The internet is great, but sometimes it functions as a highly efficient myth factory. From news stories that eventually get debunked to rumors about famous people, no one can deny the carrying power of a website with a big story in its grip. But sometimes you have to step back and remember that myths develop as half-truths are accepted, passed along, and embellished, and that the truth – perhaps because it isn’t as exciting – can suffer from a PR problem.

If you have implemented a custom job board as part of your site monetization strategy, you may have noticed unfavorable narratives concerning job boards and wondered if they are true. Here are several myths that have developed about job boards, and the actual truth behind them.

SEE ALSO: Job Board Technology: Where it’s Headed and Why

Myth: Job Boards Are Over

This myth gets propagated through evidence like Monster’s declining revenues and the fact that employers and recruiters continue to use other methods for finding job candidates. However, successful job boards are continually improving services and adding useful features that meet the changing demands of both employers and job candidates. Moreover, companies still spend significant sums posting jobs to job boards because they get results by doing so. And while job seekers are increasingly turned off by huge job aggregators, they often remain loyal to job boards that are closely tailored to their profession or their geographical region.

Myth: All Job Boards Are Like Monster

Big job boards get a lot of press, both good and bad. But they’re hardly representative of job boards as a whole. In fact, some of the most successful job boards are the ones that clearly differentiate themselves from the big job boards. Today there are job boards geared toward specific trades and professions, and even toward specific skill subsets of those trades and professions. And they’re effective because they don’t waste employers’ or job candidates’ time.

Myth: With Job Boards, Bigger Is Better

On its face, this makes sense. The more jobs you see, the more you can apply for. However, huge job boards present several disadvantages. For one thing, job seekers often feel like they’re sending their carefully crafted resumes off into the unknown, wondering whether receipt of their application will even be acknowledged. Employers often shy away from big job boards because of the deluge of applications and resumes they know they’ll receive from people who simply aren’t qualified. With job boards, small and targeted often beats large and general handily.

Myth: Because of Social Media, Job Boards Are Unnecessary

The idea is, since people share so readily on social media sites, job boards aren’t needed. Employers simply have to share a job opening on Facebook or Twitter, and great candidates will flock to them. But anyone who has tried this can tell you it’s not true. Not only can social media be very hit or miss when it comes to reaching the right people, there’s no guarantee that a job posting will be widely shared by social media users. Social media may be a great supplement to a strong job board, but it hardly takes its place.

Myth: Job Boards Are Obsolete

Job boards have been around for a long time, but that’s because they work. While some job board features have gone out of favor as better technology develops, the job boards themselves are still effective when managed properly. Just because a particular technology has been around a long time doesn’t mean it’s obsolete. After all, cars have been around for over a century, and they’re certainly not going away any time soon. Job boards are still around because they are effective.

Myth: Passive Candidates Never Use Job Boards

While it’s safe to say that active job candidates use job boards more, that doesn’t mean that passive job seekers ignore them. Many employers consider passive job candidates as their holy grail, and the job board can be a good source for connecting with them. A recent survey by MedReps, a career resource for medical sales representatives found that half its membership is currently employed in the industry. Job tenures are much shorter than they used to be, and many passive job candidates stay connected to the job market by browsing job boards, because they’re a great indication of the state of particular industries and hiring trends – things passive job seekers value.

Putting up a general job board and hoping it will boost your site’s income stream isn’t enough today. Savvy employed professionals, active job seekers, and employers often seek out smaller, more targeted job boards to meet their needs. The custom job board tailored to your particular geographic or professional niche is often better for monetizing your site.