What is a Job Board? Definition and How They Work
Understanding job boards, how they work, and why they remain a viable business model.
A job board is a website where employers post job vacancies and job seekers find opportunities based on their preferences. It's a platform that connects hiring companies with qualified candidates, making recruitment more efficient for both parties.
How job boards work
For employers
Employers create accounts and post job openings with detailed descriptions, requirements, and application instructions. They can:
- Post individual jobs or multiple openings
- Set job visibility duration (typically 30-90 days)
- Receive applications directly or redirect to their careers page
- Track views, clicks, and applications
- Feature or promote listings for more visibility
For job seekers
Job seekers browse listings using search and filter functionality:
- Search by job title, keyword, or company
- Filter by location, salary, job type, or industry
- Save jobs and set up alerts
- Apply directly through the platform
- Research companies through employer profiles
Most job boards are free for job seekers, with employers paying for listings.
Types of job boards
General job boards
Large platforms covering all industries and locations. Examples include Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and ZipRecruiter. They attract massive traffic but face intense competition.
Niche job boards
Focused on specific industries, roles, or audiences:
- Industry-specific: Healthcare, tech, finance, hospitality
- Role-specific: Remote work, executive positions, internships
- Demographic-specific: Veterans, diversity-focused, recent graduates
- Geographic: Local, regional, or country-specific
Niche boards often command higher prices because they deliver more relevant candidates.
Company career pages
Employer-owned job listings on their corporate websites. Many companies use job board software to power their careers section.
Aggregators
Sites that pull listings from multiple sources (like Google for Jobs) rather than hosting original postings.
Job board business models
Pay-per-posting
Employers pay a fee for each job listing, typically ranging from $50-500 depending on the niche and audience quality. This is the most common model.
Subscription plans
Employers pay monthly or annual fees for unlimited or bulk postings. Better for companies with ongoing hiring needs.
Freemium
Basic listings are free, with paid upgrades for featuring, social promotion, or extended duration.