Managing Job Postings: Google's Indexing API and Handling Expired Jobs

For job boards, getting new listings in front of job seekers quickly is crucial. Google provides special tools and guidelines to help manage both new and expired job postings effectively. Let's explore how to use these tools to your advantage.

Getting Started with Google's Indexing API

Google offers a dedicated Indexing API that lets you add multiple job pages to their search results at once. This is especially important for job postings, which need to be found and listed quickly before they become outdated.

Why Use the Indexing API?

The traditional way of submitting pages through Search Console has some big limitations:

• You can only submit 10 requests per day manually
• It's not practical for job boards that update frequently
• The process is slow and requires manual work

The Indexing API solves these problems by providing an automated solution that can handle many more indexing requests.

API Rules and Limits

When using the API, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Only use it for pages that have job posting structured data
• Don't use it for other types of pages - this can get your site penalized
• You start with 200 API calls per day
• You can request increased quotas (1000 or 2000 per day) if you need them
• Getting more API calls approved usually takes a few weeks

Making the Most of the API

• Ask for higher limits early in your setup process
• Start with 1000 requests and increase as you grow
• Make sure all pages you submit have proper job posting data
• Keep track of how many API calls you're using
• Use the API regularly to keep job postings fresh

Handling Expired Job Postings

When jobs expire or are no longer valid, Google has specific rules about how to handle them properly.

Two Main Steps for Removing Jobs

You need to:

1. Choose one of these methods:
   • Set the validThrough date to a past date
   • Remove the page completely (use a 404 or 410 response)
   • Take out the job posting data from the page
2. Tell Google about the changes using:
   • The Indexing API (best for sites with lots of jobs)
   • Search Console (good for smaller sites)

Why Use a 404 Response?

Using a 404 response is often the best choice because:

• It tells Google clearly that the page is gone
• It creates a "hard 404" instead of a "soft 404"
• It helps keep your site structure clean in Google's view
• It reduces unnecessary scanning of old content

Making It Work for Users

When a job expires, you should:

• Show a clear "Job No Longer Available" message
• Suggest similar jobs they might like
• Provide other options to explore
• Keep navigation working so users can find other jobs

Some job boards keep the old job posting but:

• Remove the apply button
• Add a clear notice that the job is no longer available
• Keep the description for reference
• Show links to current, similar jobs