What are Job Boards and Job Search Sites?

Online job search sites and job boards have transformed the job-seeking and recruitment process. These platforms have not only made the job market accessible but also established a connection between employers and potential employees. 

We break down exactly what a job board is, their features, advantages, and how they streamline your job hunt.

What's the deal with job boards?

A job board, in its simplest form, is a web-based platform where employers post their job vacancies. 

These virtual notice boards enable companies to advertise open positions, and simultaneously, job seekers can search for opportunities that align with their skills, location and aspirations. Job boards have transformed from mere job listing sites to comprehensive career resources offering a variety of advice.

Folks looking for a job can use these platforms to find career opportunities and throw in their applications. They can also look into job trends, check out salary info, and make sure their CV is optimised to share with potential employers. 

Meanwhile, recruiters use job boards to post job openings and tap into a huge database of CVs.

So, what sets apart a 'job board' from an employer's career portal?

An employer's career portal, or career website, only shows the jobs up for grabs within that particular company. You'll go through the application process there, usually using their online forms.

On the flip side, a job board is like a hub of jobs from various companies. These companies pay to put their job openings on display there.

How Job Boards and Job Search Sites Work

Employers create and post job listings on these platforms, which are then added to the job board's database. Job seekers can search this database using various filters and criteria to find relevant job opportunities. 

Once they find a job that interests them, they can apply for it directly through the job board. 

Job Search Sites: A New Breed of Job Boards

Job search sites, also referred to as job aggregators, are a modern iteration of job boards. 

They are like search engines, crawling through job listings from company career sites and job boards, and displaying them in one place. 

Popular platforms like Indeed double as a job board and search engine, allowing companies to post job ads and job seekers to find millions of job listings from multiple sources.

Job boards don't go scouring the internet for vacancies elsewhere. They simply post jobs for companies or recruiters who approach them to advertise, and that's a service they get paid for.

Does LinkedIn have a Job Board?

No. LinkedIn is like a professional social network where you connect with people in your industry, and flaunt your professional journey, achievements, and other interests through your profile.

While you can search for jobs on LinkedIn and companies do pay to post job listings, job searching is just one aspect of what the social platform offers.

Key Features of Job Boards and Job Search Sites

Job boards and job search sites come equipped with a range of features designed to streamline the job search process for both employers and job seekers.

Job Listings: These platforms allow employers to create detailed job listings, including information about job roles, requirements, and locations.

Search Functionality: Job seekers can use advanced search tools to find job listings based on various criteria such as location, job role, and industry.

Application Process: Job seekers can apply for jobs directly through the job board, simplifying the application process.

Job Alerts: Many job boards offer job alert features, providing notifications when new job opportunities matching the job seeker's criteria become available.

Company Profiles: Some job boards provide company profiles, giving job seekers insights into the company's culture, employee reviews, and other pertinent information.

Job Matching: Some platforms utilise algorithms to match job seekers with relevant job opportunities based on their profiles.

Benefits of Using Job Boards and Job Search Sites

The use of job boards and job search sites offers a multitude of benefits for job seekers and employers alike.

For Job Seekers:

#1 Diverse Job Opportunities

These platforms provide job seekers with access to a plethora of job openings all in one spot, eliminating the need to scour multiple websites for listings.

#2 Simplified Application Process

The direct application feature on these platforms makes it easy for job seekers, sparing them the trouble of sending individual applications to each employer.

#3 Job Alerts

Stay in the loop with job alerts that keep job seekers informed about new opportunities aligning with their search criteria.

For Employers:

#1 Broaden Your Reach

Using job boards means you're putting your job out there for the whole world to see, expanding your reach big time. Since job boards are where people commonly look for jobs, it's the top-notch way to get the word out about your job opportunities. 

#2 Building Your Employer Brand

Job boards are your ticket to building up your employer brand by showcasing what your company is all about. Getting your company on job boards helps spread the word about your mission, attracting the right candidates for the job.

#3 Streamlining the Application Process

Forget the hassle of managing every application on your portal—job boards have your back. 

They help organise CVs neatly, making the whole process smoother and saving you time. It's not just a win for your company; it's also a plus for the applicants who get a more efficient experience.

#4 Cutting Hiring Costs

Job boards are like your cost-cutting heroes. Sure, some might charge a bit, but it's a tiny price to pay compared to the wide reach they offer.

The Role of Job Boards in Job Search

Job boards and search sites are game-changers when you're on the job hunt. They're the go-to spot for job seekers to easily find and apply for jobs. Plus, they've got all sorts of handy tools to help you navigate your job search, keep up with the latest opportunities, and make smart decisions. 

Applying for Jobs

When it comes to applying for jobs, the process can differ based on the job board and the specific role you're interested in. Various jobs have different application processes and requirements.

Job boards offer a platform for employers and recruiters to receive, store, and manage applications. However, some employers might prefer using their own application platform, either on their website or through a third-party site.

On these job boards, you can set up job-seeking profiles where you store essential information for different jobs, from basic details like your name to more intricate info such as your work experience. You can also save multiple versions of your CV and cover letters.

If you're applying for several positions, using a job board that stores your information is a smart move. Creating a profile can speed up the application process, making it more efficient. Plus, you can recycle information from previous applications.

The bottom line is that job boards speed up and smooth out the whole job search process.

If you are currently looking for a new job in retail, hospitality or leisure, set up a profile with Switch Roles today and let us help you kickstart your career.