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They can be complex, questionable and downright troublesome but the job board is a more intriguing and valuable creature than its given credit for. Its relevance and impact has been questioned for some time now. LinkedIn powered in throwing its weight about, social media jumped on the anti-board wagon and recruitment agencies everywhere starting making bold statements about its demise but still the mighty job board stood strong.
Just to clear things up, the job board in not on its way out. There’s a whole parade of reasons why it is a pillar of recruitment, and one of its most advantageous facets can be perceived to be one of its most damaging - its complexity. Invest in taming the board beast and the treasures waiting are plentiful...
At its best a job board is an exemplary tool, collective of mediums and host to industry trends galore. But more than this it is a breeding ground of makings, influences and disciplines - a mish mash of UX, research and content skills.
UX - The ports and calls
Whether candidate or recruiter, the job board is more than a means of searching or advertising a job. Any good recruiter should be well versed in candidate experience. And a job board perusal or application is a viable port of call on that journey.
It is not a linear journey and potential candidates might stumble across a job board ad the morning it’s posted, via an indirect source or through a social share. Recruitment is a delicate balance of right tools, right place, right time. And that’s the job board in a nutshell.
What job boards should you use?
There’s no definitive answer here. Good practice swings in the favour of posting on 2-3 biggies and perhaps a niche one for good measure. Ultimately it comes down to knowing where you will get not only the most exposure but the right exposure. Research should be your guiding star here, where do your top talent or industry comrades fish about? UX is concerned with language, actions and overall experiences, the job board you pick or peruse is key in this.
How is your job board ad part of your bigger recruitment picture?
A job ad should not be underestimated. This is a brand blast that can attract talent, raise brand awareness and get SEO up. Making sure ads are properly written, placed and followed up needs to pair with your big pic strategy. UX is tied to all of the above so, as with all good experiences, each encounter should link to the next.
Is the experience easy, fast and reaching out to the right talent?
When picking the best job board to post on or browse be a step ahead. So you might get a load of applicants but are they the right talent? Is the application process easy and speedy?
UX starts from the second a candidate reads and clicks, where does it go from there?
Your ad is tied to you and you’re tied to the job board you pick. Word of mouth is the only way to travel so be sure you make good JB decisions.
Research - Hello industry insight
Job boards are a hotbed of industry trends, sector changes and market shifts. They are a much underused resource in the early stages of planning, writing and sourcing a home for your ad.
You don’t have to scour boards for hours to gain a valuable peek at what’s happening in your industry.
Where are your competitors posting jobs?
Any shifts in salary?
Has industry language changed current job titles?
Do other companies have other sources of applying for positions?
What milestones do candidates expect in their candidate experience?
If you’re a candidate these job boards are great for pitting your expectations against reality and for putting the feelers out for new opportunities and companies to keep an eye out for.
If you're a recruiter or company, a job board can offer a real-time gander at the functional and emotional cards you have to play, i.e. what will act as incentives for top talent to invest in you? Salary? Opportunities? Company culture?
Copywriting - the power of the well-written ad
Designing a compelling advert is job board 101. It might sound a little obvious but there’s some shoddy attempts out there, too packed with keywords and jargon to be taken seriously, offer info or attract the right crowd.
Taking the time to sculpt your job ad secures your reputation as a considered employer and trusted source. Standing out from the crowd should be a key factor too, in a sea of ads you need to find a way to stay afloat.
Do you offer multiple ways to apply? - The more options you have, the wider the applicant pool is. Mail might seem a little old fashioned but you need to cast as wide a net as possible so don’t skimp on the ways and means.
Go easy on the jargon - Yes you should include all relevant info but don’t do mad. Concise is the key here so go easy on keywords and make sure your ad reflects you - clear, professional and the best option going.
Does it tick all the boxes? - Your ad needs to be appealing and personalised but it still needs to perform on a basic level. Is it the right balance of info and character? If done correctly, you can tick both at the same time. Company info, role info and benefits / future opportunities should all feature in full.
Does the job title match the job? - Industries change and roles merge, does your ad title or position name reflect the current market? Don’t fall down at the first hurdle, represent your industry and company perfectly from the off.
Yep, there’s more to job boards than meets the eye... For candidates and recruiters alike, the job board can be a minefield. Understanding the underlying functions and complexities of this powerhouse tool is where the magic lies. The job board is an emporium of hidden secrets. There’s a flurry of strings to the bow, all of which offer a new peek into the wonders of the big JB.
These are just my thoughts on Job Boards, but I’d love to hear yours. Find me on LinkedIn ,Twitter or just drop me an email here! Darren Brown.
