In today’s digital age, there are many options when it comes to searching for and applying to jobs online. Two of the most popular platforms job seekers use are LinkedIn and Indeed. But which one is better for finding and landing your next career opportunity? Here we’ll compare and contrast applying on LinkedIn vs. Indeed to help you decide which job site works best for your needs.
LinkedIn for Job Applications
As the world’s largest professional networking platform with over 690 million users, LinkedIn is a great place to both search for jobs and apply for them. Here are some of the key benefits of using LinkedIn to look for and apply to jobs:
- Targeted to professional roles – The positions advertised on LinkedIn tend to be more professional, skilled, and higher level roles in most industries.
- Company pages – Research the companies you’re interested in more deeply through their LinkedIn Company Pages.
- Connections – You can potentially get referred or connected to the right hiring managers through your network connections.
- Build your profile – Use your LinkedIn profile to showcase your background and brand for recruiters and hiring managers.
- Easy apply – LinkedIn makes it simple to upload your profile and resume and apply for jobs in just a few clicks.
Essentially, LinkedIn not only allows you to find relevant job opportunities, but also leverage your network and personal brand to increase your chances of getting noticed and hired.
Indeed for Job Applications
With over 250 million unique visitors per month, Indeed is one of the most visited job websites in the world. Here are some key advantages Indeed offers job seekers:
- Quantity of listings – Indeed has the highest number of job postings compared to any other site, across many industries and career levels.
- Global reach – You can find jobs on Indeed across multiple countries around the world.
- Powerful search tools – Advanced search filters and options help you quickly narrow down results.
- Variety of jobs – From entry-level positions to executive roles, you can find opportunities of all types.
- User friendly interface – The Indeed platform is very easy to navigate and use for job hunting.
In short, Indeed is ideal when you want an extensive selection of jobs all in one place and simple, fast searching and applying.
Comparison of Applying on LinkedIn vs Indeed
When deciding which platform may work best for job applications, here is a quick comparison between LinkedIn and Indeed:
| Factor | Indeed | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of job listings | Around 15 million | Around 60 million |
| Types of jobs posted | Mostly professional and skilled roles | All levels and industries |
| Additional user features | Profile, network connections, company pages | Advanced search filters |
| Job application process | Apply through profile with resume | Apply directly on website or external site |
| User experience focus | Leveraging networks and profiles | High volume job matching |
As you can see, LinkedIn tends to be better for making professional connections and getting your personal brand seen. Indeed’s strength is giving you an immense number of job options to browse and apply to.
When to Use Each Platform
Based on their different strengths, here are some recommendations on when to use LinkedIn vs Indeed when looking for a new job:
Use LinkedIn When:
- You want to leverage your professional network and connections
- You are looking for higher level professional and leadership roles
- You want to get noticed and stand out as an individual candidate
- You want to research companies and tap into your insider connections
Use Indeed When:
- You want the widest possible selection of job postings
- You are open to job opportunities across many levels and industries
- You value ease and speed of job searching and applying
- You are looking for jobs with the highest volume of openings
Tips for Success When Applying
Whichever platform you use, make sure to follow these tips to maximize your job search and application success:
- Completely fill out your user profile
- Optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems
- Customize your application materials for each job
- Utilize matching tools to find best fit jobs
- Follow up and network with recruiters and hiring managers
- Track all the jobs and applications in a spreadsheet
Conclusion
Both LinkedIn and Indeed are excellent resources for finding and applying to open positions. LinkedIn is ideal for leveraging networks and showcasing your professional brand, while Indeed offers unmatched job listing volume and simplicity. Focus on the platform that aligns with your search needs and career goals, and make sure to provide customized, high quality application materials. With persistence and a strategic approach, you can land that next great opportunity!
