Free Job Posting Board: Setup Guide

Streamlining the Hiring Process: A Look at JobberBase
Securing a suitable candidate for an open position can often prove challenging. Many organizations choose to delegate this responsibility to external recruitment agencies or specialized hiring firms.
Alternatively, companies frequently utilize platforms like Monster.com, or employ job posting distribution services, such as JobCoin, which we’ve discussed previously.
Another approach involves listing job vacancies directly on a company’s website, either through a subscription-based plugin or by utilizing self-hosted software.
However, these latter options can be costly, both in terms of initial implementation and ongoing subscription fees.
Discovering JobberBase: An Open Source Solution
Recently, a decision was made within my organization to integrate a job board directly onto our website. This prompted a search for freely available software capable of fulfilling this need.
Extensive research was conducted, and finding viable open-source job board solutions proved difficult. Ultimately, I discovered jobberBase, aptly titled "The Open Source Job Board Software".
It appeared to be an ideal fit for our requirements.

Key Features of JobberBase
The fundamental function of jobberBase is to enable job postings on your website. Beyond this core capability, it provides a range of additional features beneficial to companies managing job openings.
RSS feeds are included, alongside widgets designed for content syndication across the internet. A streamlined CMS facilitates page management.
Jobs can be categorized by City or Categories, and applicants are able to submit applications directly through the platform.
Technical Requirements for Implementation
Before deploying jobberBase, certain prerequisites must be met. A functioning website, hosted either externally or internally, is essential.
You will also require FTP access details and access to a MySQL database. phpMyAdmin is a convenient tool for managing MySQL.
The system requirements are relatively flexible:
- Web Server: Apache or IIS (this guide focuses on Apache)
- PHP 5.x with the MySQLi extension
- mod_rewrite for Apache, or Microsoft's URL Rewrite module or ISAPI_Rewrite for IIS.
Downloading and Obtaining jobberBase
The process of acquiring jobberBase begins with a required registration on the platform's website. Following successful registration, a direct download link will be delivered to your registered email address.
While an optional registration process might be preferable – enabling developers to efficiently communicate updates and security alerts – it is currently a necessary step to access the most recent software version.
Registration Requirements
It's important to note that registration is mandatory for downloading jobberBase. This allows the development team to keep users informed about new releases and potential security vulnerabilities.
Although a streamlined, optional registration system could enhance user experience, the current structure ensures users receive critical updates. The download link is exclusively provided via email after completing the registration process.
Database Installation and Access Configuration
A database, along with a corresponding username and password for access, must be created. While phpMyAdmin offers a convenient method for this process, experienced users can alternatively utilize the command line interface.
The initial database structure can be populated by uploading the SQL file located at db/jobberbase.sql.
Database Creation Methods
- phpMyAdmin: A web-based tool simplifying database management.
- Command Line: Requires proficiency in database command-line operations.
Ensure the uploaded database file, jobberbase.sql, is correctly imported to establish the foundational database schema.
Important: Securely store the database username and password for future application access.
File Upload and Permissions
Begin by extracting the contents of the downloaded installation package. Upon extraction, you'll discover three folders: 'db', 'docs', and 'public'. It is the contents of the 'public' directory that require uploading to a suitable location on your web server.
Employ your preferred method – FTP or SCP – to transfer these files to your web hosting environment.
To ensure proper functionality, specific directories must be granted write permissions. This can be achieved using your FTP client or a similar tool.
- The /uploads directory requires write access.
- If you are utilizing the default theme, the /_templates/default/_cache directory needs write permissions. Adjust 'default' to your active theme's name if a different theme is in use.
- Similarly, the /admin/_templates/_cache directory must also be writable.
Use commands like chmod 755 /dir or chmod 777 /dir to modify directory permissions accordingly.
Correctly setting these permissions is crucial for the application to function as intended, allowing for uploads and caching of template data.
Configuring the Application with Database Details
The next crucial step involves configuring the website's files to establish a connection to the database and utilize the imported information. Begin by opening the following file:
/jobs/_config/config.envs.php
The system is designed to support multiple sites utilizing a single database. However, for the purpose of this tutorial, we will focus on configuring only one site. Select one configuration set and remove the other, then adjust the settings to reflect your specific database credentials as outlined previously.
Pay particular attention to these key parameters:
'prefix' => 'your.domain.name': This value must be incorporated into theapp_urlsetting.'db_host' => 'your_db_hostname': Typically, this will be set to 'localhost'.'db_port' => 3306: This is the standard port for MySQL connections.'db_user' => 'your_db_user': Enter the username for your database account.'db_password' => 'your_db_password': Provide the password associated with your database user.'db_name' => 'your_db_name': Specify the name of the database you created.'db_prefix' => '': Leave this field empty unless you have a specific database prefix requirement.'app_url' => 'http://domain/path/to/jobberbase': This should reflect the complete URL to your JobberBase installation.
Ensure that all values are accurately entered to avoid connection errors.
Once you have made the necessary modifications, remember to save the config.envs.php file.
Finalizing Setup: Administrative Configuration and Job Addition
The technical aspects of the website should now be fully configured. Navigate to http://yourdomain/path/to/jobberbase/admin/ to access the administrative interface. You will be asked to provide a username and password for login.
Initially, use the credentials 'admin/admin', but it is crucial to change this password immediately after logging in for security purposes.

Within the admin panel, you can customize your site, including managing job categories. A built-in CMS (Content Management System) is also provided, allowing for easy modification of site pages.
Adjust the site’s appearance and content to align with your specific requirements. Two themes, 'default' and 'hireme', are included for immediate use.
The themes are designed to be readily modified, enabling you to tailor the website’s look and feel to your preferences.

It is anticipated that this guide has been straightforward and helpful. Implementing this job posting board on your website can potentially result in significant cost savings compared to utilizing external job posting services.
Should you encounter any difficulties during the installation process or require assistance with any step, please do not hesitate to leave a comment, and support will be provided.
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