How to Develop an Online Job Portal System: Features, Tech Stack, and Benefits

Project Overview: Job Portal System

1. Project Title:

Online Job Portal System

2. Introduction:

A Job Portal System is a web-based application designed to connect job seekers with employers. The platform allows job seekers to browse and apply for jobs, while employers can post job listings and review applications. The system facilitates the recruitment process by providing features such as resume uploads, job filtering, and application tracking.

3. Objectives:

• To provide a centralized platform for job seekers and recruiters.
• To enable job seekers to search, apply, and track job applications.
• To allow employers to post job vacancies and manage applications.
• To simplify the hiring process using automated workflows.
• To provide filters for searching jobs based on skills, experience, and location.

4. Features:

For Job Seekers:

• User registration and profile creation
• Resume upload and management
• Job search with filters (location, experience, skills, salary)
• Job application submission and tracking
• Notification alerts for new job postings and application status

For Employers:

• Employer registration and profile creation
• Job posting and management
• Searching and filtering applicants based on skills and experience
• Reviewing resumes and contacting candidates
• Shortlisting and rejecting applications

Admin Panel:

• Managing users (job seekers and employers)
• Approving or rejecting job postings
• Moderating content and handling reports
• Generating analytics and reports on job trends

5. Technology Stack:

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (React.js or Vue.js)
• Backend: PHP (Laravel) / Node.js / Python (Django)
• Database: MySQL / PostgreSQL
• Authentication: JWT / OAuth
• Hosting: AWS / Firebase / DigitalOcean

6. Expected Outcome:

• A functional Job Portal with an interactive UI.
• Secure authentication for job seekers and employers.
• A dynamic job search feature to improve user experience.
• Efficient job posting and application tracking for employers.
• Data insights for admin to analyze job market trends.

Scope and Features of Job Portal Project

1. Scope of the Job Portal System

The Job Portal System aims to streamline the job search and recruitment process by providing a unified platform where job seekers and employers can interact efficiently. The system will enable job seekers to find and apply for relevant jobs while allowing employers to post job vacancies, manage applications, and hire suitable candidates.

Scope Includes:

1.    User Authentication & Role-Based Access

o    Job seekers, employers, and admins will have different access levels.

o    Secure login and registration with email/password or third-party OAuth (Google, LinkedIn, etc.).

o    Password reset and account verification.

2.    Job Seeker Functionalities

o    Profile creation with personal details, skills, and experience.

o    Resume upload and management.

o    Search jobs using filters (category, location, salary, experience, company).

o    Save jobs for later applications.

o    Apply for jobs with a single click.

o    View application history and track job status.

o    Receive job alerts and notifications.

3.    Employer Functionalities

o    Profile setup with company details.

o    Post job listings with required skills, salary, location, and experience.

o    View and manage job applications.

o    Shortlist or reject applicants.

o    Download resumes and contact candidates.

o    Manage job listings (edit, update, or delete jobs).

4.    Admin Panel

o    Manage users (job seekers and employers).

o    Approve or reject job postings.

o    Moderate job listings and applications.

o    View reports and analytics on job market trends.

o    Manage categories, industries, and locations.

5.    Advanced Features (Optional Enhancements)

o    AI-based job recommendations.

o    Resume parsing and automated matching.

o    Video interview scheduling.

o    Online skill assessments.

o    Application tracking system (ATS) for recruiters.

o    Chat system for communication between job seekers and employers.

o    Subscription-based premium features for job seekers and recruiters.

---

2. Detailed Features of the Job Portal System

A. User Management

• User Registration and Login
• Sign up using email and password.
• OAuth-based login (Google, LinkedIn, etc.).
• Forgot password and account recovery options.
• Profile Management
• Job seekers can create and update their profiles.
• Employers can manage their company profiles.
• Profile completeness indicator.

---

B. Job Seeker Features

• Job Search & Filtering
• Search jobs using job title, keywords, company name.
• Advanced filters: location, industry, job type (full-time, part-time, remote).
• Sorting jobs by relevance, latest, or salary.
• Job Application
• One-click application for jobs.
• Resume and cover letter submission.
• Track application status (applied, shortlisted, rejected).
• Saved jobs for future applications.
• Job Alerts & Notifications
• Email and SMS notifications for new jobs.
• Dashboard notifications for job status updates.

---

C. Employer Features

• Job Posting & Management
• Employers can post job listings with detailed descriptions.
• Add job requirements (skills, salary, experience).
• Edit or delete job postings.
• Application Management
• View list of applicants for each job.
• Filter applicants based on experience and skills.
• Download resumes and contact shortlisted candidates.
• Company Branding
• Employers can add company profiles and logos.
• Featured job postings for premium companies.

