Making A Job Board in WordPress

Are you a natural networker? Do you connect people to opportunities with ease? Maybe you’ve even considered starting an online job board as a side business, but thought the data logistics would be too complicated.

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. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons to build a custom job board. After that, we’ll explore what you’ll need to get started, and review some of the themes and additional plugins you might want to include. Let’s get to work! 

Why You Should Create a Job Board in WordPress

WordPress is the most widely-used Content Management System (CMS) 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. 

If you already have an established website with a decent following, you might consider creating a job board for several reasons. These include: 

• Creating new revenue: With just a few add-ons, you can charge a fee for individuals and businesses to post and search your job listings. 
• Bringing in subscribers: You can incentivize newsletter or mailing list subscriptions by offering free searches or postings on your job board. 

WordPress’s user-friendly administration interface is another reason it’s an excellent platform for creating dynamic elements like job boards. You can get up and running for very little investment, and easily add on functionality to monetize your new board. 

Should I Use a Plugin, a Theme, or Start From Scratch?

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. 

Another option is to choose a job board-specific theme from one of WordPress’ many premium directories. A job board theme typically comes loaded with features like specific page layouts and enhanced search options.  

Alternatively, if you’ve already chosen a WordPress theme, you might want to consider a plugin like WP Job Manager instead:

This plugin is free, and adds simple job board functionality to your site through shortcodes. It’s also compatible with any theme, and if you’re already comfortable with WordPress, the user interface should feel familiar.

Making Your Own WordPress Job Board (In 4 Steps)

Setting up your own job board with WordPress takes only a few steps. You’ll first need to choose a web host and install WordPress, and the rest of the process can be accomplished using a plugin.

Step 1: Set Up Your WordPress Site

To get started, you’ll need to get set up with a WordPress host. Here at WP Engine, we specialize in all things WordPress and can make your WordPress set-up experience fast and easy.

You’ll need to decide on a domain name, 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 and upload it to your host. 

If you choose a WP Engine hosting plan, you’ll be able to take advantage of our platform’s many features, 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. 

Step 2: Install the WP Job Manager Plugin

Once you have WordPress set up on your hosting platform, you can navigate to the Plugins menu in the administration dashboard. Here, you’ll be able to use Add New to search the plugin directory for the WP Job Manager plugin.

Once you locate the plugin, simply click on Install Now. As soon as the plugin is done installing, you’ll see an Activate button. This will need to be selected as well, in order to complete the installation. 

Step 3: Configure the Plugin’s Settings

After activating the plugin, you’ll be given the option to use the WP Job Manager Setup Wizard. Click on Run Setup Wizard, and you’ll need to decide whether you want to share your data with the plugin’s developer.

You’ll also be given the option to set the plugin up manually. For now, select Start Setup to go through the various options.

Here, you’ll be able to determine which pages you want WP Job Manager to set up for you. For example, if you know you won’t be allowing employers to post job from the front end of your site, you can deselect the option for the Post a Job page.

When you’re done configuring these options, you can click on Create Selected Pages to complete the setup process.

You’re 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.

Step 4: Post a Job Listing

Now, it’s time to post a job listing from your new WP Job Manager dashboard. To do that, you’ll need to navigate to the Job Listings tab and select Add New.

This screen will look somewhat familiar if you’ve ever created a WordPress page or post. There are few differences, however. You’ll have a place where you can add the job’s title and a brief description.

Below the editor, you’ll find several field options where you can fill in details about your job listing. This includes options for your business’ name, Twitter handle, company information, location, and even a video. You can also set an expiration date for the job listing.

Once you’ve added all the information you need, you can click on the Publish button in the upper right-hand corner.

You’ll then be able to see your new job listing by clicking on All Jobs in the WordPress dashboard. Here you’ll notice some features that enable you to edit, delete, or monitor the status of each job listing.

Additionally, you can create ‘job types’ by selecting the Job Types menu item. These function much like categories for WordPress posts and pages. You can use the preset job types, such as Full Time or Part Time. Alternatively, you can create your own to fit your needs.

Finally, in the Add-ons menu you’ll find over 30 additional plugins that you can use to expand WP Job Manager’s 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.

It’s 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. 

Integrating Job Board Themes and Plugins

Now that you know how to get a simple job board up and running with the WP Job Board plugin, let’s take a look at two themes that are designed specifically for this type of website. They are marketed as ‘all-in-one’ solutions for job board creation, and can expand your options significantly.

One option that comes packaged with all the elements you’ll need to get started is the Jobseek theme. For only $39, this theme is pre-built with the WP Job Manager plugin, and comes with numerous pre-built page layouts.

Alternately, for $59 you can purchase the WorkScout theme. 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.

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. 

Make Your Job Board Stand Out With WP Engine

Whether you’re 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 for your project, so you can be up and running as quickly as possible.

What’s more, we offer hosting plans of all sizes to help you create an amazing digital experience for your customers. Check them out today, and see how WP Engine can help you build a better job board website!