Merging Job Boards and Recruitment Services

Whilst far from a new concept, I've found few resources that talk about how to merge recruitment agency and job board business models. Reed is the obvious huge example, but I'm talking about niche boards and agencies.

I've networked heavily over the last two years, whilst building my own fusion model and two things have become clear:

• Recruiters know little about job board businesses.
• Job board owners know little about recruitment businesses.

I hear about the frustrations and successes from both business types and it's clear to me that they can solve each other's problems outside of merely being a client-supplier relationship.

All of this, whilst enhancing service levels which benefits clients and candidates alike. Delivering more value = greater success.

Why now?

Despite Reed launching their internet venture in 1995, I think this is only emerging as interesting niche in the world of talent.

Firstly, the democratisation of technology means it's easier than ever to build tech based products without significant investment. You can teach yourself to do it more quickly and easily than ever before.

Secondly, both candidates and employers have higher expectations. They too have access to the same tools recruiters and job boards do. The majority are on LinkedIn which is also a job board and powers the majority of recruiters. Both business types face a battle to stay relevant.

Lastly, commercial pressures necessitate exploring the product ladder - offering more productised services in the case of recruiters or a more consultative approach with job boards.

Why Recruitment Agencies Should Build a Job Board

The benefits to a recruitment agency are boundless. A job board can become a key marketing asset for a recruitment agency, regardless of whether it becomes a primary revenue generator or not.

Here's just a few of the benefits:

• Expand your reach — A job board has the potential to drive more traffic that a simple brochure recruitment website ever will.
• Develop a USP — With a job board you can quantify your reach, as well as provide insights and services others can't.
• Automate content and website relevance — A job board gives you more to work with as jobs are fresh content.
• Enhances scalability — It's an owned asset so it will help you to scale.
• Improve operational efficiencies — It creates inbound demand which you can turn into operational gains.
• Increase impact — You can do more, with less.
• Deliver more value to your market — A job board delivers value when you can't personally.
• Provide data insights — Job boards are a treasure trove of data. You can dice and splice this many ways and it's your data.
• Become a profit centre — You can monetise a job board in numerous ways.
• Lead generation — You will inevitably win more recruitment business.

Why Job Boards Should Develop Recruitment Services

I think most job board owners would balk at the thought of setting up a full blown service business but I don't think it's as scary as it sounds.

It can be high leverage if structured in the right way and this does not mean copying a traditional recruitment agency model.

Boltjobs.com and Bolt Search: My Experience

I've spent the last two years building Boltjobs.com alongside my recruitment business.

It's been tough, but rewarding. I've experienced business growth, leverage and developed a cast iron USP. The learning curve has been extremely steep and I'm still learning every day.

I want to connect with likeminded people so if this article resonates with you, subscribe below for more on this topic and reach out!

Image attribution: Photo by Lance Grandahl on Unsplash