Job boards are the perfect way for associations to provide member value while connecting with employers interested in reaching qualified candidates, and a key way for associations to grow non-dues revenue.
Despite the benefits, research shows only 14% of associations prioritize providing job opportunities, while 46% of members view this as a top benefit expected from associations.
Whether you have a job board you’re looking to expand or starting from scratch, a job board is a major driver of value and engagement. They help associations provide member benefits like:
Email job matching. Automatically send jobs to interested and relevant job seekers via email when they are posted, and allow your members to apply to jobs quickly from their mobile devices.
Personalized search and recommendations. Increase engagement and job views by recommending opportunities to job seekers based on their prior searches.
Artificial Intelligence job tools. AI automatically highlights key job details, providing summaries for relevant positions and helping members quickly assess whether a role aligns with their experience and interests.
Candidate screening and management. Provide employers with functionality to attract, screen, and manage applicants, including an anonymous resume bank that safeguards job seekers’ identities and confidentiality.
Advanced data, reporting, and analytics. Empower your staff with essential knowledge of job board sales, performance, and user behavior to drive growth in membership and revenue.
Job Board Best Practices
Whether established or starting from scratch, these best practices help associations maximize the value of their job board.
Employers are seeking opportunities to connect with relevant job applicants. Your job board is a valuable resource for employers. Beyond candidates who actively apply, your job board also provides access to passive candidates or candidates who fit the job requirements but aren’t actively applying for positions. Employers want to reach these candidates, and your association should capitalize on that.
Some best practices include:
Offer employers the opportunity to post job openings. Whether on your home page, on social media, or through email. Employers reach an engaged group of potential employees and often, are willing to pay extra for exclusive access and distribution of their jobs to passive industry professionals that they cannot reach through other channels.
Include a job feed widget featuring sponsored job openings. From your website to a recurring feature in a newsletter, employers will pay for additional and consistent exposure.
Offer employer sponsorships. From a promoted post on your association’s social media, to a banner ad above your job board, employers get the benefit of added exposure and our association gets to capitalize on additional revenue opportunities.
The Benefits of Career Centers
While job boards are a good first step, your association can maximize value by adding features that elevate your board to a career center, including learning opportunities and a forum for members to connect.
Complement the job listings section with continuing education opportunities, online career services, and a message board. Make your career center the go-to destination for your members beyond just when they’re exploring new possibilities.
Consider creating a learning portal for your members to access online courses and certifications that enhance their careers. From streaming in-person conference sessions to hosting webinars and offering thought leadership from valued association members, a career portal extends the life of seminars and keynotes from conferences, provides your association with another way to engage members, and serves as another channel to explore sponsorship opportunities.
A forum is also a simple way for associations to provide added member value by giving members a virtual place to connect. Encourage discussions by posting relevant member content, or hosting experts in the field for informal discussions.
Career centers not only provide member value, but are another benefit your association can offer to interested employers to sponsor.
