Executive Summary
Duplicate job postings can prevent your jobs from being published on key job boards like LinkedIn, cause confusion for candidates, and disrupt your hiring workflow. This article explains how to avoid creating duplicate jobs in PyjamaHR, resolve common duplicate job errors, and ensure your postings reach the right candidates without unnecessary complications.
Detailed Overview
What Are Duplicate Job Postings?
A duplicate job posting occurs when the same job (identical or very similar title, description, and location) is posted multiple times on the same job board or within your PyjamaHR account. Most job boards, especially LinkedIn, have strict policies against duplicate postings to maintain a high-quality candidate experience.
Why Does This Matter?
Prevents Job Visibility: Duplicate jobs are often blocked or hidden by job boards, especially LinkedIn.
Wastes Paid Boosts: Paid promotions may not run or may be paused if a job is detected as a duplicate.
Candidate Confusion: Multiple postings for the same role can split your applicant pool and reduce response rates.
Workflow Disruption: Managing candidates across duplicate jobs is inefficient and can lead to lost or missed applications.
Integration with PyjamaHR Features
Job Boosts: Boosts are paused if a job is closed or flagged as duplicate.
Candidate Management: Candidates may be distributed across duplicate jobs, making tracking difficult.
Job Board Publishing: PyjamaHR integrates with LinkedIn, Indeed, Dice, and others, all of which enforce anti-duplication policies.
Step-by-Step Guide: Preventing and Resolving Duplicate Job Postings
1. Before Posting: Check for Existing Jobs
Search Your Job List: Use the job title or keywords in the PyjamaHR dashboard to check if a similar job already exists (open or closed).
Review Closed Jobs: Sometimes, closed jobs are still active on job boards. Check the "Closed Jobs" tab before creating a new posting.
2. Posting a Job: Best Practices
Unique Titles: Slightly modify job titles if you must post similar roles (e.g., "Sales Executive – North Region" vs. "Sales Executive – South Region").
Internal Posting First: If you want to review or edit before publishing externally, use the "Post Job Internally" option under Manage Job Boards.
Avoid Cloning Without Editing: If you clone a job, update the title and description to avoid duplication flags.
3. If You Encounter a Duplicate Job Error
Error Message Example:
“Unable to publish job to LinkedIn. Please contact support.”
“This job could not be published because a duplicate job is already posted on your LinkedIn page.”Immediate Actions:
1. Identify the Duplicate: Check your LinkedIn company page and PyjamaHR for similar open or closed jobs.
2. Close the Duplicate:In PyjamaHR: Click the three dots next to the job name > Close Job.
On LinkedIn: Manually close or remove the duplicate job posting.
3. Reopen or Republish:In PyjamaHR: Go to Closed Jobs > select the job > Re-open.
Wait a few minutes for changes to reflect on job boards.
4. Retry Publishing: Attempt to publish the job again from PyjamaHR.
4. Managing Candidates When Closing Duplicate Jobs
Move Candidates:
Use the three dots on a candidate’s profile > Move to another job.
For bulk moves: Select multiple candidates > move to a folder > transfer to the correct job.
No Duplicate Candidates: PyjamaHR will not create duplicate candidate entries if the same person applied to both jobs.
5. If You Accidentally Created Multiple Accounts
PyjamaHR will block duplicate company accounts for security and compliance.
Contact support to resolve account duplication.
Advanced Usage & Best Practices
Power User Tips
Internal Review: Always post jobs internally first if you need manager approval before external publishing.
Job Board Selection: Use Manage Job Boards to control where each job is published.
Candidate Source Tracking: Use the Candidate Source Report to monitor where applicants are coming from and spot issues early.
Optimization Strategies
Consolidate Similar Roles: Avoid splitting the same role into multiple postings; this concentrates your candidate pool and improves response rates.
Regularly Audit Job Listings: Periodically review open and closed jobs to ensure no duplicates exist.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Use unique job titles and descriptions for each posting.
- Close old or duplicate jobs before creating new ones.
