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Inspired by part of the discussion in the panel session, Putting Job Seekers First: Strategies That Win Trust and Build Loyalty, at our 2025 Annual Conference.
For most job board operators, monetisation is a constant balancing act. As costs for technology, marketing, and operations rise, it’s natural to explore new revenue streams, including fees for job seekers. But when your platform’s mission is to connect people with work, introducing candidate charges raises a critical question: is it ethical?
Why Some Job Boards Charge Job Seekers
Some job boards have introduced paid options, from premium access and career coaching to subscription-based applications, to diversify income or enhance their service. The motivations often include:
Covering operational costs – Running a board isn’t cheap, and fees can help sustain growth.Filtering for quality – Paid memberships are sometimes seen as a way to attract more serious candidates.Funding additional services – Paid tiers can include résumé reviews, personalised job alerts, or curated introductions.
These models can work, especially in niche markets. But they also sit in a grey area where business goals can clash with candidate expectations, and, depending on where you operate, with legal boundaries.
What the Industry Data
HR TECH MARKETPLACE
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