How to Create a Job Search Website Like Indeed

Indeed is one of the biggest job search sites, connecting millions of job seekers with employers around the world. It has a massive resume database, millions of job listings, and smart matching algorithms, which make it set the bar high for online recruitment.

So why does Indeed work so well? And more importantly, how can you build your own job search site that can compete with it?

In this article, we break down the minimum requirements that your job platform should possess, challenges you may encounter, and, most importantly, three speedy means of launching your own job board. Let's begin.

What is a job search website?

A job search website, simply put, is a website where employers post job openings and look for potential candidates, and job candidates submit their resumes and search for appropriate jobs. In most cases, these kinds of websites also serve as job aggregators, collecting jobs from other employment services and displaying them all in one place.

To better understand the utility of employment websites, let us look at their key advantages for employers and job seekers alike:

• Online CV management. Job websites simplify hiring by reducing the manual sorting of resumes. Most websites have detailed filters for employers to categorize applicants based on job needs. Many, like Glassdoor and Ladders, possess applicant tracking systems (ATS) that automatically screen out unqualified resumes.
• Job boards. Organizations can post job openings on free and paid job boards to source qualified candidates. The websites allow companies to access more talent in less time. With targeted listings, employers can reach candidates whose qualifications meet those sought.
• Employer research. Job seekers can peruse company profiles, read employee reviews, and examine employer ratings. This transparency enables job candidates to assess workplace culture and reputation. Informed decisions lead to better job matching and enhanced job satisfaction.

Indeed remains one of the most visited job-searching websites globally

The online job searching industry is massive, with large websites like Glassdoor, Monster, JobisJob, Lensa, Simply Hired, ZipRecruiter, and CareerBuilder competing for users' eyeballs. However, Indeed is among the most frequented job search platforms globally.

Indeed.com received nearly 604.5 million unique international visitors last year, in March 2024, based on the recent figures from Statista, down from the peak of 641 million two months prior. This clearly illustrates its dominance in the employment sector.

Source: Statista

Furthermore, Indeed was named to Fast Company's 2022 list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for its significant impact on businesses and job seekers alike. With its colossal database and pioneering recruitment solutions, Indeed continues to revolutionize the future of online job hunting.

What makes Indeed so prosperous and unique?

Indeed's success is based on three elements, says Davide Novelli, Director of International Online Operations:

1. Mastering local market expertise

In fact, Indeed doesn't only work worldwide - it thinks locally. Indeed employs experts who thoroughly know local job markets so that each country's Indeed is customized to fit its specific hiring patterns, laws, and applicant expectations. This local knowledge makes the site more efficient at matching employers with the best candidates.

2. Intelligent, contextual translation

Job hunting needn't be lost in translation. Indeed uses a three-step contextual translation method that's not merely word replacement. It translates both job adverts and search terms to meet cultural sensitivities, a vocabulary of the industry, and local preferences. It does this so candidates see the best fit jobs no matter what language or where they are.

3. A truly global job search experience

In comparison to the majority of employment websites that have location-based searches, Indeed gives job seekers complete liberty. You can search for jobs in any nation, whether you are in it or not. For example, an American applicant can easily search for jobs in Germany without any limitations. This is a worldwide focus that makes cross-border job searching easier and expands the job search and work opportunities for employers and job seekers.

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Aspects to consider before starting a job search website

Now, let’s take a look at the primary pre-development stage aspects that you need to contemplate when you create a job posting website.

Pick your niche

It's hard to compete with giants like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster, so it's best to start with a specific niche when you create a job posting website. You can focus on a niche field or profession and tap into a dedicated audience while you fine-tune your site before scaling. Geographic targeting can also be very effective, as in the case of Ethical Jobs Australia.

For example, 99designs is a good example of a job board website design for hiring professional designers. Once you have a good user base, you can expand into other industries and strategically develop your job board.

