Finding the right job today often means navigating more job boards and hiring platforms than ever before. Among them, Indeed stands out as the world’s largest job site, used by millions of job seekers and employers across industries. But with its size and reach comes complexity: knowing how to use Indeed effectively can make the difference between sending out applications that go nowhere and landing real opportunities. This guide breaks down what Indeed is, how it works, and how you can use it strategically to move your career forward.
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What Is Indeed?
Indeed is the world’s largest job site, connecting millions of job seekers with employers around the world. At its core, it functions as both a job search engine and a hiring platform. Job seekers can post resumes, browse job listings, and apply directly to companies hiring, while employers can post openings, review candidates, and manage applications in one place.
Unlike traditional job boards that only display listings submitted directly by companies, Indeed acts as an aggregator. It pulls job postings from company websites, staffing firms, and other boards, giving candidates a wider view of the workforce and available opportunities. For job seekers, this means fewer tabs open and a more comprehensive search. For employers, it means reaching a larger audience of potential candidates without relying on one channel.
Its role in the industry has only grown. In Huntr’s Q2 2025 Job Search Trends Report, LinkedIn captured nearly 80% of job saves. Yet Indeed is gaining ground quickly, jumping from 6.3% market share in January to over 10% in June, a 65% increase in just six months. That growth signals momentum and shows why more professionals are taking a fresh look at how to use Indeed in their career development.
Understanding how Indeed works is less about following a single path and more about knowing how to make the platform serve your career goals. It’s not just a website with job postings. It’s a place to research companies, compare pay, build visibility with recruiters, and tap into one of the most active hiring networks in the world.
How Indeed Works for Job Seekers
Creating a Free Account and Profile
Setting up an Indeed account is the first step to using the site effectively. You can sign up with Google, Apple, or an email address, then confirm your account through email or phone verification. Once inside, complete your profile with your name, location, and contact information. Be thoughtful here; your profile is what potential employers see before they even open your resume.
You’ll also want to adjust visibility preferences. A searchable profile allows companies to message you directly, while a private setting keeps your information hidden unless you apply. Most job seekers benefit from being searchable since it increases recruiter outreach, but only if the profile looks professional and complete.
Uploading or Building Your Resume
Indeed gives you two options: upload an existing resume file or build one within the platform. Uploading is faster, but the on-site builder formats your resume to match Indeed’s system, which can help with visibility in searches.
Before making it public, review privacy settings. A searchable resume can be found by employers browsing candidates, while a private one requires you to apply directly for each role. Choose what fits your comfort level.
Whichever route you take, resist the temptation to leave your resume static. Huntr’s data shows that tailored resumes convert to interviews at more than double the rate of generic ones (5.75% vs. 2.68%). In practice, that means updating your resume on Indeed with relevant keywords from each job description gives you a far better chance of standing out.
(Pro Tip: Tailoring resumes manually can be time-consuming. Tools like Huntr’s AI Resume Builder and Resume Keyword Scanner make it faster by pulling keywords directly from the job description and helping you create a tailored version in minutes. That way, you get the interview-boosting benefits of customization without burning hours on each application.)
Searching for Jobs Effectively
The search bar is simple, but how you use it makes the difference. Start with a job title or skill, then refine results with filters like location, salary range, company name, or experience level. If you’re looking for flexibility, adding “remote” or “hybrid” to your search still pulls up a wide range of options.
Advanced search tricks help too. Quotation marks target exact job titles, while a minus sign removes unwanted terms. For example, searching “developer -intern” finds full-time developer jobs without internship listings. Setting up alerts ensures new postings land in your inbox, saving time and helping you apply quickly before positions fill.
Saving and Applying to Jobs
As you browse, you can save jobs by clicking the heart icon. This lets you build a shortlist of positions without rushing to apply. When you’re ready, applications usually come in two forms: Quick Apply with your Indeed resume, or redirection to an external company site. Quick Apply is convenient, but don’t rely on it alone; many employers prefer detailed applications on their own websites.
The biggest risk is application fatigue. Sending out dozens of generic applications rarely leads to interviews. Instead, prioritize quality over quantity: focus on roles you’re genuinely interested in, tailor your materials, and track where you’ve applied. That way, each application has a higher chance of turning into an interview rather than just another entry on your list.
(Pro Tip: To avoid “application fatigue,” Huntr’s Job Application Autofill lets you fill out repetitive forms in one click. And with the Job Clipper, you can save all the key details of a listing before it disappears, so you’ll always be prepared for interviews even if the original post comes down.)
Beyond Job Listings: Other Tools on Indeed
Salary Insights
Indeed’s salary tool lets you research pay by job title and location with surprising depth. You can compare salaries across industries, view how compensation shifts from one city to another, and even check employee-reported satisfaction with their pay. For job seekers, this is leverage. If you know the market rate for your role, you’re better equipped to negotiate or to walk away from offers that undervalue your skills. Think of it as a way to measure your professional value before stepping into an interview.
Company Reviews and Ratings
Company reviews give you a window into what it’s actually like to work somewhere. Employees rate employers on pay, work-life balance, career advancement opportunities, management, and culture. Many companies also have a Work Wellbeing Score, which highlights trends around stress, happiness, and purpose. When reading reviews, watch for patterns rather than one-off complaints. Consistent comments about poor management or lack of advancement are red flags, while recurring praise around culture or development often signals genuine strengths. Use reviews to guide your job search and avoid wasting time on organizations with persistent quality issues.
