How Does ZipRecruiter Work for Employers?

Note: This guide is written for employers and hiring managers evaluating ZipRecruiter for posting jobs. If you’re a job seeker, this article isn’t designed for your needs.

We’ve been looking at popular job boards (like Indeed, Google For Jobs, and Facebook Jobs) to answer common questions about how much they cost, how to use them, and whether or not you can (or should) pay to advertise on them.

Out of all the popular job boards, ZipRecruiter is the most guarded with this information, making it hard to compare platforms when searching for hiring software and applicant tracking systems. Here’s what we were able to track down:

What is ZipRecruiter?

ZipRecruiter is a web-based platform that helps businesses connect with potential employees. It offers a variety of features, including the ability to post jobs, receive applications from candidates, and access a searchable resume database with over 48 million resumes. ZipRecruiter also provides AI-powered tools for matching employers with candidates based on skills and experience, along with screening and applicant management features. In short, think of ZipRecruiter primarily as a job board with add-on tools (AI matching, resume search, employer app). It is not a full recruiting platform or ATS by itself.

What is AI-powered candidate matching on ZipRecruiter?

ZipRecruiter's AI technology scans its resume database and proactively invites qualified candidates to apply for open roles. Employers can also set up screening questions to filter applicants, ensuring that only the most relevant candidates apply. ZipRecruiter’s AI learns from an employer’s candidate ratings, adjusting its recommendations over time to improve applicant quality.

💡 Tip for employers: Turn on screening questions before you boost or sponsor. ZipRecruiter’s AI will learn from your ratings, which can improve quality without extra spend.

Are ZipRecruiter and Indeed the same?

Definitely not. However, ZipRecruiter used to automatically publish jobs to Indeed, so that’s where and why some people might get the two confused. Unlike Indeed, ZipRecruiter does not allow free job postings beyond its four-day trial period and does not directly integrate with Indeed, Monster, or CareerBuilder. If you need visibility on multiple major boards (e.g., Indeed or LinkedIn) alongside ZipRecruiter, you’ll either post to those separately or use a tool that can publish to several boards at once.

Who can post jobs on ZipRecruiter?

Any business can post jobs on ZipRecruiter. The job board offers a free four-day trial (which requires a credit card to access) but after that you must purchase a subscription plan to continue posting jobs and receiving resumes. Pricing for job postings is based on the number of active job ads, resume views, and user seats, as well as location and competition level.

How does ZipRecruiter work for employers?

Like most standard job boards, ZipRecruiter works by allowing employers to post jobs on its website. Job seekers can then search for jobs that match their criteria and apply directly through the ZipRecruiter platform. Employers can screen and manage applicants, track the success of job postings, and use AI-powered matching to proactively invite qualified candidates to apply. Additionally, ZipRecruiter allows employers to customize job templates and embed a job widget on their company website.

Employer workflow overview:

1. post a job
2. enable AI matching + screening (optional)
3. monitor applies
4. message/rate candidates
5. add TrafficBoost for visibility (optional)
6. close or swap the job slot when hiring needs change

How do I post a job on ZipRecruiter?

1. Create an account – Visit ZipRecruiter.com, sign up as an employer, and enter your payment details to activate the free trial.
2. Click "Post a Job" – You’ll find this option in the top-right corner of your employer dashboard.
3. Fill out the job details – Include a clear job title, description, required qualifications, location, and compensation details.
4. Review formatting – Ensure the job post is structured for readability with short paragraphs, scannable bullets, and pay transparency—all of which improve visibility and reach
5. Publish your job – Once you're satisfied with the details, publish the job, and ZipRecruiter will distribute it to 100+ job boards.

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What are the best practices for posting a job on ZipRecruiter?

• Use clear and concise job titles to improve search visibility.
• Highlight key benefits early, such as salary, benefits, and career growth.
• Keep descriptions formatted for readability using bullet points and short paragraphs.
• Enable AI-powered candidate matching to find qualified applicants faster.
• Regularly update job listings to maintain visibility, as older job postings may receive less traffic over time.