---

D. Admin Panel

• User Management
• View and manage job seekers and employers.
• Block/unblock or delete users.
• Job Posting Moderation
• Approve or reject job listings.
• Detect and remove spam job postings.
• Reports & Analytics
• Monitor job application trends.
• Generate reports on the most popular job categories.
• Insights on job market trends.

---

Modules of Job Portal System with Functionalities and Database Tables

A Job Portal System consists of multiple modules, each handling a specific aspect of the platform. Below are the main modules along with their functionalities and the database tables required for each.

---

1. User Management Module

Functionalities:

• User registration (Job Seekers, Employers, and Admins).
• Login/logout system.
• Profile management (update name, email, contact info, profile picture, etc.).
• Role-based access (job seeker, employer, admin).
• Forgot password and account recovery.

Database Tables:

users Table (Stores user details)

Column Name	Data Type	Description
id	INT (PK, AUTO_INCREMENT)	Unique User ID
name	VARCHAR(255)	Full Name
email	VARCHAR(255)	Email Address (Unique)
password	VARCHAR(255)	Encrypted Password
role	ENUM('job_seeker', 'employer', 'admin')	User Type
status	ENUM('active', 'inactive')	Account Status
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Account Creation Date
updated_at	TIMESTAMP	Last Profile Update

---

2. Job Seeker Module

Functionalities:

• Profile creation and editing.
• Upload resume and manage documents.
• Search for jobs using filters.
• Apply for jobs.
• Track application status.
• Save favorite jobs for later.

Database Tables:

job_seeker_profiles Table (Stores job seekers' information)

Column Name	Data Type	Description
id	INT (PK, AUTO_INCREMENT)	Profile ID
user_id	INT (FK - users.id)	Job Seeker’s User ID
resume	VARCHAR(255)	Path to Resume File
skills	TEXT	List of Skills
experience	INT	Years of Experience
location	VARCHAR(255)	Preferred Work Location
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Profile Creation Date
updated_at	TIMESTAMP	Last Profile Update

saved_jobs Table (Stores saved job listings by job seekers)

Column Name	Data Type	Description
id	INT (PK, AUTO_INCREMENT)	Saved Job ID
user_id	INT (FK - users.id)	Job Seeker’s User ID
job_id	INT (FK - jobs.id)	Saved Job ID
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Date Saved

---

3. Employer Module

Functionalities:

• Company profile creation.
• Post job listings.
• Edit or delete job listings.
• View applications received.
• Shortlist or reject applicants.
• Contact applicants.

Database Tables:

employers Table (Stores employer details)

Column Name	Data Type	Description
id	INT (PK, AUTO_INCREMENT)	Employer ID
user_id	INT (FK - users.id)	Employer's User ID
company_name	VARCHAR(255)	Company Name
industry	VARCHAR(255)	Industry Type
location	VARCHAR(255)	Company Location
website	VARCHAR(255)	Company Website
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Profile Creation Date
updated_at	TIMESTAMP	Last Profile Update

---

4. Job Management Module

Functionalities:

• Employers can post jobs.
• Jobs are categorized by industry, location, salary, and experience.
• Job seekers can search for jobs using filters.
• Jobs can be marked as active/inactive.

Database Tables:

jobs Table (Stores job postings)

Column Name	Data Type	Description
id	INT (PK, AUTO_INCREMENT)	Job ID
employer_id	INT (FK - employers.id)	Employer Posting the Job
title	VARCHAR(255)	Job Title
description	TEXT	Job Description
skills_required	TEXT	Required Skills
location	VARCHAR(255)	Job Location
salary_range	VARCHAR(255)	Salary Details
experience_required	INT	Required Experience in Years
status	ENUM('active', 'inactive')	Job Status
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Job Posting Date
updated_at	TIMESTAMP	Last Updated Date

---

5. Job Application Module

Functionalities:

• Job seekers can apply for jobs.
• Employers can view applications.
• Employers can accept/reject applications.
• Job seekers can track application status.

Database Tables:

job_applications Table (Stores job applications)

Column Name	Data Type	Description
id	INT (PK, AUTO_INCREMENT)	Application ID
job_id	INT (FK - jobs.id)	Applied Job ID
user_id	INT (FK - users.id)	Job Seeker’s User ID
status	ENUM('applied', 'shortlisted', 'rejected')	Application Status
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Application Date
updated_at	TIMESTAMP	Last Update Date

---

6. Notifications Module

Functionalities:

• Notify job seekers about new job postings.
• Notify employers when someone applies for their job.
• Send updates about application status.

Database Tables:

notifications Table (Stores notifications)

Column Name	Data Type	Description
id	INT (PK, AUTO_INCREMENT)	Notification ID
user_id	INT (FK - users.id)	Receiver’s User ID
message	TEXT	Notification Message
status	ENUM('unread', 'read')	Read Status
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Notification Time

---

7. Admin Management Module

Functionalities:

• Manage users (activate/deactivate accounts).
• Moderate job postings (approve/reject).
• View site analytics and reports.