Source: 99designs

How to make money with a job search website

If you are curious about how to develop a job board that generates regular income, the right monetization strategy is the most important. The following are the best and most up-to-date ways job websites monetize now:

• Paid job listings. Generate revenue by making employers pay for posting jobs for a period of time. Most sites have free (basic) and paid (featured) postings to be noticed more. For example, Dice charges $495 per post to increase visibility.
• Subscription plans. Offer employers a monthly fee scheme to post more than one job instead of per listing. It is best suited for companies that make regular hires. LinkedIn Premium, for instance, allows companies to post an unlimited number of jobs at a monthly subscription.
• Premium features. Include additional advantages like highlighted job postings, priority listing, or direct messaging. Monster offers a premium plan of $299/month with unlimited job promotions and access to the database.
• Resume view. Charge hiring managers to view resumes of applicants and contact them. This can be profitable if your site holds a large body of applicants. ZipRecruiter allows companies to pay to access its group of candidates.
• Sponsored job posts. Paying employers allow them to highlight their job ads and appear higher in search listings. Indeed offers this as a component of its "Sponsored Jobs" package.
• Affiliate marketing. Reward users for referring companies or job candidates. Upwork, for example, offers a 70% discount on the first $150 contract when referred by an affiliate.
• Pay-per-application. Employers pay per matching application and not per posting. Indeed provides employers with 72 hours to reject applications before charging them.
• Advertising & partnerships. Earn money by displaying ads from career-related companies or by partnering with companies. Glassdoor, for example, partners with companies for employer branding and sponsored content.

By doing all these, you can create a job posting site that not only serves job seekers and employers but also builds a profitable and scalable business.

Beneficial features for your job board website

You have chosen the desired niche and picked the most relevant revenue models. Now, it is time to define the most important platform features that will allow both employers and job seekers to reach their goals.

Indeed constantly improves its services for employers, HR specialists, and job seekers based on relevant feedback. Below, we describe the top features by dividing the functionality into two parts for your convenience. So, when you create a job posting website, you might consider including such functionality.

Top 7 features for employers

To be successful, a job search website must offer employers resources that facilitate easier hiring, improve candidate selection, and boost company exposure. The right features will help recruiters automate their process, attract quality candidates, and make better hiring decisions. These are the must-have features all employers need on a job board site.

1. Employer branding & company profiles

A good company profile allows employers to sell their brand, company culture, and employee benefits and get better talent. It establishes credibility and trust because the company can make available employee testimonials, wage data, and benefits of the workplace. The more available and engaging the company profile is, the greater the chances of attracting top talent.

Example: Glassdoor offers company websites where companies can market their culture, share employee reviews, and showcase workplace benefits.

Source: Glassdoor

2. Smart job listings with detailed descriptions

Clearly written job postings attract the right candidates and prevent mismatches. A job posting should include clear job duties, credentials, salary bands, and perks. Sophisticated features like auto-expiration dates and SEO optimization keep job postings current and findable.

Example: LinkedIn Jobs provides keyword suggestions and styling tips to help recruiters create extremely effective job postings.

3. AI-powered candidate matching

AI recruitment software filters out resumes and suggests the most appropriately matched candidates based on experience, abilities, and suitability for the job. This reduces the recruiter's time by filtering out those who do not meet the criteria and prioritizing other candidates based on their aptness for the job. AI improves at suggesting over time based on employer preference.

Example: Indeed's machine learning-powered matching algorithm recommends candidates from past applications, profile data, and recruiter search history.

4. Sophisticated candidate search & filtering

A sophisticated search and filtering tool allows employers to narrow down their candidate selection and find the perfect match in a snap. Filters must include experience level, location, availability, education, skills, and certifications. More advanced options, like AI-powered ranking, allow recruiters to quickly rank top candidates.

Example: ZipRecruiter's automated filtering system enables recruiters to shortlist candidates according to skills, experience, and location.

