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Will Gordon
Will Gordon · ·

How to Implement Structured JSON-LD for Google Jobs

Learn how to implement structured JSON-LD for Google Jobs to improve your job postings and attract more qualified candidates.

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Introduction

In today’s competitive job market, attracting the right candidates is a significant challenge for many companies. Traditional platforms like LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Dice have become less effective due to rising costs and a diminishing pool of relevant candidates. However, there is a cost-effective and powerful alternative: Google Jobs.

Google Jobs leverages the massive reach of Google Search, which handles over 150 million job searches every month. By properly structuring your job postings using JSON-LD (JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data), you can publish your jobs directly to Google Jobs, ensuring they are visible to a vast audience of job seekers. This guide will explore the technical details of Structured JSON-LD, how to implement it, and how to maximize your job postings’ visibility on Google Jobs.

What is Structured JSON-LD?

JSON-LD is a method of encoding linked data using JSON. It allows you to provide structured data that search engines, like Google, can easily understand. By marking up your job postings with JSON-LD, you ensure they meet Google’s requirements for being featured on Google Jobs, increasing your visibility and reach.

Why Google Jobs?

Google Jobs aggregates job postings from across the web and displays them prominently in search results. Here’s why it stands out:

  • High Traffic: Google handles over 150 million job searches per month, giving your postings unparalleled exposure.
  • Cost-Effective: Unlike traditional job boards that charge fees, Google Jobs is free. The only cost is implementing the structured data.
  • Direct Control: By adding structured data to your site, you maintain full control over your job postings, bypassing third-party platforms.

How to Implement Structured JSON-LD for Google Jobs

Follow these steps to implement JSON-LD for Google Jobs effectively.

Step 1: Create Your Job Posting Structured Data

Below is an example of a basic JSON-LD script for a job posting:

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org/",
  "@type": "JobPosting",
  "title": "Remote Software Engineer",
  "description": "We are seeking a skilled software engineer to join our remote team. Responsibilities include developing web applications, collaborating with a global team, and delivering high-quality code.",
  "datePosted": "2024-08-08",
  "validThrough": "2024-09-08",
  "employmentType": "FULL_TIME",
  "hiringOrganization": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Tustin Recruiting",
    "sameAs": "https://www.tustinrecruiting.com",
    "logo": "https://www.tustinrecruiting.com/logo.png"
  },
  "jobLocation": {
    "@type": "Place",
    "address": {
      "@type": "PostalAddress",
      "addressLocality": "Remote",
      "addressRegion": "",
      "addressCountry": "US"
    }
  },
  "baseSalary": {
    "@type": "MonetaryAmount",
    "currency": "USD",
    "value": {
      "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
      "value": 120000,
      "unitText": "YEAR"
    }
  },
  "industry": "Software Development",
  "qualifications": "Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience.",
  "jobBenefits": ["Flexible schedule", "Remote work", "Health insurance", "401(k)"],
  "responsibilities": "Write clean, maintainable code, participate in code reviews, and work in an Agile environment."
}
</script>

Step 2: Validate Your Structured Data

Validate your JSON-LD script using Google’s Rich Results Test or Schema Markup Validator:

  1. Copy your JSON-LD script.
  2. Go to the Rich Results Test or Schema Markup Validator.
  3. Paste your script and run the test.
  4. Fix any errors that appear in the validation results.

Step 3: Add the JSON-LD Script to Your Web Page

Add the validated JSON-LD script to the <head> section of your job posting page:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>Job Posting</title>
  <script type="application/ld+json">
  /* Paste your JSON-LD script here */
  </script>
</head>
<body>
  <!-- Job posting content -->
</body>
</html>

Step 4: Ensure Your Job Posting Page is Indexed

Use Google Search Console or the Indexing API to ensure your job posting is indexed.

Using Google Search Console:

  1. Open the URL Inspection Tool.
  2. Enter your job posting URL.
  3. Click Request Indexing.

Using the Indexing API:

  1. Follow Google’s Indexing API Quickstart Guide.
  2. Use a POST request to submit the job URL for indexing.
  • Requires a Google API key, which can be obtained here.
  • I’ll write a separate post on how to set this up and link to it here. Stay tuned.

Best Practices for Structured JSON-LD in Google Jobs

  1. Descriptive Titles: Use clear, relevant job titles like “Remote Software Engineer” or “Senior Data Analyst.”
  2. Detailed Job Descriptions: Include responsibilities, qualifications, and key benefits to attract the right candidates.
  3. Accurate Expiration Dates: Set the validThrough field correctly to avoid negative SEO impacts.
  4. Include Benefits: Highlight job perks such as health insurance, remote work, or bonuses.
  5. Location Data: Specify the exact location (or “Remote”) to help candidates find relevant jobs.
  6. Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your job pages are mobile-friendly for smartphone users.

Conclusion

By implementing Structured JSON-LD, you can unlock the full potential of Google Jobs to attract top talent without the hefty fees of traditional job boards. Proper implementation, combined with detailed monitoring and optimization, ensures that your job postings reach a broader audience and attract high-quality candidates. This strategy is a game-changer for companies looking to scale their recruitment efforts efficiently.

Take control of your hiring process, leverage Google Jobs, and watch your talent pipeline grow!

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