Table of Contents

    Key Takeaway

    • Reasons to create a job portal like Seek are high demand, multiple revenue streams, rising mobile usage, and easy scalability.

    • Key features are job search, personalized suggestions, resume upload, one-tap apply, job posting, analytics, and reports.

    • Steps to make a job portal like Seek include research, platform and feature selection, designing, backend architecture, testing, and launch.

    • The cost ranges between AUD 35,000 to AUD 210,000+, depending on the complexity, platforms, and team location.

    • Tech stacks to make a clone like Seek are Kotlin or Swift, Flutter, Node.js, Tailwind CSS, REST API, AWS, Google Cloud, and Firebase.

    • Partnering with a development company like JPLoft ensures expert guidance, a scalable app, secure performance, and reliable support.

    Finding the right job or the right hire is harder than it should be!

    This gap is why job portal apps like Seek continue to grow and win user trust. Businesses want faster hiring.

    Job seekers want clear listings and simple applications. A smart job portal app connects both sides without friction.

    If you plan to develop a job portal like Seek, you are stepping into a market with steady demand and long-term value. From startups to large enterprises, everyone needs a better way to manage hiring. 

    A well-built app like Seek can offer job searches, resume uploads, employer dashboards, and smart filters in one place. 

    To create a clone app like Seek seamlessly, you will need to plan the app goal, research the market, choose platforms, design features, build a backend, ensure security, test, launch, and perform regular maintenance.

    This blog explains how to build a job portal like Seek and turn an idea into a working product.

    Here, you will find important features, the working of the app, and how to make it a scalable solution. Whether you target a niche or a broad market, the right approach sets your app up for success.

    All About Seek: Jobs & Employment

    Seek app is one of the most trusted job portal platforms used by job seekers and employers in Australia. 

    The app was built in 1997 in Australia to help with employment. It works as a digital bridge that connects people looking for jobs with the companies searching for specific talent. 

    Seek focuses on simplicity, accuracy, and speed. This makes hiring and job searching easier for both parties. One key reason behind Seek’s success is trust. 

    The platform verifies employers and focuses on quality job listings. This reduces spam and builds confidence among users.

    Job seekers can search jobs by location, role, industry, and salary range. They can upload resumes, save jobs, and apply in a couple of steps. 

    Personalized job recommendations help find relevant roles without spending hours browsing, and also get alerts for new openings.

    For employers, the Seek app provides powerful hiring tools. Companies can post job listings, manage applications, and filter candidates based on skills and experience. 

    Employer dashboards help recruiters track responses and communicate with applicants efficiently. 

    The app also provides analytics and performance insights, which help businesses enhance their hiring results. Overall, Seek is a complete hiring ecosystem. 

    Its balanced focus on job seekers and employers makes it a strong reference point for anyone planning to build a modern job portal app.

    After understanding how Seek operates as a leading jobs and employment platform. Now, let's explore the reasons to build a job portal like Seek and how it can be a smart, strategic move for businesses.

    Planning To Build A Job Portal Like Seek

    Reasons to Create an App Like Seek

    Working on how to develop a job portal like Seek offers strong business potential and steady user demand. From reliable revenue models to long-term scalability, several factors make this one of the top business ideas in Australia

    Here are the key reasons to build a job portal like Seek: 

    1. High and Consistent Market Demand 

    Hiring never stops for a workplace. Companies always need talent, and people always look for better jobs. 

    A job portal app similar to Seek serves both needs at once. This creates steady demand and long-term relevance across industries, locations, and business sizes.

    2. Dual Revenue Opportunities

    If you build a clone like Seek, you may earn from both sides of the parties. 

    Employers pay for job postings, featured listings, or subscriptions. Job seekers may pay for premium visibility or career tools. This dual model supports stable and scalable revenue growth.

    3. Growing Mobile Job Search Behaviour

    Most job seekers prefer mobile apps over websites. 

    They want quick searches, instant alerts, and easy applications. A dedicated app meets this habit and improves engagement. Mobile-first hiring solutions are now expected, not optional.

    4. Opportunity to Build Trust and Authority 

    Verified employers and quality listings build user confidence. 

