs banks include postings for jobs from a diverse range of ability and experience levels, occupations, and industries.

Find your state job bank—which includes both public (government) and private-sector jobs—as well as other job banks by selecting your state in the Find Job Banks box.