---
title: Careers Page Strategy
type: article
created: '2026-03-20'
updated: '2026-03-20'
source_docs:
- raw/2026-03-20-a-new-dawn-shine-marketing-call-131601914.md
tags:
- website
- careers
- seo
- wordpress
- recruitment
layer: 2
client_source: null
industry_context: null
transferable: true
---

# Careers Page Strategy

## Overview

When a client needs to advertise open positions, the default instinct is often to redirect visitors to an external job board (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.). A better approach is to build a custom careers page on the client's own website. This keeps visitors on-site, creates space for SEO-optimized copy, and gives the practice full control over branding and the application experience.

This pattern was established during the [[clients/a-new-dawn-therapy/_index|A New Dawn Therapy]] website build (March 2026).

---

## The Pattern

### Page Structure

A well-structured careers page includes:

1. **Introductory section** — Why work here? Culture, values, and mission. This is the primary SEO copy block.
2. **Open positions list** — Each role listed with a title, brief description, and links to a full job description and an application form.
3. **Job description links** — Link to a hosted PDF rather than embedding the full text. PDFs are easy to update without touching the page layout and can be lawyer-reviewed documents.
4. **Application form** — A Google Form embedded or linked per role. Simple, free, and easy for the client to manage without developer involvement.

### Why Not Just Link to a Job Board?

| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Redirect to Indeed/LinkedIn | Easy to manage postings | Sends traffic off-site; no SEO value; no brand control |
| Custom careers page | On-site SEO copy; brand consistency; full control | Requires manual updates when roles change |

The custom page wins on SEO and brand. The manual update burden is manageable — especially when job descriptions are PDFs (swap the file, not the page) and applications go to a Google Form (no dev needed).

### External Job Boards Still Have a Role

The custom careers page does **not** replace external postings. Indeed, LinkedIn, and other boards remain valid channels for sourcing candidates. The website page is the canonical destination — external listings should link back to it or stand independently. They are advertising channels; the website is the authoritative source.

---

## Implementation Notes

- **Model from a reference site.** Have the client identify a competitor or aspirational practice whose careers page they like. Use that as the design brief for the developer. This saves scoping time and aligns expectations quickly.
- **Add SEO copy.** The page needs more than a list of jobs. Include a section about the practice's culture, supervision model, or what makes it a good place to work. This is where keyword-targeted copy lives (e.g., "therapist jobs Madison WI," "clinical supervision opportunities").
- **PDF job descriptions.** Store PDFs in the WordPress media library or a linked Google Drive folder. When a role changes, replace the file — the page link stays the same.
- **Google Form for applications.** Responses go directly to the client's Google Workspace. No plugin required, no HIPAA surface area (applications are not PHI), and the client can manage it independently.

---

## Related Patterns

- [[knowledge/website/hipaa-contact-form-strategy|HIPAA-Compliant Contact Form Strategy]] — for intake/contact forms where PHI risk is a concern; careers applications do not carry the same risk
- [[knowledge/seo/on-page-seo-checklist|On-Page SEO Checklist]] — apply to the careers page like any other content page

---

## Client Examples

- **[[clients/a-new-dawn-therapy/_index|A New Dawn Therapy]] (2026-03-20):** Decided to build a custom careers page modeled on a Texas therapy clinic reference site. Job descriptions will link to PDFs drafted with legal counsel. Applications will route through a Google Form. Sebastian (Asymmetric) is building the page with SEO copy; Indeed and LinkedIn listings will continue in parallel as sourcing channels.