Job search platforms: Monster vs. ZipRecruiter
Quick Verdict
Both Monster and ZipRecruiter are robust job boards with distinct strengths. Monster boasts a larger resume database, while ZipRecruiter offers broader job board distribution and a more comprehensive mobile app experience.
- Both platforms offer extensive job board reach, but ZipRecruiter distributes to more boards.
- Monster has a larger resume database, but ZipRecruiter's is frequently updated.
- ZipRecruiter offers a mobile app for both job seekers and employers, while Monster's app is only for job seekers.
- Both platforms utilize AI-powered candidate matching, but some ZipRecruiter users find the suggestions could be more accurate.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Monster | ZipRecruiter |
|---|---|---|
| Job board reach and diversity | Global job board with U.S. website getting roughly 7 million views monthly, distributes across website, mobile app, and partner network. | Distributes job postings to over 100 job boards, partners with various job boards, reaches over 10 million candidates weekly. |
| Pricing and subscription options | Pay-per-click, monthly subscriptions, Monster+ Plan, Standard and Premium Plans, Starter Plan, Standard Plan, Premium Plan, Monster+ Standard, Monster+ Pro. | Free trial, subscription required, Standard Plan (around $299/month), Premium Plan (around $349/month), and Pro Plan (custom pricing), discounts available. |
| Ease of use for job seekers | Find and apply for jobs, list resumes, Quick Apply, salary tools, search by location and category, email alerts, upload resumes, Apple/Facebook/Google credentials, easy to use, profile building assistance. | User-friendly interface, AI-driven matching, personalized recommendations, one-click application, mobile app, free for job seekers. |
| Resume database quality and searchability | Over 40 million resumes, filter by location, skills, experience, education, advanced search filters, AI-powered resume matching. | Millions of resumes, advanced search filters, AI-powered matching, frequently updated, search by job title, skills, location, education, certifications, save searches and email notifications. |
| Employer branding options | Showcase company culture and values with images, videos, benefits, perks, testimonials, professional landing page with self-service portal. | Showcase company culture and values in job postings, brief overview of company's mission and workplace culture, branded career pages available. |
| Application tracking system (ATS) integration | Integrates with various ATS platforms like Pinpoint, Flexspring, Personio, Manatal, Oorwin, and Ceipal. | Integrates with various ATS, seamless job posting from ATS, integrates with iCIMS and Pinpoint ATS. |
| Customer support responsiveness | Phone and email support, help section articles, demo videos, live seminars, monthly new hire training. | Premium customer support via phone, email, or live chat, Employer Help Center with documentation, some negative reviews mention customer service issues. |
| Mobile app availability and functionality | Mobile app for iOS and Android for job seekers only, upload resumes, set job preferences, apply for jobs. Employers must use mobile-optimized website. | Mobile app for both job seekers and employers, manage job listings and candidate applications, search and apply for jobs, highly rated app. |
| Job posting features and visibility | Create and customize job postings, optimize for maximum visibility, relevant keywords, clear job titles, SEO strategies. | Create and manage job listings, cross-posting to over 100 job boards, relevant keywords increase visibility, optimizing job titles is crucial, TrafficBoost increases job visibility. |
| Candidate matching accuracy | AI-powered candidate matching, behavioral relevance and Click Through Rates (CTR) to rank job postings. | AI-powered matching technology, actively invites qualified candidates to apply, Candidate Calibration allows employers to rate candidates, some employers feel AI suggestions could be more accurate. |
| Reporting and analytics tools | Reports and analytics to track recruiting efforts and measure effectiveness of job postings, Talent Analytics analyzes the labor market. | Analytics and insights on job postings, track performance and optimize recruitment strategies, reporting is included in the Premium Plan. |
| Recruiting tools and features | Resume database, advanced search filters, AI-powered resume matching, candidate outreach tools, dedicated point person for niche recruitment needs. | Candidate screening tools, automated messaging and interview scheduling, customizable email templates, job description templates. |
Overall Comparison
Reach: ZipRecruiter wins; Resume Database: Monster wins; Mobile App: ZipRecruiter wins; AI Accuracy: Tie
Pros and Cons
Monster
Pros:
- Large resume database
- AI-powered candidate matching
- ATS integration
- Mobile app for job seekers
- Employer branding options
- Reporting and analytics tools
- Various pricing plans
- Customer support resources
Cons:
- Mobile app not available for employers
- Niche recruitment may incur additional costs
ZipRecruiter
Pros:
- Job board reach and diversity
- Ease of use for job seekers
- Resume database quality and searchability
- Employer branding options
- Application tracking system (ATS) integration
- Mobile app availability and functionality
- Job posting features and visibility
- Reporting and analytics tools
- Recruiting tools and features
Cons:
- Customer support responsiveness (some negative reviews)
- Candidate matching accuracy (some employers feel AI suggestions could be more accurate)
User Experiences and Feedback
Monster
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
ZipRecruiter
What Users Love
- User-friendly interface
- AI-driven matching technology
- Personalized job recommendations
- One-click application feature
- Mobile app available
- Free for job seekers
Common Complaints
- Some negative reviews mention customer service issues
- Some employers feel AI suggestions could be more accurate
Value Perception
- Good fit for specialty and entry-level jobs
- Type of roles filled can impact pricing
- Specialized positions may require higher-tier plans