If you're running a marketplace, adding a fully automated job board can make things a lot easier for both clients and freelancers. Clients can quickly post jobs, review applications, and request introductions, while freelancers can find and apply for jobs that match their skills—all with almost no manual work.

In this post, I’ll show you how we built a fully automated job board at Unicorn Factory using no-code tools like Airtable, Glide, Make.com, and MailerSend. While I'll be using Unicorn Factory as an example, you can apply the same system to any job board or marketplace.

Whether you're looking to add a job board to your marketplace or improve the process for both clients and freelancers, this guide will show you how to set up a fully automated system that runs smoothly behind the scenes. If you're curious about how we’ve automated other areas of Unicorn Factory, you can also check out How We Automated Our Client Follow-Ups with Make.com (And Why You Should Too).

What You’ll Learn:

• How the Job Board Works: A breakdown of how clients and freelancers interact with the board, from posting jobs to making introductions.
• The Tools I Use: How tools like Airtable, Glide, Make.com, and MailerSend work together to keep everything running smoothly.
• Top Tips for Building Your Job Board: Practical tips on picking a niche, organizing your database, monetizing early, and getting job listings fast.

By the end of this post, you’ll know how to build a fully automated job board using no-code tools, saving time and creating a great experience for both clients and freelancers.

How the Unicorn Factory Job Board Works

At Unicorn Factory, our job board is designed to be fully automated. Clients can easily post jobs and freelancers can find and apply for opportunities that match their skills—all with minimal manual effort. Here’s how the job board works from start to finish:

1. Client Posts a Job

The process starts when a client creates a new job listing on the platform:

• Step 1: Signing Up and Approval: Clients sign up and go through an approval process. Once approved, they gain access to the Client Portal where they can post jobs.
• Step 2: Creating a Job Listing: Inside the portal, the client provides job details, such as the project description, hiring preferences (e.g., remote or on-site), and budget.
• Step 3: Automated Job Listing Creation: We use OpenAI to help generate a professional job listing based on the client’s input. The client can then review and edit the listing before submitting it.
• Step 4: Job Listing Approval: Once submitted, the job is reviewed in Airtable and, if approved, published on the board.

2. Freelancers Apply for the Job

Once the job is posted, freelancers can browse and apply through the Freelancer Portal:

• Step 1: Browsing Jobs: Freelancers log in and browse open job listings that match their skills.
• Step 2: Applying for the Job: When a freelancer finds a job they like, they submit an application, including their proposal and rates.
• Step 3: Application Submission: The application is stored in Airtable and linked to the specific job.

3. Client Reviews Applications

Once freelancers apply, the client is notified:

• Step 1: Notification: The client gets an email alert whenever a freelancer applies to their job.
• Step 2: Reviewing Applications: The client reviews proposals and freelancer profiles.
• Step 3: Decision Time: The client can either reject the application or request an introduction if interested.

4. Introduction Between Client and Freelancer

Once a client selects a freelancer, the platform automates the introduction:

• Step 1: Requesting an Introduction: The client requests an introduction via the Client Portal.
• Step 2: Automated Introduction Email: Using MailerSend, an automated email is sent to both the client and freelancer, introducing them.
• Step 3: Moving the Conversation Off-Platform: After the introduction, the client and freelancer typically continue the conversation off-platform.

5. Follow-Up

We automate follow-ups to keep things running smoothly:

• Step 1: Follow-Up Email: A few days after the introduction, we send a follow-up email to check on progress.
• Step 2: Final Steps: At this point, the client and freelancer usually take the conversation off-platform, and the job board’s role is complete.

If you're curious about how we manage other aspects of Unicorn Factory, you might enjoy reading Setting Up Client Portals in Glide for Your Two-Sided Marketplace.

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The No-Code Tools Behind the Job Board

Building a fully automated job board is made much easier by leveraging no-code tools. These tools allow you to manage data, automate workflows, and create user-friendly portals without needing to write any code. Below, I’ll break down how each tool works together to power the job board at Unicorn Factory, and how you can use them to build your own.

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1. Airtable – The Central Database

Airtable is the backbone of the job board. It acts as a database where everything related to your job board—job listings, freelancers, client details, and applications—is stored and managed.

