WP Job Manager – Application Deadline

Managing Application Deadlines for Job Listings

The ability to set application deadlines is an essential feature for many job listers. The WP Job Manager Application Deadline plugin accomplishes this by adding a new field on the job submission form, allowing you to specify a closing date for job listings. Once this deadline passes, the job listing can automatically end, streamlining the process for both employers and job seekers.

Installation and Setup of the Plugin

Installing the WP Job Manager Application Deadline plugin is straightforward. After acquiring the plugin, you insert it into your WordPress by following the provided installation guidelines. The setup is comprised of a single configurable setting found in the Job Listings settings panel. Here, users can enable “Automatic deadline expiry” which, if activated, ensures that once the closing date for a job passes, the listing is automatically marked as ended.

Jobs are frequently checked for expiration; a daily task at midnight leverages the WordPress cron system. This automated process not only saves time but also ensures that job seekers aren’t applying for outdated positions.

Setting a Closing Date for a Job

The job submission form is enhanced with a new field, which can be manually filled or selected via a handy datepicker. This intuitive user interface simplifies the task of setting deadlines, helping employers specify the timeline clearly.

Additionally, for those managing the job listings through the admin area, there is an “Application closing date” field available when editing jobs. This field requires the date to be formatted as yyyy-mm-dd, ensuring consistency and reducing confusion.

Frontend Display of Application Deadlines

Displaying closing dates in an attractive and accessible way is crucial for user experience. On individual job listing pages, closing dates are prominently featured alongside other key job details.

In a proactive approach, the design changes as the closing date nears. Within two days of the application deadline, the text color shifts, and a distinct icon is presented, drawing attention to the imminent deadline. Once the application deadline passes, the display changes yet again, turning the text red to indicate that the listing has expired—if the jobs are not set up for automatic expiry.

Sorting Jobs by Closing Date

For a more streamlined job search experience, the WP Job Manager allows users to sort job listings by application deadline. When employing the jobs shortcode, using [jobs orderby="deadline"] will sort the jobs by their deadlines. By default, the listings are displayed in descending order, but they can easily be modified to ascending order by adding an additional argument: [jobs orderby="deadline" order="ASC"]. This sorting feature helps job seekers prioritize applications that require immediate attention.

Customization of the Datepicker

The WP Job Manager Application Deadline plugin improves the user interface with a jQuery UI-powered datepicker, styled using a Google-hosted stylesheet. The datepicker makes selecting dates intuitive and visually appealing.

However, for those who prefer a more customized look or wish to eliminate the default styling, the plugin allows users to dequeue the stylesheet in their theme’s functions.php file. This flexibility empowers users to tailor the appearance of the datepicker to align with their website’s design style.

Conclusion

Setting up and managing application deadlines using the WP Job Manager Application Deadline plugin enhances the functionality and efficiency of job listings. The ability to specify closing dates ensures that listings are current and relevant, benefiting both employers putting forth opportunities and job seekers seeking timely applications. With features like automatic expiry, frontend visual cues, and sorting capabilities, this plugin becomes a vital component in the job management experience. Additionally, the custom styling options available for the datepicker further highlight the plugin’s user-friendly design, making it a powerful tool in the realm of job listing management.

Employers and job listers gain an edge in maintaining workflow efficiency with the automatic checks for application deadlines, minimizing the chance of outdated listings still being available. This plugin ultimately supports job hunters by guiding them towards the most time-sensitive opportunities available on the market.