Is ZipRecruiter free for employers?

ZipRecruiter is not free, but they do offer a free four-day trial that requires a credit card. After the trial is up, you must subscribe to a plan to continue posting jobs and receiving applications. Pricing varies depending on the plan type, with options for daily per-job pricing (starting at $24 per day for a basic post, $35 per day for a premium post, and $45 per day for a professional post) or monthly subscriptions that include a set number of job slots and resume views. The Standard plan starts at $399 per month, Premium at $519 per month, and Pro at $899 per month.

To put those costs into context: Daily pricing can add up quickly if you keep a post live all month (e.g., 30 days × $24/day ≈ $720 for a basic post). Monthly plans cap spend and give you flexible job slots, which can be more efficient if you hire year-round.

Employers comparing tools should note that for less than the monthly cost of ZipRecruiter’s Pro plan, Team Engine lets you post directly to ZipRecruiter, Indeed, LinkedIn, Craigslist, and more (all from one dashboard) while also automating pre-screening, interview scheduling, and onboarding.

How much does it cost to post a job on ZipRecruiter?

After the four-day trial, you can no longer post jobs for free on ZipRecruiter. You also cannot purchase individual job postings in the traditional sense. Instead, you must purchase a subscription plan, which comes with an assigned number of “job slots.” In ZipRecruiter terminology, the process of posting a job is called a “job ad,” while job slots are equal to the number of job ads you can have active on the job boards at any given time.

For example, if you are on a ZipRecruiter plan with three job slots, you can post three jobs today and replace them with three different jobs tomorrow without needing any more slots. You can freely swap jobs in and out of these slots by closing and posting jobs as needed. Job slots provide flexibility for companies that frequently change hiring needs.

(ZipRecruiter does not make publicly available how many job slots come with each subscription level.)

Glossary check:

• “job ad” = the posting
• “job slot” = how many postings you can keep active at once.

💡 Swapping roles into the same slot is allowed and is often the most cost-effective way to handle frequently changing openings.

Can you advertise jobs on ZipRecruiter for higher visibility?

Yes, employers can advertise jobs on ZipRecruiter for higher visibility. Employers can apply what ZipRecruiter calls a “TrafficBoost” for increased visibility and traffic. TrafficBoost can send job postings out in email and text alerts and put them in the top three search results on ZipRecruiter. TrafficBoost credits range from $300 to $500, depending on job competition and location.

Save TrafficBoost for:

• roles with time-sensitive needs (e.g., seasonal surges)
• where your unboosted post isn’t generating enough qualified applicants after you’ve improved the title, details, and pay info.

How do you use TrafficBoost effectively?

1. Assess your job post’s current traction: If applications are low, check if the posting needs better formatting or additional details before boosting.
2. Choose a boost level: Single (100 extra views), Double (200 views), or Triple (300 views) to increase visibility.
3. Monitor results: If TrafficBoost does not generate enough candidates, consider adjusting job title keywords or compensation details.

In addition to being shown to more job seekers, the job will also be promoted at the top of the ZipRecruiter daily email alerts. However, using ZipRecruiter’s TrafficBoost will not post your job to other sponsored job boards, such as Monster or LinkedIn.

And remember: TrafficBoost increases visibility inside ZipRecruiter’s ecosystem; it doesn’t syndicate your job to other major boards.

How long does a TrafficBoost last on ZipRecruiter?

Up to 30 days or until it receives 100 views. Learn more about TrafficBoost here.

💡 Budgeting tip: If your role is niche and unlikely to hit 100 views quickly, set a reminder to refresh the posting details mid-boost to keep engagement moving.

What job boards does ZipRecruiter post to?

ZipRecruiter publishes jobs to Google and 100 other niche job sites such as Jooble, Job Rapido, Patch, Job Hat, Job Hero, Career Bliss, Better Jobs & many, many more. However, it does not automatically post to major boards like Indeed, Monster, or CareerBuilder. Employers who want their job on those boards must post separately, or use a hiring platform that can post to all of them at once.

