When it comes to job searching and career networking, LinkedIn and Indeed are two of the most popular platforms. But which one is better for job seekers? Here we’ll compare the key features and benefits of each platform to help you decide which is right for your needs.
Reputation and Brand Recognition
One of the main differences between LinkedIn and Indeed is the reputation and brand recognition associated with each site. LinkedIn has established itself as the premier professional networking platform, with over 310 million users worldwide. It’s the go-to resource for job seekers and companies looking to hire qualified candidates.
Indeed, while still a major job board, doesn’t have quite the same brand recognition and reputation as LinkedIn. Many view Indeed more as an aggregate job search engine rather than a career networking site. Overall, LinkedIn’s strong reputation gives it an edge over Indeed when it comes to leveraging professional connections and opportunities.
User Base and Networking
With over 310 million users, LinkedIn simply has a much larger global user base than Indeed. This gives LinkedIn users access to a wider professional network and more potential contacts and connections.
LinkedIn is built around networking – users create professional profiles summarizing their background and interests to connect with others in their industry. This focus on building an online professional network gives LinkedIn a leg up for job seekers looking to tap into new opportunities.
Quality of Candidates and Jobs
Not only does LinkedIn have a larger user base, but there is often a greater focus on quality within that user base. LinkedIn tends to attract more senior-level professionals, managers, executives, and career-driven individuals looking to network. Indeed casts a wider net and attracts all types of job seekers.
Similarly, jobs posted directly on LinkedIn’s job board are typically more professional-level positions compared to Indeed, which aggregates postings from all sources. The higher concentration of decision makers and influential professionals on LinkedIn can be advantageous for a job seeker’s visibility and opportunities.
Job Search and Application Process
When it comes to finding and applying to open positions, both LinkedIn and Indeed offer robust job search platforms – but there are some key differences in features and functionality.
Job Listings and Sources
Indeed has the advantage when it comes to the number of job listings available. Indeed pulls job postings from company career sites, staffing agencies, job boards, newspapers, associations, and more. LinkedIn primarily shows jobs posted directly to their platform.
However, as mentioned above, the quality of listings on LinkedIn may be more relevant and targeted to a professional’s specific interests and qualifications.
Job Alerts and Notifications
Both sites allow users to save job searches and set up alerts to be notified of new openings. LinkedIn and Indeed take different approaches when matching users to relevant opportunities.
Indeed’s algorithm looks for keyword matches between a user’s search terms and job postings. LinkedIn takes the user’s full profile into account, looking at experience, skills, education, and interests to generate suggested jobs. For proactive job seekers, LinkedIn’s notifications may feel more customized and on-target.
Applying for Jobs
In most cases, users will be directed to a company’s external site to formally apply for positions found on Indeed. LinkedIn allows one-click applying directly through their platform, providing a more seamless experience.
LinkedIn users can signal that they are “open to work” to become more discoverable for recruiters as well. LinkedIn makes it easy to signal interest and engage with opportunities without leaving the site.
Visibility and Discoverability
Creating a strong profile and maximizing visibility are key to leveraging the opportunities on LinkedIn and Indeed.
Candidate Profiles
Indeed users can create resumes visible to employers, but profiles are limited compared to LinkedIn. LinkedIn profiles allow users to highlight skills, experience, education, accomplishments, recommendations, portfolio samples, and more. Profiles can be optimized with keywords and skills to improve visibility in searches.
57% of LinkedIn members have been approached about job opportunities through LinkedIn. The platform makes it easy for recruiters to find qualified, passive candidates open to new roles.
Connecting with Professionals and Companies
A core strength of LinkedIn is the ability to follow companies, join industry groups, and connect with professionals at organizations that interest you. This allows users to strengthen their network and increase discoverability.
Indeed focuses solely on job searching – users cannot follow or connect with companies or professionals. The platform is designed primarily to help individuals identify and apply for open positions, rather than facilitate connections.
Additional Features and Functionalities
Beyond job searching and networking, LinkedIn and Indeed offer some different features and functionality.
LinkedIn Features
- Posts and articles to share news, experiences, and perspectives
- Recommendations to build credibility
- Sponsored content for companies to promote their brand and recruiting
- LinkedIn Learning for professional development courses
- Salary comparison tool
Indeed Features
- Advanced search filters to narrow options
- Interview tips and questions
- Company reviews and ratings
- Resume builder and optimizer
LinkedIn provides more tools to create and engage with content, build connections, and grow professionally over time. Indeed is more narrowly focused on surfacing relevant job listings quickly.
Pricing and Plans
LinkedIn and Indeed both offer free versions of their platforms with premium paid tiers to access more features.
Tier | Indeed | |
---|---|---|
Free | Create profile, search jobs, limited networking | Search jobs, post resume |
Premium Monthly | $29.99/month | Indeed Prime – $59/month |
Key Features | Apply with 1-click, see who viewed profile, send InMails, additional search filters | Top-placed resume, resume building tools, message recruiters |
LinkedIn Premium is competitively priced and offers features tailored to getting discovered and connecting with opportunities. Indeed Prime focuses more on resume building and being seen by recruiters.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, LinkedIn delivers greater advantages for most professional job seekers looking to network and uncover new roles. The combination of stronger brand recognition, larger professional network, quality of candidates and jobs, and breadth of features makes LinkedIn hard to beat.
Indeed still holds value as a massive job aggregator where positions can be found quickly. The broad reach has appeal for some job seekers. But those focused on career advancement are better served investing time in cultivating a strong LinkedIn presence.
In summary:
- LinkedIn offers more robust professional networking possibilities
- Higher concentration of decision makers and senior professionals on LinkedIn
- LinkedIn profiles provide better visibility and discoverability for recruiters
- LinkedIn makes it easier to signal interest, engage with jobs, and directly apply
- More tools for building connections, sharing content, and growing professionally
For most job seekers, particularly those focused on advancing their career long-term, LinkedIn delivers clear advantages over Indeed. Leveraging LinkedIn should be part of any comprehensive job hunting strategy in today’s market.