The rise of AI Overviews (AIO) in Google Search is reshaping how users interact with job-related queries. For job boards, this shift means fewer clicks on broad informational searches, tighter competition for top-of-SERP real estate, and a greater emphasis on high-intent, transactional queries.

Impact of Google's AI Overviews in 2025

• Reduced click-through rates (CTR): -30 to -25% (source: Ahrefs)

• Increased amount of "zero-click" searches: 80% of consumers now resolve 40% of their online search queries without clicking on any links in the search results. (source: Bain & Company)

• Decrease in real estate: paid ads are more pushed below the fold, decreasing clicks and increasing CPCs

Key Recommendations

• Reallocate budgets toward high-intent, transactional queries and protect brand terms.

• Adopt AI-powered ad tools like AI Max, Performance Max, and Smart Bidding to maintain efficiency.

• Use ad assets and natural-language copy to reclaim SERP visibility.

• Build synergy between SEO, brand authority, and paid campaigns to secure presence in AI summaries.

Our white paper

This white paper consolidates three strategic perspectives into a unified playbook that helps job boards adapt their paid marketing strategies to thrive in this AI-driven landscape. If you want to receive it: send us a message or contact Dennis van Allemeersch or Peter Hoogendijk.