With the job market more competitive than ever, job seekers need to use every tool at their disposal to find new opportunities. Two of the most popular job search platforms are LinkedIn and Indeed. But which one is better for finding a job?
Both LinkedIn and Indeed have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to job hunting. Here is an in-depth comparison of the two platforms to help you decide which one may work best for your needs.
Popularity
In terms of sheer volume of job listings, Indeed has the edge over LinkedIn. Indeed has over 250 million unique visitors per month globally while LinkedIn has about 277 million total members, with around 57 million being active monthly users searching for jobs. So Indeed reaches a larger talent pool of active and passive job seekers.
However, when looking at the number of registered users, LinkedIn comes out ahead. 61% of LinkedIn’s members are outside the U.S., giving it a broad, global reach for both job postings and talent. Indeed may have more total job listings but LinkedIn has more engaged professional users in its network.
Job Post Quality
While Indeed casts a wider net for job postings, LinkedIn does a better job of attracting high-quality job opportunities. Employers often post to LinkedIn when they want to target more passive candidates who aren’t actively job searching. The jobs on LinkedIn also tend to be for more advanced professional roles such as management, executive, and specialized positions.
Indeed, on the other hand, tends to have more entry-level job listings from a diverse mix of employers ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. The positions advertised on Indeed are typically more accessible roles that don’t require as much prior experience or qualifications.
Searching and Filtering
Indeed and LinkedIn both make it easy to search for jobs, but they each offer different filters to find opportunities that match your needs:
LinkedIn Job Search Filters
- Location
- Date posted
- Company
- Job title
- Industry
- Job function
- Experience level
Indeed Job Search Filters
- Keyword
- Location
- Salary
- Job type (full-time, part-time, etc.)
- Company
- Date posted
- Experience level
As you can see, both sites allow searching by location, date, company, title, and experience level. However, Indeed offers additional filters for salary and job type while LinkedIn lets you filter by industry and function.
So on Indeed, it’s easier to find remote jobs or focus your search on salary range. With LinkedIn, you can narrow your search to specific industries like tech or finance to find more tailored opportunities.
Job Applications
Applying for jobs is straightforward on both platforms, but there are some key differences in how you submit your application on each:
LinkedIn Job Applications
- Apply with your LinkedIn profile
- Option to upload resume from computer
- Applications go through LinkedIn system
Indeed Job Applications
- Upload resume to apply
- Fill out forms for each listing
- Applications go directly to employer
With LinkedIn, you can apply in one click using your existing profile as a resume. Indeed requires manually uploading your resume or filling out forms for each listing you want to apply to. However, on Indeed your application goes right to the employer rather than through a middleman.
Finding the Right Job Fit
To help match you with relevant job opportunities, Indeed and LinkedIn use different tactics:
LinkedIn Job Recommendations
- Uses data from your profile and activity
- Recommendations based on profile, skills, experience
- Shows jobs similar to current/past positions
- Locations based on where your connections are
Indeed Job Recommendations
- Keyword-based recommendations
- Suggestions based on recent searches
- Prompts to set up job alerts for saved searches
LinkedIn uses more contextual signals like your profile details and activity to cater results to you. Indeed relies more on matching keywords and prompts based on searches to recommend jobs. LinkedIn’s approach may feel more personalized while Indeed provides suggestions easily based on searches.
Networking and Connections
One of LinkedIn’s biggest advantages is its professional networking capabilities. With Indeed, you’re limited to just applying for job postings:
LinkedIn for Networking
- Connect with colleagues, peers, alumni, etc.
- Join industry or interest-based groups
- Follow companies to get updates
- Option to signal you’re open to opportunities
- View connections at companies you’re interested in
Having connections at a company you want to work for can help get your foot in the door for jobs that aren’t even posted yet. LinkedIn gives you ways to build your professional network that you won’t get with Indeed.
Job Posting Costs
Posting jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed both come with costs, but Indeed is generally the more affordable option:
LinkedIn Job Posting Plans
- Starter: $199/month
- Basic: $499/month
- Plus: Custom quote
Indeed Job Posting Options
- Free postings
- Sponsored jobs starting at $5/day
- Premium listings for $49-$399
LinkedIn only offers paid plans starting at $199/month for basic postings. Employers can post on Indeed for free or pay reasonable rates to sponsor or highlight their listings.
So Indeed provides more budget-friendly options for getting your job in front of applicants. But LinkedIn may be worth the cost if you’re looking to target more niche, qualified candidates.
Profiles and Resumes
Both LinkedIn and Indeed allow you to create a profile with resume details to help show your qualifications to employers:
LinkedIn Profile
- Robust profile showcasing experience, education, skills, etc.
- Long-form descriptions and media sections
- Viewers can download profile as a resume
- Endorsements and recommendations
Indeed Profile/Resume
- Basic profile with limited text
- Focus only on resume facts like experience, education
- Viewers can download resume
A LinkedIn profile allows you to go in-depth to showcase your qualifications while Indeed profiles are more streamlined, acting mainly as resume repositories.
