Choosing the right platform: XING vs Stepstone
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect candidate, the platform you choose to post your job ad on makes all the difference. With so many options, it can be tricky to decide which one’s best for you.
Today, we’re diving into a comparison between two giants in the job posting world: XING and Stepstone. You’ve probably heard of both of them before, and many of our more than 80,000 clients use our free recruitment software to promote to these job boards every month.
But when should you post your ad to one or the other?
Whether you’re wondering “is Stepstone better than XING” or vice versa, we’ve got the insights you need:
Table of contents
At a glance: XING vs Stepstone
Choosing between XING and Stepstone can be a pivotal decision in your recruitment strategy. Here’s what you need to know at a glance.
XING:
XING is a career-oriented social networking site popular in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). It’s a platform where professionals can connect, share insights, and find job opportunities. XING focuses on building professional relationships and networking.
Stepstone:
On the other hand, Stepstone operates as a job board that caters to a wide range of industries and job seekers across Europe. It’s known for its extensive database of job listings and candidates. Stepstone emphasises matching the right candidates with the right job opportunities.
The main differences between XING and Stepstone
| Feature | Stepstone | |
|---|---|---|
| Free job posting option: | Limited options available | No free posting; all listings are paid |
| Cost for premium posts: | Offers tailored packages for businesses | Pricing varies based on job post features |
| Reach: | Popular in DACH region | Wide European reach |
| Target group: | Professionals seeking networking | Broad range of industries and job levels |
| Ease of use: | User-friendly with a focus on networking | Straightforward job posting process |
| Free trial: | Offers a basic membership for free | No free trial for employers |
| Unique feature: | Networking and professional development | Extensive job seeker database |
Did you know you can use JOIN’s free job distribution software to easily post your job ads on XING, Stepstone, and other leading job boards?
You can use our solution to post your job ads for free on 15+ job boards, or choose from 250+ additional premium job boards to promote your jobs even better. All with the click of a button!
Where to find the best candidates: XING vs Stepstone
Who can I reach on XING?
XING excels in connecting you with professionals in the DACH region. Here, you can find:
- Experienced professionals in specific fields
- Candidates interested in networking opportunities
- Individuals seeking career development resources
- Professionals in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
- Users valuing professional relationships
- Members looking for industry insights
- People open to new opportunities within their network
Who can I reach on Stepstone?
Stepstone, with its broader approach, allows you to reach:
- A wide variety of job seekers across Europe
- Candidates from entry-level to executive positions
- Individuals across various industries
- Job seekers looking for immediate opportunities
- Users from different geographical locations
- Candidates who prefer a straightforward job search
- A vast audience with diverse job interests
XING and Stepstone: Which is the best online platform for your company
Deciding between XING and Stepstone boils down to your specific needs. XING shines if you’re looking to build a network and connect with professionals in the DACH region, offering a unique blend of networking and job posting functionalities. Its strength lies in fostering professional relationships and community engagement, which can be crucial for targeted recruitment efforts.
On the flip side, Stepstone might edge out XING if your priority is reaching a broader European audience with a direct approach to job posting. For example, if you’re focussed on more international, global recruitment, Stepstone is probably better. Stepstone’s vast database and wide reach make it an excellent choice for quickly filling positions across various industries and levels.
In the end, when debating Stepstone vs XING, your decision should hinge on the type of candidates you wish to attract and the regions you’re targeting. Each platform brings unique advantages to the table, addressing different facets of the recruitment process.
Alternatives to XING and Stepstone
While XING and Stepstone are formidable platforms, exploring alternatives can broaden your reach. Consider these job boards:
- LinkedIn—A global networking site with job posting capabilities (also see: How to post a job on LinkedIn)
- Indeed—Offers a vast range of job listings worldwide (also see: How to post a job on Indeed)
- Monster—Known for its comprehensive search tools and resume database
- Glassdoor—Provides insights into company cultures and salaries along with job listings
- JobSite—Specialises in UK-based positions across various industries, making it one of the best UK job sites
Each of these platforms has its unique features and audience, making them worth exploring alongside XING and Stepstone. Whether you’re deciding “which is better, Stepstone or XING”, or exploring other avenues, the key is to understand where your ideal candidates are and how best to reach them.
Editorial Team
JOIN's editorial team currently consists of Senior Content Manager Frans Lelivelt and Junior Content Manager Mia Worts. Together, they are responsible for the articles published on our Recruitment & HR Blog, as well as several other sections of our website (like our Glossary and our Job Description templates).
