You’d like to hire an employee to help take your business to the next level, but you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of employment websites out there. Which ones are reliable? Which are most popular? Which have a solid track record?

Here are 10 websites (in no particular order) that can help you tap into a practically endless pool of job applicants.

1. LinkedIn: As you probably already know, LinkedIn is a networking site where professionals post resumes, interact, and exchange ideas. The site has more than 135 million professional members, many of whom may be looking for a new position. It’s a worthwhile recruiting tool, particularly for finding “passive” job candidates. The cost to post a job opening on LinkedIn depends on the geographic location of the position. For example, in the Greater Pittsburgh area, a 30-day job posting costs $195.
2. Beyond – Need an employee in a niche career such as public utilities, transportation, or hospitality? Beyond specializes in matching employers and job candidates in niche markets. The Beyond network has over 33 million registered candidates, with over 850,000 new candidates added monthly. The cost of posting a job on Beyond ranges from $169 to $995 for a nationwide post.
3. Craigslist: Craigslist isn’t just a go-to resource for finding an apartment or selling your old couch; the website has a section devoted to employment in major cities. From accounting to sales, employers can post jobs to find their next employee. Posting in some markets is free; in others, it costs $25 to $75.
4. Dice: Dice combines the traditional job board with social media networking for the IT and engineering industries. ConsumerSearch ranked Dice the best website for technology-related jobs. Thirty-day job postings start at $495.
5. Simply Hired: Post your job listings to the Simply Hired site and you could reach 17 million candidates. For small businesses, job postings range from $69 to $199. Its want ads are distributed to 25,000 partner sites such as Business Insider, CNN Money, and The Washington Post.
6. Monster: Founded in 1994, Monster has grown from a job-seeking site to a global employment resource. It offers pages upon pages of advice related to recruiting, career management, and employment searches. Monster also offers mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, making it more convenient for people to find your ad. Job postings on Monster range from $210 to $395, depending on location.
7. Indeed: Indeed eclipsed Monster as the most trafficked job search site in October 2010. The aggregator/search engine compiles listings from varied sources, including the websites of companies and professional associations. Although Indeed lacks the career advice that Monster offers, its simplicity and 50 million monthly visitors make it worth a look. Unusually, Indeed charges job postings based on job seeker clicks, which ranges from $0.25 to $1.50.
8. Career Builder: CareerBuilder reaches over 23 million visitors monthly. It provides online career search services through its AOL and MSN portals, and through newspapers such as Los Angeles Times. The cost of job postings on CareerBuilder vary from $325 to $419, depending on the number of posts.
9. Jobster: Your want ad on Jobster has the potential to reach 12 million candidates. Job seeker profiles on Jobster can be dynamic and robust, featuring video resumes, photos, and relevant candidate links. The site uses an active approach, which enables employers to connect and network with interested candidates.  Employers can post unlimited jobs for $75 per month. 
10. Your company’s website: Don’t overlook the power of your own website to source qualified employees. Add a Careers or Jobs tab on your site and post current openings. In time, you’ll have candidates knocking on your virtual door.

by Liz Magill