You need to fill a position fast, but where can you post a job to get the best candidates? A job posting is an advertisement for an open position within your company. It’s the first impression potential candidates will have of your business, so make it count.
- Job Boards: Sites like Indeed or LinkedIn where you can list your job openings.
- Company Websites: Your own site can host job listings too.
- Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and Twitter can spread the word.
Example: Listing a cashier position on Indeed, posting a server job on your restaurant’s website, or sharing a barista opening on Facebook.
Characteristics of an Effective Site for Posting Job Ads
Before diving in, consider what makes a job listing site effective. These features are crucial:
- Broad Audience: High traffic increases the chances of finding the right candidate. However, ensure the site has filtering tools to remove unqualified applicants.
- Efficiency: Features like mobile apps, built-in messengers, notifications, and direct application options speed up the hiring process.
- Cost Effectiveness: Look for sites offering free basic features and customizable paid plans.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive interfaces that allow quick posting and progress tracking.
- Tools and Resources: Blogs, tutorials, and job posting templates can be beneficial, especially for first-time hirers.
- Candidate Matching Software: Filters to hide unqualified candidates and alerts for best-fit applicants.
- Sponsored Job Posts: Boost visibility by paying extra to display your ad higher in search results.
- All-in-One Solution: Integration with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for seamless recruiting and hiring.
Top Job Posting Platforms
1. Homebase
Homebase is an HR software suite designed to reduce paperwork and time-consuming tasks like job listings. The free hiring tool lets you post a job ad to hundreds of sites but manage it all in one place. If you already have a Homebase account, just click on a role and the platform fills in the job title, type, and even the job ad itself.
Pros:
- Post your job ad in seconds
- Post to multiple job sites
- Candidate matching software
- ATS integrations
- Sponsored job ads to boost visibility
- Dashboard to manage ads and applications
- Job description and post templates
- Screener questions to find the right candidates
- Arrange interviews with candidates in-platform
Cons:
- Users not needing the range of HR tools may prefer a simpler tool
- Hiring is US-oriented
Pricing: Free for businesses with one location. Prices start at $20 per location per month for additional features.
Summary: Homebase is perfect for managers looking for an all-in-one hiring solution. The platform integrates with various job sites, filters applicants, and even schedules interviews.
2. Craigslist
Founded in 1995, Craigslist is one of the oldest job boards. It organizes job listings by job type and location, allowing recruiters to provide detailed descriptions. However, recruiters must create one job post per position, even if they are identical.
Pros:
- Easy to post your job ad
- Job ads appear within 20 minutes of posting
- Heavy traffic with around 200 million visits per month
- Job seekers can contact you directly
Cons:
- Broad audience means longer candidate filtering
- No tools for job seekers or recruiters
- Candidates can’t apply directly through the post
- Lack of regulation leads to scams and pranks
Pricing: Job ads cost between $10 and $75 depending on the job type and location. Free outside the US.
Summary: Craigslist is great for finding local candidates quickly. Its simple interface makes posting a job easy, and it’s ideal for sectors like retail, e-commerce, and financial services.
3. Facebook Business Suite
Facebook allows users to connect, manage their business online, and search ads. Recruiters can fill in a short form to publish their job ad, which appears on their feed, Business page, and the Jobs section.
Pros:
- Posting a job ad is quick and free
- Broad audience: 69% of the US have a Facebook account
Cons:
- The broad audience means it takes longer to filter candidates
- No tools for job seekers or recruiters
Summary: Facebook is ideal for reaching a broad audience quickly. Its ease of use and wide reach make it a valuable tool for small businesses.
Free Job Posting Sites for 2024
Indeed
Indeed offers unlimited free job postings for certain jobs, plus paid options to boost visibility. Features like Indeed Assessments and live virtual interviews make it a robust choice.
- Unlimited free job postings
- Paid options for more visibility
- Extra features like assessments
LinkedIn isn’t just for networking. It’s a goldmine for job postings, especially for professional roles. You can post jobs for free, but they also offer a pay-per-click model to promote listings.
- Free job postings
- Pay-per-click for promotion
- Great for professional roles
SimplyHired
SimplyHired aggregates job listings from over 100 job sites, giving your post broad exposure. It’s a straightforward platform with a simple interface, ideal for those who want to cast a wide net.
- Aggregates from multiple sites
- User-friendly interface
- Broad exposure
PostJobFree
PostJobFree offers free job postings and premium membership options for added features. The platform is easy to navigate and budget-friendly.
- Free job postings
- Premium options available
- Budget-friendly
Hubstaff Talent
Hubstaff Talent focuses on remote job postings. It’s a free platform that also offers paid products for time tracking and project management.
- Free for remote job postings
- Access to candidate contact info
- Paid products for time tracking
Tips for Maximizing Your Job Postings
Use Eye-Catching Titles
Your job title is the first thing candidates see. Make it compelling and clear. Avoid jargon and buzzwords that might confuse applicants.
Highlight Key Benefits
Showcase what sets your company apart. Highlight unique benefits and perks to attract top talent.
Example: “Join our team and enjoy flexible hours, health benefits, and opportunities for growth.”
Include Clear Calls to Action
Encourage candidates to apply by including a clear call to action. Make it easy for them to know what to do next.
Example: “Apply now through our Homebase Hiring & Onboarding platform for a seamless application process.”
Leverage Employee Referrals
Your current employees can be your best recruiters. Encourage them to refer candidates and consider offering incentives for successful hires.
Regularly Update Listings
Keep your job posts fresh and relevant. Regular updates can help maintain interest and attract new candidates.
Is Paid Job Posting Worth It?
Paid job postings can significantly increase your job’s visibility, reaching a larger pool of candidates. They are particularly useful when you need to fill a position quickly or for specialized roles that require a specific skill set.
When to Consider Paying for Listings:
- Urgent Hires: When you need to fill a position fast.
- Specialized Roles: When the role requires niche skills.
- Competitive Markets: When you’re competing with other businesses for top talent.
In many cases, the investment in a paid job posting can pay off by attracting higher-quality candidates and reducing the time it takes to fill a position. If you’re looking to hire efficiently and effectively, consider giving paid job postings a try.
How Homebase Can Simplify Your Hiring Process
Homebase offers tools to streamline the hiring process and make your life easier.
- Job Posting to Multiple Boards: Post your job to multiple job boards from a single platform, saving time and effort.
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Manage applications and track candidate progress seamlessly.
- Automated Onboarding: Ensure new hires are set up for success from day one with automated checklists and document management.
Ready to make hiring a breeze? Check out Homebase Hiring & Onboarding for more details.
FAQs about the best places to post a job opening
How do you announce a new open position?
Announce a new open position wherever you can but prioritize your social media, job posting sites, and your local area. Make sure you include:
- The job title
- A brief job description with desired skills, qualifications, and experience
- The location and unexpected hours of employment
- The hourly rate and any benefits
- How to apply (if necessary)
How do you post an internal job opening?
Send an email or a message to your team with the desired skills, expected hours, and any benefits. Mention whether you have already posted the job externally. If so, include a link to the online job posting.
How much does it cost to post a job?
The cost of posting a job varies wildly. Many job sites allow you to post job ads for free with limited features and options. Paid job listings range from $10 to as much as $500 a month.
How do you post a job on Facebook Business?
You can post a job on Facebook by taking some simple steps:
- Open your ‘Business’ page on Facebook
- Select ‘Jobs’ from the left-hand menu
- Fill out the ‘Create Job’ form
- Click the ‘Post’ button