    When users trust your platform, they return often and recommend it. Over time, your app becomes a reliable hiring destination rather than just another job board.

    5. Long-Term Business Scalability

    It's easy to scale when you create a job portal like Seek. 

    You can add features like analytics, AI matching, or employer branding later. With the right foundation, the app grows with user demand and supports future expansion without major changes.

    6. Scope for Niche and Regional Focus 

    You can target specific industries, skills, or regions with the assistance of top mobile app development companies in Australia

    This helps you stand out from global platforms. A focused job portal often attracts more relevant users and delivers better results for employers and candidates alike.

    The reasons for working on how to make a job portal like Seek clearly state the benefits of the investment. 

    The next section is to dive into the key features that bring such a platform to life and make it valuable for both job seekers and employers.

    Key Features of a Seek App

    To understand why Seek works so well, it helps to look at its core features. Each component supports smooth hiring and easy job searches. 

    The table below breaks down the core features of how to create a job portal like Seek that is easily scalable and sustainable:

    Component

    Feature

    Description

    Job Seeker Panel

    Job Search

    Allows users to search jobs using keywords, location, role, and industry filters.

    Advanced Filters

    Refines results by salary range, experience level, job type, and work mode.

    Resume Upload

    Enables candidates to upload and manage resumes for quick job applications.

    One Tap Apply

    Let users apply for jobs quickly without repeated form-filling.

    Job Alerts

    Sends notifications for new and relevant job openings based on preferences.

    Saved Jobs

    Allows users to bookmark jobs and apply later with ease.

    Profile Management

    Helps users update skills, experience, and career preferences anytime.

    Employer Panel

    Job Posting

    Enables employers to create and publish job listings on the platform.

    Candidate Management

    Allows recruiters to review, filter, and manage applications efficiently.

    Employer Dashboard

    Provides an overview of job performance, applications, and responses.

    Applicant Communication

    Supports direct messaging between employers and job seekers.

    Company Profile

    Helps businesses showcase brand details, culture, and open positions.

    Admin Panel

    User Management

    Manages job seekers, employers, and platform access controls.

    Job Listing Moderation

    Reviews and approves job posts to ensure quality and authenticity.

    Analytics and Reports

    Tracks user activity, job performance, and platform growth metrics.

    Subscription Management

    Controls plans, payments, and premium feature access.

    System Features

    Notifications

    Sends email and in-app alerts for applications, updates, and messages.

    Security and Compliance

    Ensures data privacy, secure logins, and compliance with regulations.

    Now that we’ve covered the essential features of a Seek-like app. Now it’s time to explore the steps of how to develop a job portal like Seek with top-notch features. Starting from planning and design to development and launch.

    How to Develop a Job Portal App Like Seek?

    When you develop a job portal like Seek, you will require clear planning, the right technology, and a strong focus on user needs. 

    The goal is to create a platform that helps employers hire faster and helps job seekers find relevant opportunities without confusion.

    Below are the steps on how to build a job portal like Seek successfully: 

    Step 1: Define Business Goals and Target Audience

    Start by identifying the purpose of your mobile app idea. Decide whether you want to serve a specific industry, a regional market, or a broad global audience. 

    Clear goals help shape features, pricing, and design decisions. Understanding user pain points also ensures the app solves real hiring problems instead of adding complexity.

    Step 2: Conduct Market Research and Competitor Analysis

    Study popular job portals like Seek to understand what works well and where gaps exist. Analyze features, user experience, pricing models, and customer reviews. 

    This research helps you build a better value proposition and avoid common mistakes. It also supports smarter planning for long-term growth and differentiation.

    Step 3: Choose the Right Platform and Technology Stack

    Decide whether to build for Android, iOS, web, or all platforms together. Many businesses start with both mobile platforms to reach a wider audience. 

    Select scalable backend technologies, secure databases, and reliable cloud services. The right stack improves performance, security, and future expansion without major rebuilding.

    Step 4: Plan Core Features for Job Seekers and Employers 

    List essential features before beginning how to create a job portal like Seek. Job seekers need job search, filters, resume upload, saved jobs, and alerts. 