- Move candidates to the correct job before closing duplicates.
Don’t:
- Don’t post the same job multiple times on the same board.
- Don’t clone jobs without editing key details.
- Don’t ignore duplicate job errors—these will block your postings.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Common Error Messages & Solutions
Error Message | Solution |
“Unable to publish job to LinkedIn. Please contact support.” | Check for duplicate jobs on LinkedIn and PyjamaHR. Close duplicates, then retry. |
“This job could not be published because a duplicate job is already posted…” | Close the duplicate job on LinkedIn and/or PyjamaHR, then republish. |
“Need your attention” warning on job post | Indicates a duplicate or policy violation. Review and close extra jobs. |
Paid boost not working after closing/reopening a job | Contact support to reactivate the boost. Avoid closing jobs with active boosts. |
Candidates not appearing for a job | May be due to split applicants across duplicates. Consolidate jobs and move candidates. |
What If Scenarios
What if I closed a job and reopened it, but changes aren’t showing on LinkedIn?
Wait a few minutes for synchronization. If still not visible, check for duplicates or contact support.What if I see jobs posted multiple times (e.g., “A job is posted thrice on the portal”)?
Close the extra jobs. If you only created one, report the glitch to support.What if I want to merge two closed jobs?
Merging closed jobs is not currently supported. Move candidates to the active job and close duplicates.What if my account is blocked for duplicate accounts?
Contact support to resolve duplicate company accounts.
Comprehensive FAQ
Q1: Why can’t I publish my job to LinkedIn?
A: Most likely, a duplicate job exists on LinkedIn or in PyjamaHR. Close the duplicate and try again.
Q2: How do I find and close duplicate jobs in PyjamaHR?
A: Search for similar job titles in your job list (open and closed). Use the three dots > Close Job.
Q3: What happens if I close a job with an active boost?
A: The boost will stop. Contact support to reactivate it after reopening the job.
Q4: Can I post the same job in multiple locations?
A: Yes, but each posting must have a unique title and location to avoid duplication flags.
Q5: How do I move candidates from a duplicate job to the main job?
A: Use the candidate’s profile > Move to another job. For bulk moves, use folders.
Q6: Will candidates be duplicated if they applied to both jobs?
A: No, PyjamaHR prevents duplicate candidate entries.
Q7: Can I merge two jobs or their candidate pipelines?
A: Merging jobs is not supported. Move candidates manually as described above.
Q8: What if I see a job still active on LinkedIn after closing it in PyjamaHR?
A: Wait for synchronization. If the issue persists, contact support.
Q9: How do I prevent automatic publishing to job boards?
A: Use the Post Job Internally option under Manage Job Boards.
Q10: What if my account is blocked for duplicate company accounts?
A: Contact support to resolve the issue.
Q11: Why am I not receiving candidates for my job posting?
A: Check for duplicate jobs splitting your applicant pool. Consolidate postings.
Q12: What if I cloned a job and now have duplicates?
A: Edit the cloned job’s title/description or close the duplicate.
Related Features & Next Steps
Candidate Source Report: Track where your applicants are coming from.
Job Boosts: Ensure boosts are only applied to unique, active jobs.
Internal Job Posting: Use for draft or review before external publishing.
Candidate Management: Move and consolidate candidates as needed.
Recommended Articles:
- How to Reschedule or Cancel Interviews
- Published a Job but It’s Not Visible on LinkedIn Yet
Summary Table: Key Actions
Scenario | Action Steps |
Duplicate job error on LinkedIn | Close duplicate job on LinkedIn/PyjamaHR, republish |
Multiple jobs for the same role in PyjamaHR | Close extras, move candidates to main job |
Closed job still visible on LinkedIn | Wait for sync, contact support if persists |
Want to post job internally only | Use “Post Job Internally” in Manage Job Boards |
Account blocked for duplicate company | Contact support |
By following these best practices and troubleshooting steps, you can ensure your jobs are published efficiently, avoid costly errors, and provide a seamless experience for both your team and your candidates.