Traditional Job Boards: Why SEEK, Indeed, and RACGP Still Matter for GP Recruitment

With new digital tools emerging, many clinics assume that traditional job boards such as SEEK, Indeed, and RACGP have lost relevance. Yet when used strategically, they remain one of the most powerful ways to reach doctors who are actively looking for opportunities.

For Australian clinics recruiting GPs, job boards still deliver something social ads and networking cannot: access to doctors with high intent to move, combined with trusted industry visibility. The challenge lies in how you use these platforms, not whether you use them at all.

Understanding the Changing Role of Job Boards

Reddit discussions reveal that many job seekers are frustrated with job boards, describing them as “punishing,” “hit or miss,” and “a waste of time.” These frustrations usually stem from poor ad design, overcrowded listings, and lack of follow-up.

However, for GP recruitment, these same job boards remain critical because they:

• Reach active candidates who are ready to start.
  
• Allow filtering by DPA status, location, or special interests.
  
• Are trusted, compliant platforms within the healthcare industry.
  

Instead of replacing SEEK or RACGP, modern recruitment strategies should integrate them into a broader ecosystem that includes LinkedIn, social media advertising, and targeted GP networks.

Why SEEK, Indeed, and RACGP Still Matter

1. SEEK: Australia’s Broadest GP Recruitment Platform

SEEK remains Australia’s largest general job marketplace. GPs still check SEEK when considering a career change because it is familiar and easy to browse.

The key is in the copy and presentation. Most SEEK listings read like templates: “Mixed billing clinic seeking GP, flexible hours, great culture.” To stand out, highlight what GPs truly value — support, mentorship, transparency and lifestyle flexibility.

At Practice Boost, we refine SEEK listings for clinics to emphasise work–life balance, culture, and trust, which resonate more with today’s doctors than pure billing percentages.

2. Indeed: Great Reach, But Needs Careful Optimisation

Indeed once dominated the market but has declined in popularity among some employers and candidates. As one Reddit user put it, “Indeed feels kinda abandoned by its devs and by many employers.”

Still, Indeed’s visibility and SEO indexing can help your GP job listings appear on Google search results. Optimising your posting titles (for example, “VR GP | Mixed Billing | Sydney Inner West”) improves click-through rates and ensures your role appears where doctors are actively searching.

Integrating Indeed with your Digital Strategy Development and Google Ads campaigns creates a consistent multi-channel presence.

3. RACGP: Niche, Trusted and Highly Targeted

The RACGP Careers Board remains one of the most respected recruitment platforms for VR and experienced GPs. Its advantage lies in audience quality — doctors trust it as an official source for reputable, AHPRA-compliant opportunities.

While reach may be smaller than SEEK, conversion rates are typically higher because the audience is pre-qualified. For clinics offering teaching, research or special-interest pathways, the RACGP board is a must-use channel.

We often combine RACGP listings with GP Marketing Services and targeted LinkedIn campaigns to create synergy between formal and informal recruitment.

How to Get Better Results from Job Boards

1. Write for Humans, Not Algorithms

Most clinics copy and paste generic listings. To attract quality GPs, shift from “we need a GP” to “this is why you’ll love working here.” Describe the clinic’s values, patient base, and growth opportunities.

2. Use Visuals and Formatting Wisely

Include images of your team, clinic interior and local community. Visual familiarity increases trust and engagement.

3. Promote Your Listings Off-Platform

Drive more views by sharing SEEK or RACGP listings on your LinkedIn, Facebook, or Meta Ads campaigns. Link them to your GP Recruitment Company page for deeper information about your clinic.

4. Respond Quickly

Doctors often apply to multiple listings at once. Clinics that reply within 24 to 48 hours show professionalism and secure interest before competitors do.

The Limitations of Job Boards

Job boards alone are not enough. They work best as part of a larger strategy that includes:

• Social media advertising for passive GPs
• LinkedIn outreach for senior or VR candidates
• Headhunting and GP networks for specific skill sets
• Employer branding through consistent online content

This integrated model converts awareness into real enquiries and creates ongoing recruitment momentum.

Real-World Example

A Sydney clinic struggling to hire for six months ran coordinated SEEK and RACGP ads alongside a social media recruitment campaign managed by Practice Boost. Within eight weeks, they received 11 qualified enquiries and secured two permanent doctors.

By combining trusted job boards with modern outreach, they tapped into both active and passive audiences.

Common Questions Clinics Ask About Using Job Boards for GP Recruitment

Are traditional job boards still effective for GP recruitment?
Yes. While applications per listing have decreased over time, the quality of candidates remains strong when ads are well written and targeted to the right regions.

How can we stand out on SEEK or RACGP?
Focus on clarity and culture. Use headlines that reflect flexibility, patient demand and team support.

What’s the difference between SEEK and RACGP listings?
SEEK provides reach, while RACGP offers professional credibility. Using both together covers both audience segments.

How do job boards fit into a wider recruitment plan?
Combine job boards with digital advertising, email nurturing and LinkedIn engagement to maximise exposure and conversion.

Bringing It All Together

Traditional job boards are far from obsolete. They are the backbone of active recruitment and a bridge to your broader digital strategy.

By writing ads that reflect your clinic’s culture, tracking performance, and combining listings with outreach through social media and LinkedIn, your clinic can fill positions faster and with higher-quality candidates.

For expert help designing your next recruitment campaign, explore our GP Recruitment Company services, GP Marketing Services, and Case Studies showcasing real client results.