LinkedIn vs. Job boards: Who Will Win the Battle for the Job Market?

It’s been over 10 years since LinkedIn introduced their ‘Easy apply’ feature. Designed to streamline the job application process, many thought this unique option would bring about the end of the traditional job board. Flash forward to 2024 and the likes of Indeed, S1 jobs, and Reed are still very much alive and kicking. But slowly, the crown awarded to the most used job-seeking platform has been inching closer and closer to LinkedIn’s head. So, what are the chances of LinkedIn actually taking over the role of job boards and what would that mean for the job market?

The Rise of Job Boards: Traditional, Yet Effective.

Job boards have been a fundamental part of the recruitment industry for decades, acting as central hubs where employers post vacancies, and candidates apply directly. Some of the most well-known job boards at a global scale, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster, have a vast reach and cater to various industries, job types, and locations.

So, what are the Strengths?

1. Widespread Reach: Job boards have an enormous reach, covering a broad range of industries and regions. Employers are guaranteed visibility across a wide audience, and job seekers can access a diverse array of opportunities in a single place.

2. Dedicated to Jobs: The core focus of job boards is connecting employers with job seekers. There’s no distraction from other functions, making the process straightforward for those solely looking for employment opportunities.

3. Multiple Niches: While general job boards cater to a wide audience, niche job boards cater to specific industries (e.g., tech, healthcare, or finance here in iMultiply’s website), giving both employers and candidates highly targeted opportunities. This can be beneficial for specialised fields where certain skills or experience are required.

The Weaknesses:

1. Passive Approach: One significant drawback of job boards is the passive approach to recruitment. Employers post a job and wait for applications to come in. This method relies on candidates actively searching for jobs, which may not always result in attracting the best talent. And with 80% of candidates willing to consider a job not actively looking, this is a big weakness.

2. Limited Networking Opportunities: Job boards are designed primarily for application purposes, with little room for interaction between candidates and potential employers before formal applications are submitted. There’s no chance for candidates to showcase their skills or connect on a personal level with employers before applying.

3. Blanket Applications: Job boards often result in an overwhelming number of applications for employers to sift through, many of which may not be relevant to the position.

Strengths of LinkedIn:

1. Active Networking and Personal Branding: LinkedIn allows users to build a personal brand by sharing achievements, expertise, and professional experiences. This continuous engagement helps professionals stand out in their industry and signal potential to recruiters, even when they’re not actively searching for a job.

2. Access to Passive Talent: LinkedIn provides access to passive candidates – individuals who may not be actively seeking a new role but could be open to opportunities. This expands the reach of a search for the perfect candidate considerably and connects great candidates with opportunities they might not ordinarily see.

3. Targeted Job Matching: LinkedIn’s algorithms can provide personalised job recommendations based on a user’s experience, skills, and interests. This creates a more refined and accurate job-matching process compared to traditional job boards.

And the Weaknesses:

1. Less Focused on Job Searching: While LinkedIn is excellent for networking and professional development, its job search function can sometimes feel secondary. Users may find it less intuitive than job boards when specifically looking for opportunities.

3. Over-Engagement: Because LinkedIn encourages constant interaction, some users may feel pressured to post regularly, connect with numerous individuals, and stay active on the platform in order to look “good”. This may result in professionals with a lower online presence getting overlooked despite being strong candidates.

Who Will Win the Battle?

The truth is the battle between LinkedIn and job boards isn’t necessarily a zero-sum game. Both platforms offer unique advantages, and their success depends on the preferences of candidates and the needs of employers.

LinkedIn’s Edge:

For professionals looking to build long-term career growth and personal branding, LinkedIn stands out as the better platform. It’s not just a tool for finding jobs; it’s a place to create meaningful industry connections, gain visibility, and develop a network that could open doors throughout your career. For employers, LinkedIn is a goldmine for accessing passive talent and building company culture awareness.

Job Boards’ Continued Relevance:

On the other hand, job boards remain highly effective for immediate job searches and casting a wide net. Additionally, niche job boards tailored to specific sectors will likely retain their appeal, especially for highly specialised roles.

The Future of Recruitment:

The future of the job market is likely to include a blend of both LinkedIn and job boards. LinkedIn will continue to grow as a comprehensive platform for networking and talent acquisition, while job boards will evolve to offer more personalised and targeted experiences. Employers and candidates will likely benefit from using both platforms in tandem to maximise their chances of success or getting someone- a recruiter- who is well-versed in both to search for them.