For example, Team Engine integrates directly with ZipRecruiter and also posts to Indeed, LinkedIn, Craigslist, and others in one click, allowing you to sponsor ads from within the same platform. This single-dashboard approach helps employers compare performance across boards without juggling multiple logins.

What type of jobs are best suited for finding employees on ZipRecruiter?

Entry-level jobs and hourly jobs are best suited for finding employees on ZipRecruiter. However, employers looking for highly skilled candidates may find success using the Premium or Pro plans, which offer more exposure and access to ZipRecruiter’s resume database.

💡 If you’re regularly hiring hourly roles, pair AI matching with clear shift details and pay in the first screen; those fields tend to drive faster applies on job boards.

What are the pros and cons of using ZipRecruiter?

Pros

• Distributes job postings to over 100 job boards automatically.
• AI-powered candidate matching increases application quality.
• Mobile-friendly platform allows hiring on the go.
• Integrates with various applicant tracking systems.
• Offers customizable job templates and a resume search tool.

Cons

• Higher cost compared to some competitors.
• Free trial lasts only four days.
• No direct integration with Indeed or Monster.
• TrafficBoost credits can be expensive in competitive job markets.

→ Learn about automated job posting platforms

Does ZipRecruiter have an app for employers?

Yes, the ZipRecruiter employer app lets you post and manage jobs, review applications, and communicate with candidates directly from your phone. You can also track job performance and applicant activity on the go.

What is the ZipRecruiter policy for posting jobs?

You can only use ZipRecruiter to post jobs, which means you can not post multi-level marketing opportunities, unpaid internships, or any other unpaid roles, or any other type of arrangement that does not represent an employment opportunity. Job postings and related communication with applicants must also be accurate and transparent. ZipRecruiter also prohibits discriminatory language and requires compliance with applicable employment laws.

See ZipRecruiter’s complete list of job rules here.

When does a job posting expire on ZipRecruiter?

Job ads are open indefinitely and will not be taken down until you close them or cancel your subscription. However, as with many other job boards, the longer and older your job post is, the less visibility it will have on the site.

Can you communicate with applicants on ZipRecruiter?

Yes, you can communicate with applicants on ZipRecruiter. You can send them a message by clicking on their name on the job listing, and then clicking "Send Message."

Can you connect ZipRecruiter to your ATS?

Yes, employers can connect ZipRecruiter to their ATS. ZipRecruiter offers a variety of connectors including direct integrations with top ATS providers, Zapier and even their own API. Employers can also use ZipRecruiter’s Job Posting Widget to display job listings on their own websites. If you already manage candidates elsewhere, make sure you confirm your integration path (native, Zapier, or API) before you build processes around the ZipRecruiter inbox.

ZipRecruiter vs. Multi-Board Posting Tools

ZipRecruiter’s strengths:

• broad distribution to 100+ niche sites
• AI matching
• resume database
• employer app for on-the-go management.

Employers add or choose a different tool to:

• publish to additional major boards (e.g., Indeed, LinkedIn)
• sponsor postings in one place
• automate downstream steps like pre-screening, interview scheduling, and onboarding

With Team Engine, you can post directly to ZipRecruiter, Indeed, LinkedIn, Craigslist, and more from one place with one click, and sponsor those job ads without leaving the platform. It also automates communication around pre-screening, interviewing, and onboarding—typically for about the same monthly cost as a ZipRecruiter Pro subscription.

If you’re comparing job boards, ZipRecruiter can be a strong option for entry-level and hourly hiring, especially with its AI-powered candidate matching. However, if you want to reach applicants across multiple boards, sponsor postings from a single dashboard, and automate follow-up communication, a platform like Team Engine (which integrates with ZipRecruiter) can streamline the process while keeping costs competitive. Sign up for a Team Engine demo to see how we can amplify your reach while minimizing your admin work.

This article was originally published on March 23, 2002 and was last updated on August 12, 2025.