Introduction
Totaljobs has become a familiar name for anyone hunting work in the UK. What started as a straightforward job board now combines large-scale job distribution, market research and recruiter tools to connect millions of candidates with employers across sectors. This article explains how Totaljobs works, what sets it apart, and practical tips to make the most of the platform.
What Totaljobs offers
At its core, Totaljobs lists hundreds of thousands of vacancies across the UK. Its search engine lets jobseekers filter by location, salary, contract type and industry, while employer tools help recruiters target candidates with advertising, applicant tracking and analytics. The site also publishes hiring reports and briefings that recruiters use to understand trends in hiring and compensation.
A short history and ownership
Founded in 1999, Totaljobs grew quickly as online job hunting became mainstream. In 2012 the business was acquired by StepStone, part of Axel Springer, as part of a broader consolidation of digital recruitment services in Europe. That shift placed Totaljobs within a global group focused on next-generation recruitment solutions.
Scale and usage
Totaljobs publicly reports large traffic and application numbers that help explain its influence in the UK labour market. The company states it attracts millions of visits and receives millions of applications monthly. At any given time it hosts a very large number of live job adverts which makes it a high-volume source of opportunities for both active and passive jobseekers. Those scale figures are useful to recruiters deciding where to advertise.
Why jobseekers use it
There are three practical reasons candidates turn to Totaljobs. First, the breadth of listings increases the odds of finding roles in niche fields or outside major cities. Second, the site aggregates roles from many employers, which saves time compared to checking dozens of company pages. Third, Totaljobs’ research and employer content can help applicants target their applications by highlighting sectors that are hiring and the skills in demand. These features make it a convenient starting point in any job search.
How recruiters and employers benefit
For employers, Totaljobs offers reach and recruiting technology. Ads on the platform are visible to a large, engaged audience. Employers can use targeting and analytics to refine campaigns and track applicant flows. The platform’s hiring trend reports and salary guides also help employers set realistic expectations for time-to-hire and compensation, which can shorten hiring cycles and reduce candidate drop-off.
Strengths and criticisms
Totaljobs’ biggest strength is scale. When a platform has hundreds of thousands of live adverts and millions of visits, it delivers volume and visibility. That comes with trade-offs. Some users report the system is clunky or the experience inconsistent across particular features. Employer reviews on sites like Glassdoor and user feedback on Trustpilot show both positive customer-service experiences and grievances; this mix of praise and criticism is common for high-traffic job platforms.
How to stand out on Totaljobs
If you use Totaljobs, a few steps improve results. Make sure your CV matches the job description with clear, relevant examples. Use filters to narrow search results instead of scrolling through hundreds of roles. Set up job alerts with precise keywords so the roles you receive are relevant. Finally, treat company descriptions and hiring insight pages as tools: if Totaljobs reports a sector is growing, tailor your application to show the skills they say are in demand.
Beyond the job ad: research and insights
One of Totaljobs’ less obvious strengths is its research output. The site publishes regular reports and a Hiring Trends Index that gives employers and candidates a window into seasonal hiring patterns, time-to-hire metrics, and salary trends. These reports can be especially useful when you need to decide whether to accept an offer, negotiate salary or target roles in growing regions.
Practical example
Imagine you are an experienced administrator in Nottingham. Using Totaljobs you could filter for permanent roles within a commutable area, sign up for daily email alerts, and consult the platform’s local jobs data to see which employers are expanding. If Nottingham shows a surge in administration adverts, apply quickly and customize each application based on company specifics to increase your callbacks.
Advanced tips for recruiters
Recruiters should test different advert formats and headlines, measure applicant quality, and adjust budgets according to conversion data. Use the platform’s analytics to understand which channels send the most qualified candidates, and don’t rely on a single board for all hiring needs. Pair Totaljobs with specialist niche sites, LinkedIn sourcing and direct outreach for senior roles.
Costs and alternatives
Totaljobs is not always the cheapest option for employers. There is no free job-posting tier; pricing reflects the platform’s scale and distribution network. For candidates, alternatives like LinkedIn, Indeed and niche job boards can complement Totaljobs and sometimes surface roles not listed on major boards.
Mobile experience and alerts
Totaljobs has a mobile app and a mobile-friendly site. Use push alerts for tightly focused searches so you can apply quickly.
CV checklist: five quick wins
- Tailor your summary to the role.
- Use keywords from the job description.
- Keep formatting simple for ATS.
- Add one measurable accomplishment per role.
- Include contact details and a LinkedIn link if available.
Final thought
Totaljobs pairs reach with actionable insight. Combine Totaljobs with niche boards and LinkedIn. Watch the Hiring Trends reports to time applications and salary conversations. If you focus on relevance and speed, Totaljobs will amplify your chances of finding the right role, and apply thoughtfully.