Database Tables:

admin_actions Table (Stores admin activities)

Column Name	Data Type	Description
id	INT (PK, AUTO_INCREMENT)	Action ID
admin_id	INT (FK - users.id)	Admin User ID
action	TEXT	Admin Action Description
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Action Date

---

Conclusion

This Job Portal System consists of 7 main modules that collectively allow job seekers and employers to interact efficiently. Each module has its own functionalities and corresponding database tables to store structured data. The admin panel ensures smooth operation by managing user activities and moderating job postings.

ER diagram

 

📂 Project Directory Structure

job-portal/

│── 📂 assets/                # Static files (CSS, JavaScript, Images)

│   ├── 📂 css/               # CSS stylesheets

│   ├── 📂 js/                # JavaScript files

│   ├── 📂 images/            # Images and icons

│── 📂 database/              # Database-related files

│   ├── db_connection.php     # Database connection file

│   ├── migrations.sql        # SQL script to create tables

│── 📂 includes/              # Common PHP files

│   ├── header.php            # Common header for all pages

│   ├── footer.php            # Common footer for all pages

│   ├── sidebar.php           # Sidebar menu (if needed)

│   ├── navbar.php            # Navigation bar

│── 📂 auth/                  # Authentication-related files

│   ├── login.php             # User login

│   ├── register.php          # User registration

│   ├── logout.php            # Logout functionality

│── 📂 employer/              # Employer-related pages

│   ├── dashboard.php         # Employer dashboard

│   ├── post_job.php          # Post a new job

│   ├── manage_jobs.php       # Edit/Delete posted jobs

│   ├── view_applicants.php   # View job applications

│── 📂 jobseeker/             # Job Seeker-related pages

│   ├── dashboard.php         # Job seeker dashboard

│   ├── search_jobs.php       # Search & filter jobs

│   ├── job_details.php       # View job details

│   ├── apply_job.php         # Apply for a job

│   ├── my_applications.php   # View applied jobs

│── 📂 admin/                 # Admin-related pages

│   ├── dashboard.php         # Admin dashboard

│   ├── manage_users.php      # View, edit, delete users

│   ├── manage_jobs.php       # Approve, delete jobs

│   ├── view_reports.php      # Monitor applications & reports

│── 📂 process/               # Handles form submissions

│   ├── process_login.php     # Handles login requests

│   ├── process_register.php  # Handles registration

│   ├── process_post_job.php  # Handles job posting

│   ├── process_apply_job.php # Handles job applications

│── 📂 uploads/               # Uploads folder (Resumes, Company Logos)

│── 📜 index.php              # Homepage

│── 📜 dashboard.php          # Redirects based on role (Job Seeker/Employer/Admin)

│── 📜 config.php             # Configuration file (Database, Site settings)

│── 📜 README.md              # Project documentation

---

📌 Explanation of Each Folder

1️⃣ assets/

• Stores static frontend files like:
• css/ → Stylesheets
• js/ → JavaScript files
• images/ → Logos, icons, and banners

2️⃣ database/

• db_connection.php → Establishes database connection.
• migrations.sql → SQL script for creating tables.

3️⃣ includes/

• Reusable header, footer, sidebar, and navbar.

4️⃣ auth/

• Handles login, registration, and logout.

5️⃣ employer/

• Employer functionalities:
• Post jobs
• View applicants
• Manage job postings

6️⃣ jobseeker/

• Job Seeker functionalities:
• Search & apply for jobs
• View job details
• Track applications

7️⃣ admin/

• Admin functionalities:
• Manage users & jobs
• View reports

8️⃣ process/

• Contains PHP scripts for form handling and database operations.

9️⃣ uploads/

• Stores resumes, company logos, etc.

🔟 Root Files

• index.php → Homepage.
• dashboard.php → Redirects users based on role.
• config.php → Database credentials & settings.

 

📂 Project Directory Structure (MVC Pattern)

job-portal/

│── 📂 app/                    # Core Application Folder

│   ├── 📂 controllers/        # Handles requests & business logic

│   │   ├── AuthController.php

│   │   ├── JobController.php

│   │   ├── ApplicationController.php

│   │   ├── EmployerController.php

│   │   ├── AdminController.php

│   │

│   ├── 📂 models/             # Database models (ORM)

│   │   ├── User.php

│   │   ├── Job.php

│   │   ├── Application.php

│   │   ├── Employer.php

│   │

│   ├── 📂 views/              # Frontend views (HTML & PHP templates)

