Job applicants, Hear me out!

In 2025, the job market is more competitive than ever. If you’re looking for a job online, the last thing you need is to pay fees just to apply. Unfortunately, many platforms require job seekers to purchase “connects,” “credits,” or other paid tokens to submit applications. This practice is not only unprofessional but also unfair to those who are unemployed or underemployed.

The Unfair Burden on Job Seekers

Many individuals seeking employment are unemployed or underemployed, which is precisely why they turn to online job portals. Yet, before they can even submit a single application, they are required to spend money on these virtual tokens. The most troubling aspect is the uncertainty of these job postings—there is no guarantee that the jobs are legitimate. Some platforms may even allow fake job posts to lure desperate applicants into paying for the opportunity to apply.

Who Should Bear the Cost?

The responsibility for payment should logically fall on the employer, not the job seeker. Employers who post jobs should be charged a fee for accessing a pool of qualified candidates. A fair system would only require applicants to pay if, and only if, they successfully secure employment or a contract and the client has paid them accordingly. This ensures that job seekers are not taken advantage of and that platforms maintain their credibility.

✅ 20 Free Job Application Platforms to Apply for Jobs Online Without Paying Fees

Fortunately, there are many legitimate platforms where applicants can apply for jobs without spending a dime. These platforms allow users to register, upload their resumes, and apply freely without any risk of being charged for the privilege of seeking employment.

1. Indeed

Description: A leading job search engine aggregating listings from various sources.
How to Apply: Users can create a free account, upload their resume, and apply to jobs directly.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may choose to sponsor job posts for increased visibility.

2. LinkedIn

Description: A professional networking platform with a robust job search feature.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs using their LinkedIn profile.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may choose to promote job posts.

3. Glassdoor

Description: A platform offering job listings along with company reviews and salary information.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

4. SimplyHired

Description: A job search engine aggregating listings from various sources.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to contact candidates.

5. AngelList (Wellfound)

Description: A platform connecting job seekers with startups.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay for promoted job listings.

6. Hubstaff Talent

Description: A free resource for companies looking to find remote talent across the globe.
How to Apply: Users can create a free profile and apply to jobs directly.
Fees: 100% free for applicants and employers.

7. Workable

Description: An applicant tracking system and recruiting software.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs posted by employers using Workable.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay for premium features.

8. Remote.co

Description: A platform focusing on remote job listings.
How to Apply: Users can apply to remote jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

9. FlexJobs

Description: A platform specializing in remote and flexible jobs.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

10. CareerBuilder

Description: A job search engine offering various job listings.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

11. ZipRecruiter

Description: A job search engine aggregating listings from various sources.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

12. Monster

Description: A job search engine offering various job listings.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

13. Jobcase

Description: A social media platform for the workforce.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

14. Handshake

Description: A career network for college students and recent graduates.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

15. Dice

Description: A job search engine specializing in technology and IT jobs.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

16. We Work Remotely

Description: A platform focusing on remote job listings.
How to Apply: Users can apply to remote jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

17. Authentic Jobs

Description: A platform specializing in creative and tech jobs.
How to Apply: Users can apply to jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

18. Remotive

Description: A platform focusing on remote job listings.
How to Apply: Users can apply to remote jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

19. Jobspresso

Description: A platform focusing on remote job listings.
How to Apply: Users can apply to remote jobs directly through the platform.
Fees: Free for applicants. Employers may pay to post jobs.

20. Braintrust

Description: A decentralized talent network connecting freelancers with clients.
How to Apply: Users can create a free profile and apply to jobs directly.
Fees: 100% free for applicants and employers.

Conclusion

Charging job seekers to apply for positions is fundamentally unprofessional. Applicants are already vulnerable, often seeking employment with limited resources. Platforms that profit from application fees are taking advantage of these circumstances, sometimes even exposing applicants to scams. Employers should shoulder the cost of recruitment, while applicants should only bear a financial obligation when they successfully secure a position. By promoting and utilizing free application platforms, the job-seeking process can be fairer, safer, and more efficient for everyone involved.