As a job board owner, understanding why job seekers search online is just as important as the jobs you post. This is where user intent comes in.
User intent refers to the reason behind a search query, what the searcher really wants to achieve. Aligning your content with user intent not only improves SEO but also helps job seekers find exactly what they need.
There are four main types of user intent that every job board should consider:
1. Informational Intent: Job Seekers Looking to Learn
What it is: Searchers want to gain knowledge about a topic.
Examples for job seekers:
- “How to write a tech resume that gets interviews”
- “Tips for acing a remote job interview”
- “Top skills in demand for marketing jobs 2025”
How your job board can help: Create guides, tutorials, and blog posts that provide career advice, application tips, or insights into industry trends. Informational content builds trust with job seekers and encourages them to return to your site.
2. Navigational Intent: Job Seekers Looking for a Specific Site or Page
What it is: Searchers want to go directly to a particular website or page.
Examples for job seekers:
- “JobBoardSearch.com submit job board”
- “Indeed remote jobs page”
- “LinkedIn job search for data analysts”
How your job board can help: Ensure your homepage, dashboards, and landing pages are easy to navigate and clearly branded. Making it simple for users to find the jobs they want increases engagement and retention.
3. Commercial Intent: Job Seekers Researching Platforms or Opportunities
What it is: Searchers want to research brands, products, or services before making a choice.
Examples for job seekers:
- “Best job boards for tech professionals”
- “JobBoardSearch vs Indeed vs LinkedIn”
- “Top companies hiring remote developers 2025”
How your job board can help: Publish comparison posts, curated lists, or reviews of job boards and job platforms. Highlighting your platform’s unique features or niche focus helps job seekers evaluate and choose your site.
4. Transactional Intent: Job Seekers Ready to Take Action
What it is: Searchers want to complete an action, such as applying for a job or subscribing to alerts.
Examples for job seekers:
- “Apply for software developer jobs in London”
- “Subscribe to daily job alerts”
- “Upload CV to tech job board”
How your job board can help: Optimize job listings, application forms, and subscription pages for easy access and conversion. Clear calls-to-action (CTAs) make it simple for job seekers to engage immediately.
Why Understanding User Intent Matters
Aligning your content and site structure with user intent does more than improve SEO.
It ensures that job seekers find exactly what they’re looking for, whether it’s learning, exploring, or applying.
By catering to these four types of intent, your job board can attract more users, increase engagement, and build a loyal audience.
💡 Pro Tip: Use keyword research to identify the search intent behind common job-related queries. Then create content that matches both the topic and the intent.
Also, make sure you understand "Types of SEO Keywords", read the article 11 Types of SEO Keywords Every Job Board Owner Should Know