Skills Assessments
Indeed also offers skills assessments that let candidates showcase what they know. These range from technical areas, such as Excel and programming, to soft skills, including communication and leadership. Scores are tiered, with “Proficient” or higher being most useful to display on your profile. Employers often filter candidates by these results, so a strong score can boost visibility and prove you meet specific criteria. The key is to be selective: only take assessments relevant to the jobs you want, and only display scores that enhance your profile. Done well, assessments help you stand out in a crowded field and add credibility beyond what a resume alone can show.
How Indeed Works for Employers (And Why It Matters for Candidates)
Indeed doesn’t just serve job seekers. It’s also a hiring platform where employers post jobs, filter candidates, and manage the recruiting process. Understanding how companies use the site helps you interpret why certain job postings appear at the top of your search results.
Free postings are available to any business, but their visibility drops quickly as new listings go live. To stay competitive, many companies pay to sponsor jobs. Sponsored postings get priority placement and often appear with labels like “Urgently Hiring.” Employers pay based on either clicks or applications, with costs varying by industry and role competitiveness. This system generates revenue for Indeed while shaping what candidates see first.
For job seekers, the takeaway is simple: the most visible jobs are often sponsored. That doesn’t mean they are always the best opportunities, but it does mean they’ll attract more applicants. Being aware of this dynamic helps you approach the site strategically. Look beyond the first page of results, read job descriptions carefully, and don’t assume prominence equals quality. The more you understand how employers use the platform, the better positioned you’ll be to find roles that truly fit your criteria.
Is Indeed Worth Using in 2025?
Advantages for Job Seekers
Indeed remains one of the most accessible tools for job seekers. It’s free to use, has a global reach, and makes it easy to search thousands of jobs in minutes. You can apply directly to many positions, save postings, and even receive messages from employers who find your profile. That visibility creates ample opportunities to discover roles you might not see elsewhere. For professionals early in their careers, the simplicity of Indeed lowers the barrier to entry and can accelerate career development by connecting you with new opportunities quickly.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
That said, it’s important to be realistic about what Indeed can and can’t deliver. Popular job boards attract heavy competition, and candidates often apply to the same high-profile postings. Job seekers also report challenges with repetitive or expired job listings, which can slow the search and lower the quality of the experience. Our Q2 2025 data shows that one in five candidates cite the application process itself as their biggest obstacle. Another 30% say they feel exhausted, while 25% feel stuck in their job search. That’s why using only Indeed can leave you drained. Treat it as one piece of your toolkit, not the whole strategy, and you’ll set yourself up for more consistent results.
How to Make Indeed Work Harder for You
Tailor Resumes for Each Application
One of the fastest ways to stand out on Indeed is to avoid uploading a single, generic resume. Employers often filter by keywords in the job description, so tailoring your resume to match those terms improves visibility. Huntr data shows just how powerful this is: across 1.39 million applications, customized resumes generated about six interviews per 100 applications compared to fewer than three with generic versions. That’s a 2x improvement, and it can be the difference between hearing nothing and moving forward as a candidate. Take the time to showcase relevant achievements and enhance your resume for each application.
Track Applications and Deadlines
Applying to multiple jobs quickly adds up, and without a system, it’s easy to lose track of deadlines or miss follow-ups. An organized account of your applications keeps you on top of positions, next steps, and professional contacts. Think of it as project management for your job search. A clear record prevents you from accidentally applying twice to the same role or forgetting which version of your resume you used, saving you both time and credibility.
(Pro Tip: Instead of juggling spreadsheets or sticky notes, Huntr’s Job Tracker, Contact Tracker, and Interview Tracker keep everything in one place. You’ll know which resume version you sent, who to follow up with, and when your next interview is scheduled.)
Combine Indeed with Other Strategies
Even the best resume won’t carry you if you rely only on job boards. The strongest job seekers use Indeed alongside networking, LinkedIn, and niche sites in their field. This maximizes exposure to new opportunities and strengthens career development by reaching employers who may not post on major platforms. Diversifying your approach also reduces burnout, since progress doesn’t hinge on a single source. Treat Indeed as one tool in a broader business strategy for landing the right role.
Conclusion
So, what is Indeed? Indeed has earned its place as one of the most powerful job boards in the world, but for job seekers, the real advantage comes from knowing how to use it strategically. With LinkedIn still dominating and Indeed gaining ground, the strongest candidates are those who diversify their job search and combine tools, not rely on a single platform. Treat Indeed as a valuable gateway to opportunities, but balance it with networking, niche boards, and a system that helps you stay organized. The process can be messy and competitive, but Huntr makes it easier to manage every application, tailor every resume, and move through the job search with confidence. Start using Huntr today to take control of your search and land the role you want faster.
Ashliana Spence
Ashliana is a freelance marketer and virtual assistant who supports startups like Huntr with content creation, research, and marketing operations. With a background in integrated marketing and a developing focus in AI automation, she’s passionate about helping small teams work smarter and move faster while building innovative systems that unlock new possibilities.