SEO isn’t just for marketers: why recruiters need to care

Think SEO is just a tool for marketers to drive traffic and sell products? Think again. In today’s highly competitive job market, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is a must-have skill for recruiters, especially those hiring in competitive industries like tech and IT. If you’re not optimising your job postings and employer branding for search engines, you’re leaving incredible talent—and your hiring KPIs—on the table.

Here’s why recruiters in the UK need to embrace SEO and how it can transform your hiring process.

Why SEO matters for recruitment

The UK job market is more competitive than ever. With the rise of remote work and global talent pools, top candidates have endless options. According to recent statistics, over 40% of job seekers use search engines like Google to find their next role. Additionally, 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results. If your job listing isn’t optimised for SEO, it’s practically invisible to the majority of candidates.

Recruitment is no longer just about posting a job and hoping for applications. It’s about standing out—both to active job seekers and passive talent—and SEO is the key to making that happen.

What does SEO for recruitment look like?

In simple terms, SEO ensures your job listings, career pages, and recruitment content rank high on search engines like Google. This involves:

• Using targeted keywords: Think job titles like "Frontend Developer in London" or "Remote IT Support Jobs UK."
• Optimising job descriptions: Writing clear, structured job ads that match how candidates search.
• Building a mobile-friendly experience: Ensuring your application process is seamless on smartphones.
• Creating engaging content: Sharing articles, videos, or guides about your company culture and career advice to boost your visibility online.

SEO benefits for recruiters

1. Increased job ad visibility

Picture this: A candidate Googles “best remote IT jobs in the UK,” and your job post is one of the first results they see. That’s the power of SEO. By strategically using keywords in your job titles and descriptions, you can ensure your roles rank higher in search engine results, giving you an edge over competitors.

2. Attracting better-qualified candidates

SEO doesn’t just help you get more candidates; it helps you get the right ones. Candidates searching for specific terms like “Senior Data Engineer in Manchester” or “Contract DevOps Roles UK” are actively looking for opportunities that match those criteria. By aligning your job ads with their searches, you save time sifting through irrelevant applications.

3. Faster time-to-hire

With UK companies taking an average of 28 days to fill a role (and longer for specialist IT jobs), time-to-hire is critical. SEO can shorten this process by increasing the visibility of your listings, attracting quality candidates faster, and keeping your recruitment pipeline moving.

4. Improved employer branding

SEO isn’t just about job ads—it’s about showcasing why your company is a great place to work. Creating SEO-friendly blog posts like “Why Work with Us” or “Top 5 Reasons to Join Our Team” helps you stand out to candidates who are researching employers. UK job seekers value companies with strong online presences, and SEO helps build that credibility.

5. Mobile optimisation: non-negotiable

In the UK, over 60% of job searches happen on mobile devices. If your job postings or application process aren’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing out on a massive pool of talent. SEO ensures your content is optimised for both desktop and mobile, providing a seamless candidate experience.

How to start using SEO in recruitment

SEO might sound like a complex marketing tactic, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some easy steps to get started:

1. Research keywords: Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or SEMrush to find out what candidates are searching for. Include these terms in your job titles, descriptions, and even on your careers page.
2. Write for humans first, SEO second: Make sure your job posts are clear, concise, and appealing to job seekers. Avoid keyword stuffing—it should feel natural.
3. Optimise meta descriptions: The short summary that appears on search engine results pages can influence whether someone clicks on your job post. Make it compelling and include key information.
4. Leverage content marketing: Blog posts, salary guides, or “A Day in the Life” stories about employees can help you rank for broader searches while boosting your employer brand.
5. Collaborate with Marketing: If you have a marketing team, tap into their SEO expertise. They can help you optimise your postings and create shareable content.

How SEO helps you compete in the UK job market

The UK has one of the most competitive job markets globally, with sectors like IT, tech, and engineering facing acute skill shortages. According to LinkedIn, IT and tech roles are among the top five most in-demand professions in the UK. That means you’re not just competing against local employers—you’re also up against global companies with enticing remote opportunities.

Without SEO, your job postings risk getting lost in the noise. With it, you ensure your listings are front and centre when candidates are actively looking, giving you a crucial edge.

Don’t wait—start optimising today!

You're already behind if you’re not using SEO in your recruitment strategy. But the good news is that it’s never too late to start. By making small changes—like using the right keywords, optimising for mobile, and creating content that showcases your company—you can make a big impact on your hiring results.

So, recruiters, it’s time to embrace SEO. It’s not just for the marketing team anymore; it’s a game-changer for hiring success. Whether you’re recruiting for tech roles, engineering positions, or beyond, SEO can help you fill roles faster, attract better candidates, and build a stronger employer brand.

Ready to take your recruitment strategy to the next level? Start with SEO—it might just be the secret weapon you’ve been missing.