Source: ZipRecruiter

5. Hiring dashboard for recruiters

A centralized recruitment dashboard makes it simpler to manage multiple job postings, track applications, and communicate with candidates by HR teams from one place. It should have real-time application tracking, HR team collaboration features, and hiring trend analytics. The dashboard provides an open view of the recruitment process, reducing the time to hire.

Example: BambooHR's recruiter dashboard allows recruiters to track candidates, schedule an interview, and see recruitment stats in one platform.

6. In-platform secure messaging & communication

An in-platform secure messaging system allows recruiters to message candidates without disclosing personal contact information. It should have real-time chat, email alerts, scheduling of video calls, and blocked phone calls for privacy protection. It makes smoother interactions easier with protection of sensitive data.

Example: Upwork's native messaging feature supports real-time video calling and chat with user privacy maintained.

7. ATS (Applicant Tracking System) integration

Recruiters already have most of the ATS software for managing applications, so integration must be seamless. A job board needs to provide ATS sync to track hiring activity, automate resume screening, and optimize candidate review. ATS integration reduces manual effort and enables HR teams to push candidates through the hiring funnel efficiently.

Example: Indeed has integration with over 200 ATS systems, where recruiters can monitor applications from different sources under one system.

Top 7 features for job seekers

A successful job site must provide job seekers with tools that simplify their job search, make their applications more effective, and provide insightful career information. With the right features, job seekers can find the right jobs faster, track their progress, and make intelligent career decisions. The following are the essential features that every job board should have for job seekers.

1. Personalized job seeker profile

An extensive personal profile makes it easy for job seekers to market their career goals, experience, and skills. The applicants should be able to upload or build a resume, add certifications, as well as update availability. The function also allows recruiters to find candidates faster through AI-powered filtering and search.

Example: Indeed's job seeker profiles allow users to track application status and receive suggested jobs based on their skills and experience.

2. Smart job search & refinement filters

A powerful search engine is central to allowing job seekers to find matching jobs in real time. The search function should allow filtering of jobs by salary range, location, remote/office work, industry, experience level, and company size. AI-powered recommendations can also personalize job search results.

Example: Indeed’s smart search filters allow job seekers to refine their job hunt based on criteria like salary, location, company ratings, and remote work options, ensuring highly relevant job matches.

Source: Indeed

3. Salary insights & comparison tool

Salary transparency facilitates informed career choice for job seekers through understanding salary trends in industries. The tool should allow job seekers to compare salaries by job titles, experience levels, locations, and companies. It provides data on average salaries, highest paying companies, and salary growth opportunities.

Example: Glassdoor's salary comparison tool allows job seekers to search for compensation information for specific jobs in different industries and locations.

4. Employer reviews & ratings

Job seekers should be able to research potential employers before applying. This feature allows users to view employee reviews, company ratings, and office culture. Access to real-world experiences from current and previous employees allows applicants to make educated decisions about job opportunities.

Example: Glassdoor provides company ratings, salary reviews, and anonymous employee reviews to help job seekers choose the right employer.

5. One-click job applications

A fast and simple application process increases the chances of applicants applying to multiple jobs. One-click applications need to be supported by the system, allowing users to apply with a pre-stored resume and cover letter without filling out redundant forms. It is time-saving and improves the user experience.

Example: Indeed's "Easy Apply" feature enables job applicants to apply with one click, using their pre-loaded resume.

6. CV builder & resume optimization

Not all job seekers have properly formatted resumes, and therefore, an in-built CV builder helps applicants form a professional CV quickly and efficiently. It should offer:

• Pre-designed templates for different industries.
• AI-powered skill and job description suggestions.
• Spell check and formatting recommendations.

Example: Bayt, being one of the leading job search websites in the Middle East and North Africa, offers an all-inclusive CV creator that allows users to create professional resumes tailored for various industries. Potential employees can choose from several templates, receive suggestions on skills and job titles, and ensure their CVs are formatted in the right way to attract potential employers.