    Employers require job postings, applicant tracking, dashboards, and communication tools. Clear feature planning prevents budget waste and keeps the product focused on real business value.

    Step 5: Design a Simple and User Friendly Interface 

    When you build a job employment app like Seek, a clean and easy interface improves engagement and retention. Users should find jobs or candidates within a few taps. 

    Focus on readable layouts, smooth navigation, and fast loading screens. Good app design reduces confusion and builds trust, which is critical for long-term platform success.

    Step 6: Develop Backend, APIs, and Database Structure

    The backend manages users, jobs, applications, and notifications. Build secure APIs for smooth communication between mobile apps and servers. 

    Use structured databases for reliability and search engines for fast filtering. Strong architecture ensures the platform handles high traffic without slowing down.

    Step 7: Integrate Smart Search and Recommendation System

    Accurate job matching improves user satisfaction and application rates. Implement intelligent search filters and recommendation logic based on skills, location, and user behavior. 

    Over time, data insights help refine suggestions and increase engagement across both job seekers and recruiters. Make sure to create a mobile app with the most trendy features to make a mark in the market. 

    Step 8: Ensure Security, Privacy, and Compliance

    Job portals store sensitive personal and company data. Apply encryption, secure login systems, and role-based access control to create a clone like Seek successfully.

    Follow privacy regulations relevant to your target market. Strong app security practices protect users and strengthen brand credibility in competitive hiring markets.

    Step 9: Test the App Across Device and User Scenarios 

    Thorough testing prevents technical failures after launch. Check performance, usability, security, and compatibility across devices and operating systems. 

    Gather feedback from real users before public release. Early app testing reduces long-term maintenance costs and improves overall product quality.

    Step 10: Launch with Marketing and Employer Onboarding Strategy 

    A successful launch requires more than just publishing the app on the Play Store or the Apple App Store. Promote the platform through digital marketing, partnerships, and targeted campaigns. 

    Onboard early employers with free trials or discounts to build job listings quickly. Strong initial traction helps attract job seekers and supports faster growth.

    Step 11: Monitor Performance and Improve Continuously 

    After launch, track user behavior, application rates, and hiring success metrics. Use analytics to identify weak areas and improve features after you build a clone like Seek.

    Leverage the benefits of the app maintenance services for regular updates, performance improvements, and new tools keep the platform competitive. Continuous improvement turns the app into a scalable hiring ecosystem.

    Starting to work on how to make a job portal like Seek is a long-term business strategy. 

    With clear planning, user-focused design, and scalable technology, you get a platform that supports modern hiring needs. Next, we will choose the right tech stack to support performance, scalability, and long-term growth.

    Tech Stack to Include in an App Like Seek

    Choosing the right tech stack to build a job employment app like Seek is the foundation of a successful job portal app. The mobile app tech stack decides how fast the app runs, its scalability, and how easily you can add new features as your user base grows. 

    Below is the recommended tech stack to build a clone like Seek, covering frontend, backend, and supporting tools:

    1. Frontend 

    Native Android and iOS apps ensure smooth performance, fast loading, and better device integration. Cross-platform frameworks reduce development time while maintaining UX for the job portal app development company.

    • Android: Kotlin or Java for native Android app development

    • iOS: Swift for native iOS app development

    • Cross Platform (Optional): Flutter or React Native for faster development with one codebase

    2. Backend 

    The backend handles business logic, user requests, job data, and communication between systems. A strong backend ensures fast responses, secure data handling, and smooth interaction.

    • Programming Languages: Node.js or Python

    • Frameworks: Express.js, NestJS, or Django

    • APIs: REST or GraphQL for smooth data exchange

    3. Database

    Databases store user profiles, job listings, applications, and messages. A search engine improves job discovery speed and delivers accurate results even with large datasets.

    • Relational Database: PostgreSQL or MySQL for structured data

    • NoSQL Database: MongoDB for flexible user and job data

    • Search Engine: Elasticsearch for fast job search and filtering

    4. Cloud and Hosting 

    Cloud platforms support high traffic, secure data storage, and reliable uptime. Cloud hosting also helps reduce maintenance effort and improves overall system performance.

