From Posting to Placement: How Niche Job Boards Help Employers Find the Right Fit

In today’s competitive hiring landscape, finding the perfect candidate isn’t always as simple as posting on a general job board and waiting for applications to roll in. For organizations with specific needs, like education institutions or mission-driven nonprofits, niche job boards offer a more tailored solution. Platforms like TrulyHired, WorkTogether’s specialized job board, are designed to connect employers with value-aligned talent who share their mission and goals.

This case study explores how a national charter school network leveraged TrulyHired to fill critical roles, streamline their strategy, and make data-driven decisions, all while improving their hiring outcomes.

Starting Early: Data-Informed Decisions

In 2024, the charter network faced a familiar challenge: filling multiple high-needs positions across their schools. Historically, they waited until spring to post openings, leading to a rushed hiring process with limited insights. This time, they shifted gears, partnering with TrulyHired to post roles as early as winter.

The results were game-changing. By starting early, they collected critical data in January, giving them a clear picture of which roles were generating interest and which required more attention. Over the course of the year, they posted 94 positions, using TrulyHired’s real-time traffic insights to guide their strategy.

Real-Time Data in Action

One of the greatest benefits of TrulyHired is the actionable data it provides. For high-visibility roles, such as Director of Marketing and Enrollment, early applicant traffic was strong. With high engagement and promising candidate pools, the network felt confident these positions could be filled through passive posting alone, saving time and resources.

On the flip side, roles like Assistant Principals (APs) painted a different picture. Traffic data showed significantly lower engagement, signaling potential challenges in attracting candidates. Recognizing this early, the network pivoted their strategy in February, reallocating resources to targeted outreach. This adjustment helped them build stronger pools for AP roles, ensuring these critical positions were filled well before the summer hiring crunch.

Lessons Learned: Key Takeaways for Employers

The charter network’s experience underscores the importance of using TrulyHired strategically. Here are the top lessons from their journey:

1. Start Early. Posting jobs earlier than the traditional hiring season offers invaluable insights. Employers can identify high-interest roles, plan outreach strategies, and avoid the last-minute rush that often accompanies peak hiring months.
2. Leverage Traffic Data. TrulyHired provides real-time data on job postings, helping employers determine which roles need more attention. If a position garners significant engagement, it may succeed with passive posting. Conversely, low-traffic roles signal a need for proactive measures.
3. Adapt Strategies Quickly. Early insights allow employers to pivot their approach. For example, recognizing a gap in AP applicant pools enabled the network to act decisively, reallocating resources to address the issue before it became a crisis.
4. Evaluate Role Attractiveness. Competitive salaries, strong benefits, and organizational reputation play a key role in attracting candidates. Assessing whether a role is compelling enough can determine whether posting alone will suffice or if additional outreach is necessary.

When Posting Alone Works

While data-driven adjustments are often essential, there are times when a posting-only strategy is enough. This approach works well when:

• The role offers competitive compensation, stellar benefits, or is with a well-known organization.
• The position has a broad pool of qualified candidates.
• Your team is equipped to manage a high volume of applications.

Job Boards Play a Unique Role in Recruitment

Job boards like TrulyHired play an essential role in helping organizations navigate the complexities of hiring. By providing actionable insights, early data, and a platform that connects employers with job seekers, TrulyHired bridges the gap between posting and placement. Whether you’re an employer looking to optimize your recruitment strategy or a job seeker searching for meaningful opportunities, TrulyHired is designed to meet your needs.

For Employers: If your organization is ready to enhance its hiring strategy, explore TrulyHired’s affordable pricing options. Discover how we can help you streamline your recruitment process and fill critical roles with confidence.

For Job Seekers: TrulyHired connects you with impactful opportunities in the education sector. Find your next role by exploring our job board, where mission-driven organizations are waiting to meet candidates like you.