Which term refers to the channel through which job openings are communicated to prospective applicants?

The term that best describes the channel through which job openings are communicated to prospective applicants is "job posting." Job posting refers specifically to the process of publishing a job opening, typically within a company's internal systems or on external platforms such as job boards, company websites, or social media.

This term encapsulates the formal act of announcing a vacancy and detailing the job's responsibilities, required qualifications, and application procedures. Job postings are essential for attracting interest from candidates and serve as a direct line of communication for those seeking employment opportunities in a targeted manner.

In contrast, the other options, while related, do not fit as precisely. Advertising encompasses a broader category of promotional activities, including various methods of drawing attention to a job opening, which may include job postings but also ads in newspapers or other media. Job listings are simply the enumerated opportunities available but do not inherently denote the act of communicating an opening. Talent search, on the other hand, refers to actively seeking out candidates, which may occur after job postings have been made or in parallel with them, rather than being the communication channel itself.

Thus, "job posting" is the most accurate term for the specific mechanism of conveying job openings to potential applicants.