    • Cloud Platforms: AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure

    • Storage: Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage

    • CDN: CloudFront for faster content delivery

    5. Authentication and Security

    Authentication ensures only verified users access the platform. Security layers protect personal data, resumes, and payments. Strong access control builds trust among the users.

    • Authentication: OAuth 2.0, JWT

    • Security: SSL, role-based access control, data encryption

    6. Notifications and Communication 

    Push notifications and emails make a job portal like Seek improve engagement by sharing job updates, application status, and employer messages in real time.

    • Push Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging

    • Email Services: SendGrid or Amazon SES

    7. Analytics and Monitoring 

    Analytics tools track user behavior, job performance, and hiring trends. Monitoring systems detect issues early and maintain app stability. 

    • Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel

    • Monitoring: New Relic, Datadog

    8. Payment Integration

    Payment systems enable employers to purchase job postings and premium plans. Reliable gateways support multiple payment methods, smooth transactions, and proper invoicing.

    • Gateways: Stripe, Razorpay, or PayPal

    This tech stack ensures scalability, performance, and a smooth user experience when you make a job portal like Seek. 

    Below, we have summarized the most efficient tech stack for developing an app like Seek:

    Layer

    Technology

    Purpose

    Mobile App 

    Kotlin, Swift

    Build native Android and iOS apps with high performance.

    Cross Platform (Optional)

    Flutter, React Native

    Develop apps faster using a single shared codebase. 

    Backend Development

    Node.js, Python

    Handle business logic, APIs, and server operations

    Backend Frameworks

    Express.js, NestJS, Django

    Structure backend code for scalability and security

    API Layer

    REST, GraphQL

    Enable smooth communication between the app and server

    Database

    PostgreSQL, MySQL

    Store structured data like users, jobs, and applications

    Cloud Hosting

    AWS, Google Cloud, Azure

    Ensure scalability, uptime, and global access

    Storage

    Amazon S3, Cloud Storage

    Store resumes, documents, and media files

    Authentication

    OAuth 2.0, JWT

    Secure user login and role-based access

    Notifications

    Firebase Cloud Messaging

    Send real-time push notifications

    Analytics

    Google Analytics, Mixpanel

    Track user behavior and engagement

    Payments

    Stripe, Razorpay, PayPal

    Manage subscriptions and paid job postings

    After figuring out an ideal tech stack. The next question is how much it will cost to create an app like Seek with top-notch features, development skills, and long-term scalability.

    What's the Cost to Build an App Like Seek?

    In Australia, app development in 2025 typically ranges from about AUD 30,000 to AUD 210,000+, depending on features and UI depth. The cost to build an employment app like Seek depends mainly on complexity, features, and development approach. 

    Below, we have provided a breakdown table for the cost to create an app like Seek:

    Component

    Estimated Cost (AUD)

    Description

    UI/UX Design

    $5,000 – $20,000

    Covers wireframes, user flows, visual design, and usability planning for job seekers and employers.

    App Development

    $15,000 – $70,000

    Includes Android, iOS, or cross-platform coding, core features, and performance optimization.

    Backend Development

    $10,000 – $50,000

    Builds servers, databases, APIs, authentication, and job management logic.

    Admin Panel Development

    $5,000 – $20,000

    Provides dashboards, moderation tools, analytics, and user management controls.

    Third Party Integrations

    $3,000 – $15,000

    Covers payment gateways, notifications, analytics, and cloud services.

    Testing and QA

    $4,000 – $18,000

    Ensures bug-free performance, security checks, and smooth user experience across devices.

    Deployment and Launch

    $2,000 – $7,000

    Includes app store publishing, server setup, and final release preparation.

    Maintenance (Yearly)

    $6,000 – $30,000 

    (per year)

    Ongoing updates, security patches, feature improvements, and technical support.

    Estimated Development Cost based on App Complexity

    1. Basic or MVP 

    • Features: Includes login, job listings, search filters, and simple dashboards.