7. Job wishlist & hidden job posting feature

Sometimes, job seekers come across job postings they're interested in but not yet ready to apply for. A wishlist functionality allows users to bookmark jobs for later reference. Additionally, a "hide job" functionality allows candidates to remove irrelevant or uninteresting job postings from their feed.

Example: LinkedIn's "Save Job" feature allows users to save jobs and apply later, so they don't miss any opportunity.

Read also: How to Create an Online Service Marketplace: Ultimate Guide

Challenges & solutions in creating a job search website

Designing a job search website is not an easy task. Identifying these challenges at the very beginning can keep you away from bottlenecks and create a better and quicker job market platform.

1. The problem: candidate mismatch

Candidates and employers don't necessarily have the same point of view. A candidate for a job may seem to be ideal but prove to be too qualified or lacking in skills needed. A job advertisement, on the other hand, may seem attractive to a candidate but become a misfit after an interview.

2. The problem: job postings reliability

Job candidates complain that job postings on employment platforms are outdated or irrelevant. Job postings on some websites are not updated frequently enough, and filled or expired job opportunities.

3. The problem: user data vulnerability

Since job search sites exist in a virtual atmosphere, it is difficult to authenticate data. Both employers and job searchers might be unable to validate the profiles, and therefore security risks are experienced.

Overcoming these challenges is essential to building a successful job site. By improving job matching, ensuring listing accuracy, and enhancing security, you can build a trusted and efficient marketplace that benefits both employers and job seekers.

Additionally, investing in AI development services can enhance your platform's capacity, candidate-job matching made simple, automated moderation and increased fraud detection - positioning your job search website a notch above the rest.

Read also: 5 Biggest Mistakes When Building a Marketplace and How to Bypass Them

Your 7-step guide to building a job search website like Indeed

Step 1: Discovery and planning: laying the groundwork for success

Planning is critical before you write a line of code. A successful job search platform doesn't just connect job seekers and employers: it provides an engaging, interactive experience that encourages repeat use. Discovery means getting to know your users, finding out what concerns them, and communicating clear goals that differentiate your platform.

Project discovery phase includes competitive analysis, user journey mapping, and feature prioritization to ensure your site meets market needs. In the end, you'll have clickable prototypes, a strategic feature list, a well-defined tech stack, detailed cost estimates, and a clear product roadmap. Codica's product discovery services expertise ensures that you're building on a solid foundation, giving your job search platform the competitive edge it needs.

Step 2: UI/UX design: crafting an experience that users love

A job search site is only as good as its user experience. If users can't easily navigate the platform, find relevant jobs, or apply with ease, they won't stick around. That's why intuitive UI/UX design is key. By focusing on user-centered design, you'll create a smooth, engaging experience that increases user retention and conversions.

Adding AI-powered recommendations takes the user experience to the next level by personalizing job suggestions based on browsing history, skills, and previous applications. Codica's UI/UX design services approach is focused on simplicity and elegance, allowing users to access the right jobs with ease and without resistance. We design interfaces that are not only beautiful, but also engaging, resulting in a platform that stands out from the competition.

Step 3: Choosing the right software architecture: building for growth and scalability

Your job search platform needs to be reliable, fast, and scalable to accommodate growing user demands. This starts with selecting the right software architecture.

MACH architecture vs. monolithic architecture

Choosing between MACH (microservices, API-first, cloud-native, headless) and traditional monolithic architecture is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. Monolithic architectures are quick to develop but limit flexibility and scalability as your platform grows.

MACH architecture, on the other hand, offers autonomous feature development, rapid updates, and unmatched scalability. It allows you to introduce new features seamlessly, incorporate third-party services, and handle high traffic spikes without downtime. For a job search site like Indeed that requires seamless user experiences and advanced search functionality, MACH architecture is the gold standard.

