- Free job posting sites side by side
- Nine places to post a job without a bill
- Writing a job advert that attracts the right people
- Choosing between a general board and a niche job site
- Free job posting limits to look out for
- Fair hiring and the rules around job adverts
- A calmer way to handle applications
- Why a smaller job site can be worth trying
- Posting your first free job ad
- Frequently asked questions
Free job posting sites let you advertise a role without a subscription, though most have limits. Look at reach for your type of role, how many ads you can run, profile requirements and how applications reach you. This page lists nine options in no particular order, then covers how to choose and what to check first.
Hiring is one of the biggest jobs a small business owner takes on, and the first question is usually where to put the advert. Plenty of job boards charge for visibility, but there are good places to start without spending anything.
Here are nine free job posting sites, in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. A few are large names and most are smaller or more specialised. I've taken each description from the site's own pages, and free offers change, so check the current terms before you post. If you're drafting the advert itself, my notes on writing a good job description will help.
Free job posting sites side by side
In the free plan column, Yes means the site's own pages show that you can post a job for free, sometimes within limits. Trial only means a free trial followed by a subscription. Limits change, such as how many free jobs you can have open at once, so read the current terms.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arbeitnow | Regional job board | Jobs aimed at Germany, including English-speaking roles | Yes |
| Betterteam | Multi-board posting | Sending one job ad to several boards | Trial only |
| Handshake | Early-career network | Students and recent graduates | Yes |
| Himalayas | Remote job board | Remote roles and company profiles | Yes |
| Hubstaff Talent | Freelancer directory | Freelancers and remote workers | Yes |
| Indeed | General job search site | Wide range of roles and sectors | Yes |
| Professional network | Office and professional roles | Yes | |
| PostJobFree | Free job board | Plain job ads with a searchable resume list | Yes |
| TrabahoHub | Community job platform | Local employers and everyday roles | Yes |
Nine places to post a job without a bill
Arbeitnow
Best for: Employers hiring in Germany who want a free place to advertise, including roles open to English speakers.
Betterteam
Best for: Busy owners who'd like to fill in one form and have the ad sent to many job boards.
Handshake
Best for: Employers hiring interns, graduates and entry-level staff who want to reach people at the start of their careers.
Himalayas
Best for: Small companies hiring remotely that want a company profile and a free place to post the role.
Hubstaff Talent
Best for: Owners who want to find freelancers or remote contractors and post the job without a subscription.
Indeed
Best for: Employers who want the broadest reach for everyday roles and a simple route to a first free job post.
Best for: Employers hiring for professional roles who'd like candidates to see their company page and network.
PostJobFree
Best for: Owners who want a no-frills board to advertise a role and a search of candidate resumes.
TrabahoHub
Best for: Small local businesses wanting a free, simple platform that connects them directly with people looking for work.
Writing a job advert that attracts the right people
A free board only helps if the advert is good. Most weak adverts fail in the same few places.
- A clear title. Use the words candidates search for, not an internal job name.
- What the work involves. Describe a normal week in plain language.
- Must-haves and nice-to-haves. Keep the essential list short so good people don't rule themselves out.
- Hours and working pattern. Say whether the role is on site, remote or mixed.
- How to apply. Tell people exactly what to send and by when.
- About you. Two sentences on what the business does and what it's like to work there.
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Choosing between a general board and a niche job site
- General boards reach the most people, which helps with everyday roles but can bring a lot of unsuitable applications.
- Professional networks suit office and specialist roles, especially when your company page is well kept.
- Remote boards help if location doesn't matter and you want people used to working at a distance.
- Early-career networks are good for interns and graduates.
- Local or regional sites suit shops, kitchens, trades and other roles where people live nearby.
Free job posting limits to look out for
Free doesn't always mean unlimited. Check how many jobs you can have open at once, how long an ad stays live, whether you can message candidates and whether you need a company profile first. Some boards offer extra promotion for a charge, so make sure you know which options are optional.
Fair hiring and the rules around job adverts
Job adverts and recruitment are covered by employment and equal opportunities law, and the rules differ by country. Write about the role and skills rather than personal characteristics, and handle applicants' personal data carefully. This isn't HR or legal advice, so check the official guidance or a qualified adviser for your own situation.
A calmer way to handle applications
- Decide your shortlist criteria before the first application arrives.
- Use a simple spreadsheet or the board's own inbox to log every applicant.
- Reply to everyone, even if the answer is no.
- Keep applicants' details private and delete them when you no longer need them.
- Ask the same core questions at interview so you can compare fairly.
- Check references and the right to work before an offer, following official rules.
If you're hiring someone to run part of your operation, my story on hiring a remote production manager covers questions worth asking.
Why a smaller job site can be worth trying
Smaller boards have fewer ads competing for attention, and some focus on a type of person, such as freelancers or remote workers. Check that the site is active, look at the kinds of jobs already posted and read its terms for employers.
Do you make a job board or recruitment tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
Posting your first free job ad
Pick two sites that suit the role, post the same well-written advert on both and keep a note of where each applicant came from. After a couple of weeks you'll see which brought suitable people, and you can focus your time there.
I keep every related walkthrough in the Remote Jobs and Work From Home: 47 Guides to Real Jobs, Pay and Spotting Scams.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I post a job for free?
Several job boards and networks let employers post at least one job for free, sometimes with limits. This page lists nine of them, and each site's own pages explain its current terms.
Are free job postings as good as promoted ones?
They can work well for everyday roles, though promoted options usually offer more visibility. Start free, track where good applicants come from and decide from there.
Do I need a company profile to post a job?
Often yes. Many sites ask for a company name, description and contact details before an advert goes live.
How long does a free job ad stay up?
It varies. Some ads stay live for a set period and some until you close them, so check the current rules on each site.
What should a job advert include?
A clear title, what the work involves, the essential skills, the working pattern and how to apply. Keep it honest and specific.
Are there legal rules for job adverts?
Yes, employment and equal opportunities rules apply in most places. This isn't legal advice, so check the official guidance or a qualified adviser for your own situation.