    • Development Time: 2 to 5 months

    • Estimated Cost in AUD: $35,000 – $60,000 

    2. Mid-Level App

    • Features: Adds resume uploads, notifications, employer panels, APIs, and analytics.

    • Development Time: 6 to 9 months

    • Estimated Cost in AUD: $60,000 – $120,000

    3. Advanced App

    • Features: Includes real-time updates, AI matching, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise-grade security.

    • Development Time: 8 to 10 months+

    • Estimated Cost in AUD: $120,000 – $210,000+

    Building a fully functional job portal like Seek falls under this estimated cost to build an employment app like Seek. 

    Align with app development costs in Australia, from simple to enterprise-level app solutions. Next, let's find out how the investment can be recovered and scaled through monetization strategies.

    How to Monetize an App Like Seek?

    As you make a job portal like Seek, monetizing it requires smart revenue streams that balance value for employers and job seekers. 

    The choice of the right monetization strategy ensures steady income, scalability, and sustainable growth. Below are the proven monetization strategies after you build a job portal like Seek: 

    1. Job Posting Fees

    Employers pay to publish job listings on the platform. This is the primary and most stable revenue source for job portal apps.

    How it works:

    Companies choose a paid plan to post single or multiple jobs for a fixed time period. Higher visibility listings cost more. Per-job posting charges, bulk posting packages, and featured listing upgrades help generate revenue.

    2. Subscription Plans for Employers

    Recurring plans provide continuous hiring access and advanced recruitment tools for businesses.

    How it works:

    Employers subscribe monthly or yearly to post unlimited jobs, access analytics, and manage candidates efficiently. Monthly or annual subscription payments from recruiters and companies. Becomes the revenue. 

    3. Featured Jobs and Priority Listings

    Paid visibility helps employers highlight openings above regular job posts.

    How it works:

    Recruiters pay extra to display jobs at the top of search results or homepage sections for more exposure. Premium placement fees and sponsored job listing charges are the revenue sources here.

    4. Resume Database Access

    Employers pay to search and contact candidates directly from a resume pool.

    How it works:

    The platform offers filtered candidate databases with limited or unlimited access based on plan level. Revenue is secured by selling the database access subscriptions and pay-per-contact pricing.

    5. Premium Services for Job Seekers

    Optional paid tools improve candidate visibility and career growth.

    How it works:

    Users purchase resume boosts, profile highlights, or career guidance services to increase hiring chances. Revenue is generated by the one-time upgrades and premium user subscriptions.

    6. Advertising and Employer Branding 

    Companies promote their brand through display ads and dedicated profile pages.

    How it works:

    Businesses run banner ads, sponsored content, or branded company pages within the app. Revenue is generated by ad placements, sponsorship deals, and branding campaign packages.

    These monetization methods create multiple steady income streams, helping a job portal like Seek to grow into a profitable digital hiring platform. 

    Making money is one part of the journey, but to develop a job portal like Seek also comes with its fair share of challenges.

    Challenges to Build an App Like Seek

    To create a job portal like Seek comes with technical, operational, and business challenges. Understanding these challenges early helps you plan smarter and create a reliable, scalable hiring platform.

    Challenge 1: Attracting Job Seekers and Employers at the Same Time

    A job portal needs both candidates and recruiters to stay active. Without balance, the platform feels empty, struggles to grow user engagement, and loses long-term market trust quickly.

    Solution:

    Start with a niche industry or region. Offer free trials, early discounts, and strong marketing to bring both sides together quickly.

    Challenge 2: Ensuring Quality and Genuine Job Listings

    Fake jobs and spam reduce user confidence and damage the platform's reputation. Poor listing quality can also decrease retention, reduce applications, and create negative user experiences over time.

    Solution:

    Use employer verification, manual moderation, and AI-based fraud detection. Clear reporting tools also help users flag suspicious listings fast.

    Challenge 3: Managing Large Data and Fast Search Performance

    Thousands of jobs, resumes, and filters can slow search speed and affect user experience. Performance delays may increase bounce rates and reduce overall platform engagement significantly.

    Solution:

    Use scalable cloud infrastructure, optimized databases, and search engines like Elasticsearch to deliver fast and accurate results.

