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 ^[1] 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?

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

• ^[2] — for intake/contact forms where PHI risk is a concern; careers applications do not carry the same risk
• ^[3] — apply to the careers page like any other content page

Client Examples

• ^[1] (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.