Are Ready-Made Job Boards Killing Recruitment?

Ever heard someone outside the recruitment industry say, “I can do the same thing you do, using LinkedIn or Indeed”? 

Cue eye roll. 

It's not surprising. The rise of ready-made job boards and platforms has made finding talent as simple as a few clicks, especially since there's little to no professional expertise required. For those of us who live and breathe recruitment, it can feel like a slap in the face.

But imagine if a car salesman claimed, “Cars are killing walking.” The truth is, cars (like job boards) are tools—they make the journey easier, but they don't replace the need for human touch and expertise.

The Invasion of Ready-Made Platforms 

With platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and more popping up, there’s a lot of competition. These services target casual users, offering a quick and easy way to find candidates without the need for professional recruiters. 
However, while it might seem like these platforms are threatening our industry, they could actually be our best allies. Think of them not as the enemy but as the Uber to our traditional taxi service. 

Ready-Made Platforms: Friends, Not Foes 

The purpose of these job boards and platforms is to simplify the recruitment process. They offer a way for novices to dabble in hiring. But if a beginner can find it easy, imagine what an experienced recruiter can do with these tools at their disposal! 

The Art of Efficiency 

There’s no substitute for creativity and originality. However, originality doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel every time. An intelligent recruiter can use these platforms and customize their approach to suit their clients’ needs. 
When a rush of job orders comes in, time becomes a precious commodity. Ready-made job boards offer a faster turnaround, allowing you to handle more clients and make more placements. Instead of turning down projects or burning out, leverage these tools to enhance your efficiency. 

Visualization for Uninspired Clients 

Sometimes, clients struggle to visualize the hiring process or understand what a streamlined recruitment strategy looks like. Using templates and platforms can help bridge this gap. Show them a polished job posting on LinkedIn or a well-crafted candidate search on Indeed. It’s like giving them a sneak peek into the potential of your expertise. 

Can Anyone Be a Recruiter Now? 

Sure, anyone can post a job or screen resumes with these platforms. But true recruitment involves much more. It’s about understanding the nuances of the industry, recognizing the perfect fit for a company’s culture, and negotiating offers. 

The “Kiddie” Recruiters 

In the tech world, a “script kiddie” is someone who uses pre-made scripts to hack but lacks true hacking skills. Similarly, a “kiddie” recruiter might use job boards but lacks the depth of knowledge and expertise needed for real success. 

1. Understanding Company Culture Takes Time: Selecting candidates that align with a company’s values and culture isn’t something you learn overnight. It requires years of experience and a deep understanding of human behavior.

2. Mastering the Art of Communication: From writing compelling job descriptions to crafting persuasive offers, communication is key. Not everyone has the finesse to do it right.

3. The Backend of Recruitment: Just like web designers optimize the backend of websites, recruiters need to handle the intricacies of the hiring process, from compliance to candidate experience.

Conclusion 

Ready-made job boards aren’t killing recruitment; they’re empowering it. They make the job easier, more profitable, and more valuable to clients. As a recruiter, you should embrace these tools and use them to enhance your capabilities. Remember, businesses may prefer easy-to-use platforms for simplicity, but nothing beats the flexibility, reliability, and personalization of a recruitment process managed by a true professional.