Rhode Island Red, a free online job-search tool created by the R.I. Department of Labor and Training, more than quadrupled its job listings recently using enhanced “spidering” software.

“By improving technology, we hope to simplify the job search process and connect job seekers with employment as quickly as possible,” Sandra Powell, director of the department, said in a statement.

Spidering software scours the Web without direction in a search for relevant links and Web sites – for example, Google’s listings are almost entirely generated by its spidering program.

The new spidering software that Red (short for Research & Economic Database) is using resulted in a major increase in the jobs listed there. More than 500 jobs were listed in Providence alone.

Users can search on the Web site by clicking on the “Find a Job” link. Searches can be limited by location, keyword, occupation or salary range, as well as source and posting date.

In addition, Rhode Island Red offers a free online skill assessment test and also contains helpful industry and occupational data, including average wages and future-employment outlook. The site also links to local education and training programs that can help a job seeker acquire the necessary skills for his or her chosen career.

Rhode Island Red is one of several tools used by counselors with netWORKri, a state-managed partnership that includes walk-in career and re-employment centers in Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket and West Warwick, as well as a satellite facility in Middletown.

For more information on available jobs in Rhode Island or netWORKri, call 1-888-616-JOBS or visit the R.I. Department of Labor and Training online.