│   │   ├── auth/              # Authentication views

│   │   │   ├── login.php

│   │   │   ├── register.php

│   │   ├── employer/          # Employer views

│   │   │   ├── dashboard.php

│   │   │   ├── post_job.php

│   │   │   ├── manage_jobs.php

│   │   ├── jobseeker/         # Job Seeker views

│   │   │   ├── dashboard.php

│   │   │   ├── search_jobs.php

│   │   │   ├── job_details.php

│   │   │   ├── my_applications.php

│   │   ├── admin/             # Admin views

│   │   │   ├── dashboard.php

│   │   │   ├── manage_users.php

│   │   │   ├── manage_jobs.php

│   │   │   ├── view_reports.php

│   │   ├── layouts/           # Common layout files

│   │   │   ├── header.php

│   │   │   ├── footer.php

│   │   │   ├── navbar.php

│   │

│   ├── 📂 core/               # Core framework files

│   │   ├── Controller.php     # Base Controller class

│   │   ├── Model.php          # Base Model class

│   │   ├── View.php           # Handles loading views

│   │   ├── Router.php         # Handles URL routing

│   │   ├── Database.php       # Database connection

│   │

│   ├── 📂 middleware/         # Middleware for authentication

│   │   ├── AuthMiddleware.php

│   │   ├── RoleMiddleware.php

│

│── 📂 public/                 # Public assets (CSS, JS, Images)

│   ├── 📂 css/                # Stylesheets

│   ├── 📂 js/                 # JavaScript files

│   ├── 📂 images/             # Logos, icons

│   ├── index.php              # Front controller (loads app)

│

│── 📂 config/                 # Configuration files

│   ├── config.php             # Main configuration (DB, site settings)

│   ├── routes.php             # URL routing definitions

│

│── 📂 storage/                # Uploads (Resumes, Company Logos)

│

│── 📂 database/               # Database migration scripts

│   ├── migrations.sql         # SQL script to create tables

│

│── 📂 logs/                   # Log files for debugging

│

│── 📂 tests/                  # Test cases

│

│── 📜 .htaccess               # URL rewriting rules for Apache

│── 📜 composer.json           # Dependencies (if using Composer)

│── 📜 README.md               # Documentation

---

📌 Breakdown of Each Folder

1️⃣ app/ (Main Application)

• Contains Controllers, Models, Views, Core Files, Middleware.

📂 Controllers

• Handles business logic and user requests.
• Example:

class JobController extends Controller {

    public function index() {

        $jobs = Job::getAll();

        return View::render('jobseeker/search_jobs', ['jobs' => $jobs]);

    }

}

📂 Models

• Interacts with the database.
• Example:

class Job extends Model {

    protected static $table = 'jobs';

}

📂 Views

• Stores frontend templates.
• Example (views/jobseeker/search_jobs.php):

<?php include '../layouts/header.php'; ?>

<h1>Search Jobs</h1>

<?php include '../layouts/footer.php'; ?>

📂 Core

• Contains framework-level logic.
• Example (Router.php):

class Router {

    public static function route($url) {

        if ($url == '/login') {

            (new AuthController())->login();

        }

    }

}

📂 Middleware

• Handles security & authentication.
• Example (AuthMiddleware.php):

class AuthMiddleware {

    public static function check() {

        if (!isset($_SESSION['user_id'])) {

            header('Location: /login');

            exit();

        }

    }

}

---

2️⃣ public/ (Public Assets)

• Stores CSS, JavaScript, and Images.

3️⃣ config/ (Configuration Files)

• Contains database settings and routes.
• Example (config.php):

php

CopyEdit

define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

define('DB_USER', 'root');

define('DB_PASS', '');

define('DB_NAME', 'job_portal');

4️⃣ storage/ (File Uploads)

• Stores user profile pictures, resumes.

5️⃣ database/ (Database Migrations)

• migrations.sql contains table definitions.

6️⃣ logs/ (Debugging Logs)

• Stores error logs.

7️⃣ tests/ (Unit Testing)

• Stores test scripts.

---

🔹 Database Tables

1. users (Job Seekers & Employers)

CREATE TABLE users (

    id INT PRIMARY KEY AUTO_INCREMENT,

    name VARCHAR(255),

    email VARCHAR(255) UNIQUE,

    password VARCHAR(255),

    role ENUM('admin', 'employer', 'jobseeker'),

    created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP

);

2. jobs (Job Listings)

CREATE TABLE jobs (

    id INT PRIMARY KEY AUTO_INCREMENT,

    title VARCHAR(255),

    description TEXT,

    company VARCHAR(255),

    location VARCHAR(255),

    salary DECIMAL(10,2),

    posted_by INT,

    FOREIGN KEY (posted_by) REFERENCES users(id),

    created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP

);

3. applications (Job Applications)

CREATE TABLE applications (

    id INT PRIMARY KEY AUTO_INCREMENT,

    job_id INT,

    user_id INT,

    status ENUM('pending', 'accepted', 'rejected'),

    applied_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,

    FOREIGN KEY (job_id) REFERENCES jobs(id),

    FOREIGN KEY