• How It Works: Airtable uses relational databases, meaning you can create linked tables to connect different pieces of data. For example, the Job Listings Table can be linked to both the Clients Table (who posted the job) and the Applications Table (which freelancers applied to that job). This makes it easy to keep track of relationships between job listings, clients, and applicants.
• Why It’s Important: Airtable allows you to organize your data efficiently. As your job board scales, Airtable can handle more listings, users, and applications without becoming too complex. Plus, Airtable’s simple interface makes it easy for anyone to manage and update the data without technical skills.

2. Glide Apps – User-Friendly Portals

Once the data is stored in Airtable, you need an easy way for clients and freelancers to interact with your job board. That’s where Glide comes in. Glide allows you to build mobile-friendly apps that clients and freelancers can use to post jobs and apply for them.

• How It Works: Glide pulls data directly from Airtable and turns it into an app. At Unicorn Factory, I’ve built two apps: a Client Portal and a Freelancer Portal. Clients can log in to post jobs, review applications, and request introductions. Freelancers, on the other hand, use their portal to browse job listings and submit applications. Glide’s simple drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to build these portals without coding.
• Why It’s Important: Glide ensures a smooth, intuitive user experience. Instead of requiring users to interact with a complex backend system, they can easily navigate a mobile-friendly app that presents the data in a clean and organized way. Plus, Glide makes it easy to update and add new features as your platform grows.

To dive deeper into creating portals for your marketplace, you can check out my guide on Setting Up Client Portals in Glide.

3. MailerSend – Automated Email Communication

One of the most important parts of the job board process is communication between clients and freelancers. This is where MailerSend comes into play, automating all email notifications and communications.

• How It Works: MailerSend is integrated into the job board to automatically send out important emails at key points in the process. For instance, when a client requests an introduction to a freelancer, MailerSend sends an email to both parties with the necessary details, saving time and ensuring quick communication. Additionally, follow-up emails are automatically triggered a few days after the introduction to keep both parties engaged.
• Why It’s Important: Automating your communication processes means you won’t need to manually send out emails, which not only saves time but also ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. Every client and freelancer gets the right message at the right time, making the overall experience much smoother.

To see how I’ve automated communication across different areas of Unicorn Factory, you can read more in my post on Automating Client Follow-Ups with Make.com.

4. Make.com – Workflow Automation

To tie everything together and automate tasks behind the scenes, we use Make.com (formerly known as Integromat). Make.com connects all the tools we use—Airtable, Glide, MailerSend—and handles all the workflows that need to happen automatically.

• How It Works: Make.com acts as the glue between all the tools. For example, when a client posts a new job, Make.com triggers workflows that notify freelancers about new listings that match their skills. It also sends alerts to clients when new applications come in, and handles follow-up emails via MailerSend. Essentially, Make.com makes sure that every action triggers the next step in the process without needing manual input.
• Why It’s Important: With Make.com, you can automate every part of the job board workflow, reducing the need for manual work and allowing your platform to scale easily. As your job board grows, you won’t need to hire extra people just to keep up with routine tasks—Make.com handles it all.

For a deeper look into how we use Make.com to automate various workflows at Unicorn Factory, check out How We Automated Client Follow-Ups.

5. Other No-Code Tools to Consider

In addition to these core tools, there are a few others you might find helpful depending on the needs of your job board:

• Webflow: For designing and building custom landing pages for your marketplace.
• Mailerlite: A great tool for managing email marketing and sending newsletters to clients and freelancers.
• Whalesync: Helps sync data between Airtable and Webflow.
• Placid: Automates the generation of custom visuals for job listings and other marketing assets.
• Relume: A useful tool for speeding up your design process, especially when working with Webflow.

By combining these no-code tools—Airtable, Glide, MailerSend, and Make.com—you can build a fully automated job board that handles everything from job postings to communication, all while running smoothly behind the scenes.

For more insights on no-code tools for marketplaces, you can also check out my post on The Best No-Code Tools For Marketplaces in 2024.

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Tips for Building a Successful Job Board

Now that you understand how the job board at Unicorn Factory works and the tools behind it, here are some key tips to help you build a successful job board of your own. These tips focus on the early stages of building your platform, ensuring it can grow effectively and profitably.