Salaries and Company Reviews
Researching salaries and company reviews are important parts of evaluating job opportunities. Here’s how each platform compares for these features:
LinkedIn Salary and Reviews
- Self-reported salary data for some positions
- Employee-written company reviews
- Shows basic stats like company size and industry
Indeed Salary and Reviews
- Salary estimation tools and ranges
- Extensive company reviews from employees
- Detailed workplace stats and ratings
Both LinkedIn and Indeed offer employee-generated company reviews, but Indeed has more robust salary data. Indeed also shows more workplace stats like CEO approval ratings and work/life balance ratings.
Job Search Apps and Integration
LinkedIn and Indeed both offer mobile apps to search for jobs and receive alerts on the go:
LinkedIn Job Search App
- Integrated with LinkedIn messaging
- Get notified of new jobs and articles
- One-click apply with profile
- Save job listings and share easily
Indeed Job Search App
- Browse jobs, save searches, set alerts
- Easily share and apply to listings
- Upload resume to apply quickly
- Scan resumes and convert to text
Indeed’s app makes it very easy to quickly apply to jobs with resume upload and scanning features. But LinkedIn’s integration with messaging and notifications may provide a richer mobile experience.
Employer Branding and Reputation
When researching potential employers, LinkedIn and Indeed provide different perspectives:
Employer Branding on LinkedIn
- Company pages showcase careers, culture, etc.
- Follow companies to see content they post
- View current and past employee profiles
- Get a recruiting-focused view of employers
Employer Reputation on Indeed
- Unbiased company review platform
- Salary and workplace data from employees
- Interview insights on hiring process
- Get an applicant-focused view of companies
LinkedIn provides an opportunity for companies to present themselves in the best light to attract talent. Indeed offers transparent reviews and data on employers from an employee point of view.
Additional Job Search Resources
Besides job listings, LinkedIn and Indeed offer some extra resources to aid the job search process:
LinkedIn Resources
- Articles and advice from career experts
- Online learning courses
- Profile makeover and resume building tools
- Job interview preparation videos
Indeed Resources
- Career development advice articles and quizzes
- Step-by-step guides for resumes, cover letters, interviews
- Webinars on job search topics
- Podcast exploring workplace topics
Both platforms provide plenty of guidance beyond job postings to help you succeed in your career. LinkedIn focuses on increasing your professional brand while Indeed aims to polish practical job search skills.
Pros and Cons Comparison
To recap the key differences, here is an overview of the major pros and cons of using LinkedIn vs Indeed to find jobs:
LinkedIn Pros
- Large professional network
- High-quality job opportunities
- Tools to build connections
- Robust user profiles
- Career development resources
LinkedIn Cons
- Limited job filters
- Costly for employers to post jobs
- Less flexible job search features
Indeed Pros
- Highest number of job listings
- Variety of jobs for all levels
- Lower costs for posting jobs
- Advanced job search filters
- Salary estimation tools
Indeed Cons
- No networking capabilities
- Less personalized recommendations
- Profiles less robust than LinkedIn
LinkedIn shines for making connections and finding higher-level opportunities but has a more limited and expensive job board. Indeed casts a wider net for all types of job seekers and employers but lacks networking features.
Which Platform is Best for You?
So which job site is better for your search? Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to focus on LinkedIn or Indeed:
- Job level – LinkedIn for more senior professional roles, Indeed for entry-level positions
- Industry – Focus on industry-specific jobs you want on LinkedIn
- Connections – Leverage networks on LinkedIn if you have them
- Application volume – Indeed to apply to many postings quickly
- Local search – Indeed has more region-specific jobs
- Remote jobs – Look for work from home options on Indeed
- Salary research – Indeed for estimated salary ranges
- Company research – Indeed for unfiltered employer reviews
Consider whether you need more networking capabilities through LinkedIn or want to cast a wide net with advanced searching on Indeed. Your individual circumstances will determine whether one platform gives you an advantage.
Use Both Platforms for the Most Opportunities
While there are clear differences between LinkedIn and Indeed, the best approach is likely using both in your job search to open up more possibilities.
Each platform reaches a different pool of employers and applicants. By casting a wide net across both job boards, you give yourself the best chance at finding the right opportunities. Complement active job hunting on Indeed with networking on LinkedIn to maximize your chances.
Focus on playing to the inherent strengths of both platforms – LinkedIn for making connections and Indeed for high volume applications. That way you benefit from the unique advantages each site provides. Don’t limit yourself by relying on just one or the other.
Regardless of which site you prefer, persistence and patience during the job search process are key. Keep applying, expanding your network, and enhancing your profile until you land the right role.
Conclusion
LinkedIn and Indeed take different approaches to helping job seekers find new opportunities, but both remain very useful platforms. LinkedIn excels at leveraging professional connections while Indeed offers easy job hunting at scale.
The best strategy is using both sites to their full advantage. Post your profile on LinkedIn to network and look for roles suited to experienced professionals. Meanwhile, tap into Indeed’s unparalleled reach and job search tools to find entry-level and local positions.
Consider the key strengths of each platform and how they align with your job search needs. With the right approach, leveraging these two major job boards can significantly improve your chances of finding the perfect job match.