Google’s mission has always been ‘to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.’ Over two decades in, it’s safe to say it’s done just that, handling over 8.5 billion searches per day in 2025.
For recruitment agencies, one of the most powerful (and often underused) tools in the digital hiring toolbox is Google for Jobs – Google’s dedicated job search feature. Since its global rollout in 2017, it has evolved into a dominant platform across the recruitment industry, with millions of listings aggregated from across the internet and structured in a way that makes job discovery easy and smart.
What Is Google for Jobs?
Google for Jobs is a search enhancement, not a separate job board. The search engine pulls in job listings from different job boards, applicant tracking systems and agency websites and displays them in a rich snippet box near the top of the first page of relevant search results.
Here’s what makes Google Jobs powerful:
- Machine learning + structured data = incredibly relevant results. A search for ‘remote recruiter jobs’ returns roles from various job titles, such as ‘Talent Acquisition Specialist’ or ‘Sourcing Consultant’, grouped intelligently.
- Search filters allow users to refine by location, job type, employer, salary, posting date and more.
- One-click application options direct users to apply on the original site, meaning your agency site or job board.
- Priority placement in search results helps your listings appear ahead of standard organic results, if your site is optimised properly.
In short, if your job listings aren’t optimised for Google for Jobs, they may not be seen, even if you’re running your own job board.
It’s also worth noting that Google for Jobs accounts for a significant portion of traffic to career-related searches, with job-related queries making up approximately 15% of all Google searches. That high search volume is billions of monthly searches by top talent that your agency could be tapping into.
Whether or not you’re directly investing in job boards or PPC campaigns, your SEO strategy has never been more important, especially for your job ads and careers content.
4 Important Recruitment SEO Tips
When SEO rankings have never been more important, it can become incredibly difficult to navigate. While the fundamentals of SEO remain to be essentials, there are several simple things to keep on top of that can improve not just your search engine rankings, but also your SEO recruitment strategy for Google Jobs.
1. Website Speed Still Matters, Especially on Mobile
Google uses Core Web Vitals to evaluate your site’s performance, including load speed, responsiveness and visual stability. Sites that perform poorly with these elements of technical SEO, particularly on mobile, will rank lower in both standard search and Google for Jobs.
Use Google PageSpeed Insights to analyse your agency website. Aim for:
- A Mobile Page Experience score of 90+
- Fast loading times (<2.5 seconds)
- Reduced layout shifts and blocking scripts
Recruiters know that job seekers move quickly, your site needs to do the same.
2. Include More Than Additional Keywords
In 2025, content quality is more important than ever. While Google still relies on structured keyword use, it now also uses natural language processing (NLP) to assess how useful, relevant and human your content is.
Your job listings should include:
- Clear job titles (think “Digital Marketing Manager” not “Marketing Rockstar”)
- Longtail keywords like “remote accountancy jobs Manchester”
- Keywords in the URL, page title, meta description, headings, and body
But don’t overdo it, keyword research will only get you so far, these days Google prefers content that is helpful to a user and presents a strong industry knowledge, over the stuffing of important keywords to try and improve a keyword ranking. Focus on readable, helpful, engaging content that makes candidates want to apply. Remember: SEO gets people to your site, your copy is what convinces them to stay.
Backlinks still play a role. Encourage sharing, link to your listings in blog posts and newsletters, and make sure that you utilise internal links to any relevant web pages.
3. Optimise for Mobile Job Seekers
With over 70% of job searches happening on mobile devices, having a responsive, mobile-first website is no longer optional, it’s essential.
A poor mobile experience will:
- Drop your site ranking
- Reduce conversion rates
- Turn off candidates, especially younger talent
Make sure your recruitment firm has job listings that are legible, load quickly, and are easy to apply to on mobile. Test your site regularly across multiple devices.
4. Use Job Posting Structured Data (Schema)
Structured data (schema markup) is what allows Google to understand and index your job postings correctly for Google for Jobs.
It is non-negotiable if you want your listings to appear in the job search snippet box.
Your web developer or software provider should ensure that job postings on your site include the correct JobPosting schema. This should include:
- Job title
- Location (or specify “remote” correctly)
- Date posted
- Job description
- Employer name
- ValidThrough (application deadline)
Bonus tip: Keep your listings fresh. Google prioritises recently posted jobs. If a role is still open after 30 days, consider refreshing and re-uploading it.
SEO Isn’t Optional in the Recruitment Industry
Google for Jobs has redefined how candidates search and apply for jobs. Whether you’re a high-volume temp agency or an executive engineering recruitment agency, both on and off page SEO must be part of your recruitment marketing strategy. An optimised website and job board that shows deep expertise means better visibility, more organic applications and less reliance on costly advertising.
In a market where speed, visibility and user experience matter more than ever, investing in your digital presence is not a luxury, it is your best method of reaching your target audience of suitable candidates.
How Eclipse Recruitment Software Can Help
Managing SEO, structured data and seamless candidate journeys doesn’t need to be complex. Eclipse Recruitment Software is built specifically for recruitment agencies, and that means helping you optimise job listings, manage candidate workflows and stay compliant with platforms like Google for Jobs.
From automated job posting tools that support structured data to built-in career site modules designed for speed and mobile usability, Eclipse can help your agency to stay competitive in a search-first world. You’ll reach more candidates, fill roles faster and provide a seamless experience that both clients and applicants expect.
Ready to future-proof your recruitment website? Get in touch with Eclipse today.