Step 4: Technology stack selection: powering performance and security

A robust technology stack is crucial for delivering high performance, security, and a seamless user experience. Here’s the recommended tech stack for building a job search website:

• Frontend.React, Vue.js, or Angular for dynamic and responsive user experiences.
• Backend.Node.js, Ruby on Rails to handle transactions and API connections.
• Database. PostgreSQL or MongoDB for secure and scalable data storage.
• Cloud hosting.AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure for high uptime and performance.
• Payments. Stripe, PayPal, or Braintree for seamless, secure transactions.
• Security. SSL encryption, GDPR compliance, fraud prevention mechanisms.

Choosing the right tech stack from the start ensures that your job search platform is secure, scalable, and ready to grow with your user base.

Step 5: Agile development process: building fast, launching faster

Speed and agility are critical to building a job search platform that keeps pace with market demands. That's where agile development methodologies are essential. At Codica, we follow an agile methodology with a strong emphasis on continuous testing, rapid iterations and integration of user feedback.

This allows us to respond quickly to emerging needs, keeping your platform ahead of user expectations. We work in close partnership with you throughout the development process, from MVP to full launch, maintaining high standards of performance and scalability. With Codica's agile development, your job search platform will be built faster, launched more strategically, and adapted more effectively to market demands.

Step 6: Testing and quality assurance: ensuring a flawless user experience

Quality assurance services aren't just about fixing bugs. They’re about providing a seamless user experience that builds trust and credibility. At Codica, our rigorous testing procedures include:

• Functional testing: all features work as intended.
• Usability testing: making sure users can navigate the site and get things done.
• Performance testing: the platform can handle heavy traffic and fast loading speeds.
• Security testing: protecting user data and remaining GDPR compliant.

We simulate real-world scenarios to identify issues before launch, ensuring a smooth experience for both job seekers and employers. Our rigorous QA process eliminates risk and ensures your job board is risk-free from day one.

Step 7: Launching the job search platform: from vision to reality

Launch day is a milestone, but it's only the beginning. We carefully plan every step, from deployment to live testing, to make Codica's launch as smooth as possible. We monitor key performance indicators and user behavior, and address any issues immediately to maintain an optimal user experience.

After launch, our support team is responsible for ongoing monitoring and updates to ensure your platform grows with your users' needs. With Codica, your job search platform doesn't just go live - it thrives in a competitive marketplace.

Check out our portfolio for more successful projects we have delivered so far.

The cost of creating a job board similar to Indeed

The cost of custom job board development depends on a variety of significant factors. First, your development approach matters - using off-the-shelf software is cheaper, while custom development offers a tailored solution but at a higher price. Feature sophistication also impacts prices, as the more sophisticated the features, the longer it will take to create them. Lastly, the hourly rate your development firm charges has a substantial impact on your final budget. To better put that into perspective, the following table gives an estimated cost to develop a simple job search website.

To answer the question of how much it costs to build an Indeed-like job website, the price is $56,000. This is an approximate budget you will need to create a similar job platform. This price is relevant if you collaborate with a development company located in Eastern Europe, for example, Ukraine.

Of course, the final estimate of the job portal website development cost will depend on your business requirements and priorities. Also, the price will vary according to the hourly rate of your development team. If you prefer to work with a team from the US or Western Europe, the custom development costs to create a job search website will be different.

Recommended reading: MVP Development Cost: 5 Main Aspects for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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Bringing your job board website to life

Job search websites have become an innovative and effective way to hire professionals and apply for jobs. Many people from all over the world visit such platforms, thus generating huge search engine traffic. It makes them a prospective business concept to invest in and generate profit from.

Surely, building a job board website similar to Indeed is a pretty difficult task as it takes a lot of effort. You need to choose your niche, solve the main challenges, define the basic functionality, and implement it technically.

Considering how to build a job board like Indeed, take into account a reliable team. If you have an experienced custom software development company you can cooperate with, it becomes much easier.

Codica has a solid background in building custom marketplace platforms. We have developed many successful projects in different domains. These are finance, accommodation rentals, automotive, insurance, travel, and ecommerce. Let’s get in touch, and we will bring your business idea of the job search website to reality.