About .jobs domain
.jobs is a sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) operated by Employ Media LLC. It was delegated by ICANN in 2005, with The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) acting as its sponsoring organization. The domain was created with a specific charter to serve a defined purpose within the Domain Name System. Its registry operations are technically supported by Verisign.
Who can register .jobs domain
Registration is restricted to companies and organizations. To register a .jobs domain, the applicant must use the legal name of their company or organization. The registration should typically be initiated by an individual within the company responsible for human resource management. Registrants are screened to ensure they are a legitimate entity operating under the name they represent.
How to register .jobs domain
- Search for your company's legal name followed by .jobs at a participating accredited registrar to check its availability. Ensure you have the correct legal entity name ready for verification.
- Compare the pricing and terms from different registrars authorized to sell .jobs domains; note that registration typically costs around $125 per year plus a setup fee.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate contact and organizational details required for eligibility screening.
- After purchase, verify your contact information and configure your DNS settings to point the domain to your job-related website or landing page.
Typical uses of .jobs domain
The .jobs extension is most commonly used by companies and organizations to create dedicated online hubs for their employment opportunities. It allows human resources departments to communicate a simple, direct URL to job seekers, such as companyname.jobs. While initially for company-specific sites, the registry's Phased Allocation Program also led to the creation of thematic sites like boston.jobs or technology.jobs for broader job boards, though this expansion faced significant controversy and compliance challenges. Users choose it to signal a clear, employment-focused destination distinct from their main corporate website.
Tips for registering .jobs domain
- Registrations require the use of the company's or organization's legal name and are subject to verification by the registry.
- The standard registration term is one year, with an annual renewal fee typically around $125, plus an initial setup fee.
- The registry has implemented a Phased Allocation Program for releasing non-company-name domains (like geographic or occupational names), but this operates under specific rules and has been a point of contention regarding charter compliance.
- Disputes over domain names are subject to the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP).
Frequently asked questions about .jobs domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .jobs domain?
As of today, .jobs domains start from $101.64/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $512.00/yr across 14 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .jobs domains?
NameBeta tracks 14 registrars that support .jobs domain registration, with the cheapest option at $101.64/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .jobs domain?
The registry for .jobs domains is Employ Media, administered by Employ Media LLC.
Who can register a .jobs domain?
Registration is limited to legitimate companies and organizations. You must register a domain that matches your entity's legal name, and the request should be made by someone within the organization who handles human resources. The registry screens applications to confirm the registrant is a bona fide business operating under that name, so having official documentation on hand is advisable.
Can I transfer a .jobs domain between registrars?
Transferring a .jobs domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN transfer policy, which requires unlocking the domain and obtaining an authorization code from the current registrar. The process typically takes 5-7 days. Ensure your domain's registrant contact information is accurate, as the transfer confirmation emails will be sent there. The domain must be more than 60 days old and not within a redemption grace period to be eligible.
What happens if someone registers a .jobs domain that doesn't comply with the charter?
The registry, Employ Media, is obligated to enforce its charter, which restricts registrations to company legal names for job-related sites. If a non-compliant registration is identified—such as a domain used for a general job board not affiliated with the company name—the registry may face compliance action from ICANN. Historically, significant disputes over charter compliance, like the universe.jobs case, have led to formal breach notices and arbitration between the registry and ICANN.
Are there any special dispute policies for .jobs domains?
Yes, the .jobs TLD is subject to the standard Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for resolving bad-faith registrations, such as cybersquatting. Given the TLD's specific purpose, disputes may also involve charter compliance issues, where a registration might not align with the intended use for company-specific job sites. In such cases, complaints could be raised directly with the registry or its sponsor, SHRM, in addition to formal UDRP proceedings.
Can I register geographic or industry-specific .jobs names like 'newyork.jobs'?
The registry's Phased Allocation Program created a mechanism to release such non-company-name domains through processes like RFPs and auctions. However, this expansion was highly controversial and led to a major compliance dispute with ICANN. While some geographic and occupational .jobs domains were registered, the program's operation is tightly linked to the registry's charter compliance, and such registrations are subject to specific rules and ongoing oversight.
What is the role of the sponsoring organization, SHRM?
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) oversees the .jobs TLD's sponsorship, ensuring it serves the human resource management community as defined in the charter. SHRM participates in policy development and reviews proposed amendments to the TLD's business rules through its PDP Council. The sponsor acts as a steward for the TLD's intended purpose and provides a layer of accountability between the registry operator and the community it is designed to serve.