1. Pick a Niche

Don’t try to build a job board for everyone. The most successful job boards focus on a specific niche, making it easier to tailor your messaging to both job seekers and employers. When you target a niche, it’s easier to stand out and attract the right users.

Here are some examples of successful niche job boards:

• We Work Remotely: Focused on remote job opportunities.
• Student Job Search: Designed for students and graduates looking for part-time or entry-level jobs.
• Bolt Jobs: Specializes in jobs within the learning and development sector.

By narrowing your focus, you’ll make your job board more appealing to your target audience.

2. Make Sure Your Database Structure Makes Sense

Your database is the backbone of your job board, so it’s important to structure it properly from the start. Organize your data in a way that allows for scalability as your platform grows.

Here’s a basic structure you might use:

• Job Listings Table: Includes fields like job title, description, employer, job type (full-time/part-time), salary range, location, and posting status.
• Freelancers Table: Includes freelancer details like name, skills, experience level, and availability.
• Clients Table: Stores employer information such as company name, contact person, and posted jobs.
• Applications Table: Tracks each job application, linking freelancers to specific job postings and their current status.

A well-organized database will make it easier to manage the job board and scale your platform over time.

3. Monetize Early

It can be tempting to launch your job board as a free platform to attract users. However, offering paid features early on can help you start generating revenue from the beginning. You don’t need to make everything paid, but adding premium features gives users the option to support your platform.

Here are a few ways to monetize:

• Pinned Listings: Allow employers to pay to keep their job listing at the top of the board for increased visibility.
• Email Blasts: Offer targeted email blasts to job seekers.
• Refund Guarantee: Consider offering a refund option if employers don’t get the results they expect.

Starting with a price point, such as $199 per listing, and adjusting based on feedback can help you find the sweet spot. For more ideas, you can explore How to Monetize Your Marketplace Business: 7 Proven Models.

4. Don’t Add Unnecessary Features Early On

In the beginning, the primary measure of success for your job board should be how many qualified applicants you can bring to your clients. Focus on delivering value to users by connecting them with the right job opportunities. Avoid adding extra features that aren't necessary for your core function at the start.

Keep a backlog of potential features based on user requests or future ideas, but don’t spend too much time developing features for a non-existent user base. As your platform grows and gains traction, you can revisit these ideas and expand accordingly.

5. Use Cold Outreach to Get Jobs Listed

Before you invest in paid ads or extensive platform development, use cold outreach to get job listings. This approach allows you to quickly gather feedback from employers and validate your product-market fit.

Start by reaching out to companies in your niche, asking them to post their job openings on your board. It’s a fast, direct way to build a solid base of listings while also learning about the needs of your target audience.

Cold outreach is a cost-effective way to grow your platform in the early stages, allowing you to refine your offering before scaling up with ads or advanced features.

By following these tips—focusing on a niche, structuring your database properly, monetizing early, staying lean on features, and leveraging cold outreach—you’ll be able to build a successful and scalable job board. Whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning an existing platform, these steps will help you grow quickly and efficiently.

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TL;DR

In this post, we explored how to build a fully automated job board using no-code tools like Airtable, Glide, Make.com, and MailerSend. Using Unicorn Factory as an example, we walked through how job postings, applications, and client-freelancer introductions can be seamlessly automated.

Key Takeaways:

1. How the Job Board Works: Clients can post jobs, freelancers can apply, and automated workflows manage the entire process—from notifications to introductions and follow-ups.
2. The No-Code Tools:
   • Airtable serves as the main database, storing all job listings, freelancers, and applications.
   • Glide provides mobile-friendly portals for both clients and freelancers.
   • MailerSend automates email communication between clients and freelancers.
   • Make.com automates workflows, connecting all tools to ensure the process runs smoothly.
3. Tips for Building Your Job Board:
   • Focus on a niche to attract the right audience.
   • Structure your database in a way that scales as your platform grows.
   • Monetize early by offering premium features such as pinned listings or email blasts.
   • Avoid adding unnecessary features in the early stages and concentrate on connecting clients with qualified freelancers.
   • Use cold outreach to gain early job listings and gather feedback from employers.

By following these steps and using the right no-code tools, you can build a scalable, fully automated job board that saves time and creates a smooth experience for both clients and freelancers.