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As the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, so too does the world of recruitment. Now more than ever, the process of finding a new job can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, with candidates navigating a myriad of platforms, technologies, and tools. At the heart of this transformation stands the National Online Recruitment Awards (NORAs), an institution dedicated to recognising those organisations, products, and individuals who have truly revolutionised the candidate experience. With the launch of the 25th annual NORAs, we celebrate not just a milestone in years, but a legacy of progress, innovation, and inspiration in the online recruitment sector.
The National Online Recruitment Awards were born at the dawn of a new millennium, in an era when the internet was just starting to reshape every aspect of our lives. Founded in 2001, the NORAs set out with a single, resonant mission: to throw a spotlight on the very best practice in online recruitment technology. At a time when digital job boards and online application systems were still in their infancy, the NORAs provided a much-needed benchmark for excellence and innovation.
From their earliest days, the NORAs have championed the belief that the candidate experience should be at the centre of recruitment technology. Each year, as new tools have emerged and the market has grown more sophisticated, the awards have adapted their criteria to reflect the ever-higher standards set by nominees and winners alike. Categories have expanded to include everywhere job vacancies are advertised (job boards, employers and recruitment agencies) to the best technologies underlying the hiring processes, and now even encompass tailor made candidate centric platforms, using AI to guide jobseekers to the very best next opportunity.
Through two and a half decades, the NORAs have become an authoritative voice in the industry, widely recognised as the “Oscars” of online recruitment in the UK and beyond. Their enduring relevance is testament to the constant evolution of online hiring and the tireless pursuit of improvement by those striving to provide a better candidate journey.
No history of the NORAs would be complete without a celebration of some of the remarkable winners who have set new standards and blazed new trails in online recruitment. Their stories are as diverse as the industry itself, yet united by a commitment to excellence and a passion for improving the candidate experience.
Early winners such as Reed.co.uk, CV-Library and Totaljobs helped define the job board landscape, setting benchmarks in usability, intuitive search, and breadth of opportunity. These platforms have been lauded not only for the sheer volume of jobs they present, but also for their continued investment in technology to make job seeking easier and more accessible.
In subsequent years, specialist job boards emerged to address the needs of niche sectors and underrepresented candidate groups. Sites like Tes , serving the educational sector, and VERCIDA , devoted to hiring with diversity and inclusion at it’s core, have each earned their place at the NORAs’ winners’ podium by offering tailored, supportive environments for both recruiters and candidates.
Recruitment agency websites, too, have come to the fore, with agencies such as HAYS and Michael Page repeatedly recognised for innovations in content, accessibility, and engagement. These sites have shown how the integration of industry insights, resources, and personalised job matches can empower candidates to make informed decisions about their careers.
Employer careers sites have also played a critical role in the NORA story, with well-known brands such as the BBC, John Lewis, and the NHS demonstrating how organisations can use digital platforms to communicate their values, culture, and opportunities directly to potential new hires. The most successful of these sites go beyond simply listing jobs; they offer immersive experiences, showcasing real employee stories, transparent application processes, and a clear pathway for candidates to envision their future within the company.
More recently, the NORAs have highlighted the rise of new technologies and approaches that are shaping the future of recruitment. Mobile-first design, AI-powered job matching, and seamless integrations with social media platforms have all been spotlighted in recent award cycles. Platforms that have embraced these innovations are not only keeping pace with candidate expectations, but redefining what is possible in the recruitment process.
At its heart, the purpose of the National Online Recruitment Awards has remained unchanged: to shine a light on the very best in online recruitment, championing those who raise the bar and inspire others to follow. But the importance of the NORAs extends beyond our annual award and glittering trophies.
The NORAs exist to foster a culture of continuous improvement. By providing clear benchmarks and celebrating achievements, the awards encourage all participants—whether job boards, recruiters, employers, or technology providers—to evolve and innovate. They prompt us to ask: How can we make the candidate journey more efficient, inclusive, and human? How can we ensure that candidates, regardless of background or circumstance, have the best possible experience when seeking that next step in their career?
Moreover, the NORAs serve as a platform for sharing best practice across the sector. Winners and nominees alike inspire the wider industry, with their success stories offering practical insights, creative ideas, and new perspectives on the challenges of modern recruitment. In doing so, the NORAs help to elevate standards for everyone, ultimately benefiting candidates and employers alike.
The ultimate goal of the NORAs is simple, yet profound—to help make the candidate experience of finding a new job much better. In an age where technology can sometimes feel impersonal or overwhelming, the NORAs remind us that at the centre of every application, every algorithm, and every interview, there is a real person with hopes, ambitions, and dreams.
By championing those who put the candidate first, the NORAs are more than just an awards programme; they are a movement for change. They prompt organisations to look beyond mere functionality and efficiency, to consider the emotional and psychological journey candidates embark upon. From intuitive website design to clear communication and genuine support, the best in online recruitment is about creating a process that is not only effective but also humane and empowering.
As we mark the launch of the 25th annual National Online Recruitment Awards, we pause to reflect on a remarkable legacy—and to look forward to a future filled with promise. The challenges facing online recruitment will continue to evolve, from technological disruption to shifting candidate expectations and the changing nature of work itself.
Yet, if the past 25 years have taught us anything, it is that the drive for innovation, excellence, and a better candidate experience will remain at the heart of our industry. As we celebrate this milestone, we salute all those who have contributed to the NORAs’ success and invite the next generation of recruiters, technologists, and leaders to join us in shaping the future of online recruitment.
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN, and will close on Friday 5th September at 5:00PM
Recruitment websites and technology companies can also REGISTER HERE.
This year’s 25th annual NORAs are again being held in partnership with SmartRecruiters.