    Challenge 4: Providing Accurate Job Recommendations 

    Irrelevant suggestions frustrate users and reduce engagement. Poor recommendation accuracy can lower session time, decrease applications, and weaken overall platform satisfaction among active users.

    Solution:

    Implement AI-driven matching based on skills, behavior, and search history. Continuous data learning improves recommendation accuracy over time.

    Challenge 5: Building Trust, Security, and Data Privacy

    Job portals store sensitive personal and company information, making security critical. Any breach or misuse of data can seriously harm credibility, compliance status, and long-term business growth.

    Solution:

    Apply strong encryption, secure authentication, and compliance with privacy regulations. Regular security audits maintain long-term platform safety.

    Challenge 6: Creating Sustainable Revenue Without Hurting User Growth

    High charges may stop employers or job seekers from using the platform. Poor pricing strategy can limit adoption, reduce competitiveness, and slow early-stage platform expansion.

    Solution:

    Use a balanced freemium model. Provide free basic access and charge only for premium visibility, analytics, or advanced hiring tools.

    From user acquisition to data security and revenue balance, each hurdle needs a clear strategy. Resolving these challenges with the right strategy helps to build a scalable, trusted, and profitable job portal app like Seek. 

    Ready To Launch An Efficient Hiring Platform

    Partner with JPLoft to Build a High-Performance App Like Seek

    Turning a job portal idea into a reliable digital product needs the right technology partner. JPLoft brings strong experience in building scalable hiring platforms that serve both employers and job seekers. 

    Our team makes sure the app brings speed, security, and smooth performance. We focus on clear planning, user-friendly design, and clean development practices to deliver apps that perform well from day one.

    JPLoft, a renowned mobile app development company in Australia, helps businesses choose the right features, architecture, and deployment strategy based on real market needs. From job searches and resume management to employer dashboards and smart recommendations, every element is built to support long term growth. 

    Our developers also ensure strong data protection, fast load time, and easy navigation across mobile and web platforms. JPLoft follows a transparent process with regular updates, testing at every stage, and dedicated post-launch support. This approach reduces risk and keeps your project on the right path.

    If you plan to build a high-performance app like Seek, partnering with JPLoft gives you the technical strength and product vision needed to launch with confidence and scale without limits.

    Conclusion

    If your plan is to create a clone like Seek, it helps you to enter the growing digital hiring market. With the right planning, clear features, and scalable technology, you can create a platform that connects employers and job seekers simply and reliably. 

    Success depends on understanding user needs, offering smooth search and application flows, and building strong trust through security and quality listings. A balanced monetization strategy also helps ensure long term revenue without slowing user growth.

    As competition increases, continuous updates, data insights, and user-focused improvements become essential for staying relevant. By partnering with an experienced development team and following a structured approach, businesses can turn a basic idea into a powerful recruitment solution. 

    Investing in the right strategy today can help you build a future-ready job portal that delivers real value to users and steady growth to your business.

    FAQs

    Define goals, research the market, choose platforms, design user-friendly interfaces, build core features, and develop a secure backend. You can also add smart search and recommendations, test across devices, launch with marketing, and continuously improve using analytics to ensure scalable performance and long term growth.

    The cost usually ranges from AUD 35,000 for a simple MVP to AUD 210,000 or more for an advanced platform. A basic MVP may take three to five months, while a fully featured, scalable job portal with advanced integrations can require six to twelve months for completion.

    Core features include job search with filters, resume upload, easy applications, employer dashboards, candidate management, notifications, and secure authentication. These functions create a smooth hiring experience, improve engagement, and form the foundation required before adding advanced analytics or AI recommendations later.

    Revenue comes from job posting fees, employer subscriptions, featured listings, resume database access, advertising, and premium services for candidates. Combining multiple monetization streams helps maintain steady income, supports platform growth, and reduces dependence on a single revenue source over time.

    Common challenges include attracting users, preventing fake listings, maintaining fast search performance, protecting sensitive data, and setting balanced pricing. Strategic planning, strong security, scalable infrastructure, and continuous improvements help overcome these barriers and ensure sustainable long term platform success.