Last week I learned that HiringOpps, a job board software platform is closing up operations in the U.S. Their homepage now just features a login screen, seemingly to allow any existing clients to access their data.
So what does this mean for the future of job board software?
Job board software has come and gone in the last 20+ years. Remember Searchease, Jobthread, Jobamatic, Webex? All dead and buried.
The new crop of job board software has gotten better… platforms like Niceboard have done a good job at serving the market. BUT we still need more innovation among software platforms if they want to thrive, not just survive in the next evolution of job search.
My biggest complaint about the current group of vendors is their lack of innovation. Smart Job Board has been the best of group by coming out with new features each year but I haven’t seen much else from the rest of the job board software players.
AI is Coming
With the evolution of AI tools there is now a chance to help job seekers create resumes, do mock interviews, write employer outreach messages and fill in job applications automatically. Site like Adzuna has started to make such tools and add them to the job search experience.
An AI based platform that can add value to the candidate experience is where we are headed, I just question whether the current crop of vendors can get us there. Many of them have been very stagnant when it comes to evolving their software over time.
We Need More Social Features
To me running a job board is as much about building community as it is catering to employers. We need the job board software to allow for more community based features such as messaging, activity feeds and forum like features that allow for user generated content.
I’d much rather launch a LinkedIn type community built around a certain niche that has job listings as one of the revenue streams. Allow candidates to create a “LinkedIn like” profile. Post status updates, etc. These features will make a job board more “sticky” and create more engagement.
Reverse Job Boards?
Allowing the creation of a reverse job board where candidate search as the main feature (in addition to jobs) is also needed. Some industries may have better success when we can showcase profiles not just job listings. There are successful reverse job boards that exist so its a proven model.
Where’s the Texting?
Job board software also need to add in texting capabilities to the communication mix. I want to see text based job alerts! Allow seekers to opt-in to them via email OR text. Texting will generate more clicks to the job board.
If you a job board software company I sincerely hope you read this. It’s time for the current crop of vendors evolve. Otherwise you are merely inviting future competition.
