How to Build a Job Website

Your color scheme should be basic to keep attention focused on the content.

Making a job website can help employers find the right employee. It also can help prospective candidates land a job. Some job websites even profit from advertising and commission. However, your site must be professional, informative, helpful and attractive if it is going to make any money.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet connection

1. Think of an appropriate name for your website and purchase it as a domain. A domain name is the title of your website and the URL that people write into their Internet explorer address bars. Ensure that the website name is relevant, memorable and short. For example, if your website is specifically about preparing for job interviews, you might call it "www.jobinterview.com" or "www.interviewprep.com".

   Domain sellers like Active-Domain let you search for your site's availability before you buy the name. Don't worry if the name has already been taken; choose another domain name and check again.

2. Invest in a good Web host. Web hosts are the companies that sell Internet space to you and then help you look after and maintain your site. Web hosting companies charge for their services. However, prices may vary, so shop around for the best deal.

   Check whether the Web host offers any extra services for its fee. Some hosts can give you technical support, a personal email account or antivirus software. If you are unsure, contact the host directly to find out prices and services.

3. Write and collect any information to be published on your site. Websites often publish their articles with embedded images, videos and links. This helps make them engaging, interesting and interactive. For example, if your website is focused on how to get new qualifications for new jobs, you should link to some reputable online courses and list some of the top training companies.

4. Upload all the content onto your website and decorate it. The look and feel of a site can often determine whether people will visit again. If the pages are clearly laid out and user friendly, your visitors are more likely to return and to tell others.

   Because the site is a job website you should give it a sleek and professional look. Use neutral colors such as gray, brown, blue or white.

5. Create a job posting page for employers to post their vacancies on. Make sure employers can easily display their job specifications and contact information. Similarly, ensure that the page is easy for candidates to find.

   A jobs board also must be updated regularly. Check the last application dates on the ads and make sure they are removed when they expire. If you cannot find an expiry date, contact the employers and ask them when they want the ad to be removed. Always treat employers with respect: If you are reliable and courteous, they will use your website again.

6. Proofread your content and ensure that all the links, images and videos work. If you give the impression that you take care of your website, visitors will think that you're taking good care of them.

Tips & Warnings

• Put a search bar on your website's homepage. This will help users find the jobs they are interested in. Many website management systems (e.g. Wordpress) have an automatic search bar in the widgets section. Click and drag the search widget onto your homepage to install it.

References

• Website Helpers: Website Design Tips
• University of Toronto, Department of Computer Science: "10 Tips for Creating Your Web Site"
• Visibility: Helpful Tips, References and Resources on Building Websites

Resources

• Active-Domain: Domain Registration
• US Web Hosting: Excellence in Hosting
• Wordpress: Publishing Platform