Are you a natural networker? Do you connect people to opportunities with ease? Maybe you\u2019ve even considered starting an online job board as a side business, but thought the data logistics would be too complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fortunately, creating a job board with WordPress is a lot simpler than you might expect. Whether you want to build your job board from the ground up or use a plugin to simplify the process, you can get up and running quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll take a look at some of the reasons to build a custom job board. After that, we\u2019ll explore what you\u2019ll need to get started, and review some of the themes and additional plugins you might want to include. Let\u2019s get to work! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
WordPress is the most widely-used Content Management System (CMS)<\/a> on the market. Its open-source code base means there are plugins and themes being developed every day for niche ideas and concepts. This includes job boards.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you already have an established website with a decent following, you might consider creating a job board for several reasons. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n WordPress\u2019s user-friendly administration interface is another reason it\u2019s an excellent platform for creating dynamic elements like job boards. You can get up and running for very little investment<\/a>, and easily add on functionality to monetize your new board.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deciding what path to take when creating your job board with WordPress is going to depend somewhat on your level of experience. If you love writing code and have lots of time to keep your listings updated, you might want to explore building your board with HTML. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another option is to choose a job board-specific theme<\/a> from one of WordPress\u2019 many premium directories. A job board theme typically comes loaded with features like specific page layouts and enhanced search options.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, if you’ve already chosen a WordPress theme, you might want to consider a plugin like WP Job Manager<\/a> instead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This plugin is free, and adds simple job board functionality to your site through shortcodes<\/a>. It\u2019s also compatible with any theme, and if you\u2019re already comfortable with WordPress, the user interface should feel familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setting up your own job board with WordPress takes only a few steps. You\u2019ll first need to choose a web host and install WordPress<\/a>, and the rest of the process can be accomplished using a plugin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To get started, you\u2019ll need to get set up with a WordPress host<\/a>. Here at WP Engine, we specialize in all things WordPress<\/a> and can make your WordPress set-up experience fast and easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll need to decide on a domain name<\/a>, and check to see if it is available. Depending on the host you choose, this might be included with your plan. Then you can download the WordPress platform<\/a> and upload it to your host<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose a WP Engine hosting plan, you\u2019ll be able to take advantage of our platform\u2019s many features<\/a>, and be up and running with WordPress in minutes. You can also opt to create staging and development sites for testing your job board in just one click.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have WordPress set up on your hosting platform, you can navigate to the Plugins <\/em>menu in the administration dashboard. Here, you\u2019ll be able to use Add New<\/em> to search the plugin directory for the WP Job Manager plugin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you locate the plugin, simply click on Install Now<\/em>. As soon as the plugin is done installing, you\u2019ll see an Activate<\/em> button. This will need to be selected as well, in order to complete the installation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After activating the plugin, you\u2019ll be given the option to use the WP Job Manager Setup Wizard. Click on Run<\/em> Setup Wizard<\/em>, and you\u2019ll need to decide whether you want to share your data with the plugin\u2019s developer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also be given the option to set the plugin up manually. For now, select Start Setup<\/em> to go through the various options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you\u2019ll be able to determine which pages you want WP Job Manager to set up for you. For example, if you know you won\u2019t be allowing employers to post job from the front end of your site, you can deselect the option for the Post a Job<\/em> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re done configuring these options, you can click on Create Selected Pages<\/em> to complete the setup process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re now ready to start adding job listings to your site. From the final setup page, you can choose to add a job listing via the front end or from your admin dashboard, whichever you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, it\u2019s time to post a job listing from your new WP Job Manager dashboard. To do that, you\u2019ll need to navigate to the Job Listings<\/em> tab and select Add New<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This screen will look somewhat familiar if you\u2019ve ever created a WordPress page or post. There are few differences, however. You\u2019ll have a place where you can add the job\u2019s title and a brief description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below the editor, you\u2019ll find several field options where you can fill in details about your job listing. This includes options for your business\u2019 name, Twitter handle, company information, location, and even a video. You can also set an expiration date for the job listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve added all the information you need, you can click on the Publish<\/em> button in the upper right-hand corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll then be able to see your new job listing by clicking on All Jobs<\/em> in the WordPress dashboard. Here you\u2019ll notice some features that enable you to edit, delete, or monitor the status of each job listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, you can create \u2018job types\u2019 by selecting the Job Types<\/em> menu item. These function much like categories for WordPress posts and pages. You can use the preset job types, such as Full Time<\/em> or Part Time<\/em>. Alternatively, you can create your own to fit your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, in the Add-ons<\/em> menu you\u2019ll find over 30 additional plugins<\/a> that you can use to expand WP Job Manager\u2019s functionality. These range from tools that help you manage resumes, to WooCommerce-powered payment gateways so you can accept payment from companies that want to list on your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note that while WP Job Manager is a free plugin, the add-on features typically come with fees or subscriptions attached. You can also look into the add-on bundles if you want to use this plugin across more than one site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know how to get a simple job board up and running with the WP Job Board plugin, let\u2019s take a look at two themes that are designed specifically for this type of website. They are marketed as \u2018all-in-one\u2019 solutions for job board creation, and can expand your options significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One option that comes packaged with all the elements you\u2019ll need to get started is the Jobseek theme<\/a>. For only $39, this theme is pre-built with the WP Job Manager plugin, and comes with numerous pre-built page layouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternately, for $59 you can purchase the WorkScout theme<\/a>. This theme is also built around the WP Job Manager plugin and comes with beautifully simple and engaging pages. Other features on offer include Google Map integration and advanced search functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both themes are designed specifically for job boards, and are compatible with all the WP Job Manager add-ons. That means they can slot seamlessly into the process we described for setting up your job board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re looking to recruit employees for your own business, or start up a job list to create more revenue for your website, WP Engine is here to help. We want you to have the best developer resources<\/a> for your project, so you can be up and running as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Should I Use a Plugin, a Theme, or Start From Scratch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Making Your Own WordPress Job Board (In 4 Steps)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Set Up Your WordPress Site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Install the WP Job Manager Plugin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Configure the Plugin\u2019s Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Post a Job Listing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Integrating Job Board Themes and Plugins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make Your Job Board Stand Out With WP Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n