In today’s competitive employment market, it is important to leverage every available tool to maximize your chances of landing the right job. You not only want to have a resume that makes the best possible impression, you also need to ensure that you get that resume into the right hiring managers’ hands. For some job seekers, posting a resume on Indeed can be a great way to save time and get even more attention from recruiters and hiring managers. But is that the right option for you?
In this post, we will look at the pros and cons of posting your resume on Indeed, as well as on any of the most popular online job boards. We will also offer some tips you can use to upload your own resume to Indeed.
Is posting your resume to online job boards a good idea?
Learning how to upload a new resume on Indeed or other online job boards can offer many advantages. Often, recruiters and hiring managers will browse through these online boards in search of potential new hires. When your resume is posted and available for viewing, those recruiters will be able to readily identify you as a potential candidate for any open job. Depending on the role you’re seeking and the industry you’re employed in, this can be a great way to open doors to employment opportunities you might have otherwise missed.
Of course, there are both pros and cons to this approach since no two situations are ever exactly alike. Ultimately, your decision about whether to utilize online job boards for resume submissions will depend on your own unique circumstances. Let’s examine the potential advantages and disadvantages of using this tool for your resume, focusing on when you should and should not post your resume on Indeed.
When should you post a resume on Indeed?
You may want to post your resume on Indeed or other job boards if:
You are actively searching for a job and want to ensure that your resume is seen by a wide variety of recruiters, hiring managers, and companies. Job boards like Indeed can provide a tremendous amount of exposure for job seekers, so posting your resume may help you gain greater visibility and lead to more opportunities.
You plan to submit your resume to multiple companies. Job boards like Indeed simplify that process by enabling you to create a profile and apply for a position in seconds. That saves time for you to pursue other aspects of the job search process, like following up on those submissions or preparing for interviews.
Your resume doesn’t require a lot of tailoring. Depending on your field of expertise and the role you are seeking, you may be able to use your resume without changing it to target the specific company.
When should you avoid posting a resume on Indeed?
Of course, there may also be times when you may not want to upload your resume to Indeed or other job boards. For example, you might want to avoid putting your resume on those platforms if:
You are concerned about potential privacy issues. Data protection is a major priority for many of these companies, but that doesn’t mean that a data breach can never occur. Make sure you know the risks before you post your resume to Indeed or any online site.
You’re seeking a position that requires you to tailor your resume for each specific role. Obviously, any posted resume will need to be a one-size-fits-all document if you want to use it for multiple resume submissions. If you plan to tailor each submission to ensure that it targets each company in the best possible way, that generic resume upload may not be the right option for you.
Your job search plans do not include responding to multiple unsolicited job offers. You won’t have complete control over which companies reach out to you, so make sure that you are prepared to answer those inquiries.
You are currently employed and don’t want your employer to know that you are looking for another job. Obviously, this is always a risk when you are in that situation since people in the same industry often share this type of news with one another. Still, a publicly available resume submission can increase the odds that your boss will discover that you’re pursuing other options.
How much does it cost to upload my resume to Indeed?
Most job search sites allow you to upload your resume. You would typically do this when registering for an account. Fortunately, many of the main job boards do not charge job seekers for access to profile creation and resume upload features. Instead, sites like Indeed charge employers a fee to browse through their pool of resumes.
Expert Tip
Job seekers should be careful using resume builder tools like the Indeed resume builder. They are not optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS) systems and the formats aren't eye-catching.
Is my information safe?
Job board sites often allow you to choose whether you want your resume to be public. If you don't want your resume to be viewed by just anyone, do your research to see exactly who will be able to access it. Moreover, sites like Indeed will block out your street address along with your email and phone number which will be visible only to employers you apply or respond to.
How to upload your resume on Indeed
If you do decide to post your resume to Indeed, the process is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps to quickly complete the upload process.
1. Select the upload your resume button
Begin the process by visiting Indeed’s home page. There, you will find the “Upload your resume” link at the upper right of the page. Clicking on that link will bring up another window that allows you to enter your email address or sign in using Google and other options. Once you do that, you will be taken to a page that allows you to upload your resume to the site. You can do that now or select the skip option and upload the document after you complete your account creation process.
2. Create an account
To upload and maintain your profile on Indeed, you will need to create an account. Whether you upload your resume immediately or skip that step, you will next be taken to your profile page. You can add as much or as little personal information as you’d like and create a password to secure your account. You will also be asked to confirm your email.
3. Make sure your resume is in the right format
Indeed also provides a resume format tool that you can use to make sure that your document aligns with the site’s template format. As you do so, make any adjustments needed to ensure that the site puts your information in your desired resume sections. You can also use this time to proofread the resume, or tailor it to any specific role that you are interested in seeking.
4. Adjust your settings
Once you are done with your formatting, you should choose your searchability settings. There are two options here: you can opt to limit searchability or choose to make both your resume and profile open to public view. The latter option will make it easier for any employer or recruiter to find you. However, if you don’t want everyone to see this information, you might want to select the former option.
3 tips for posting your resume to job boards
1. Only post your resume to reputable sites
Don't just go around posting your resume to dozens of sites; you will run the risk of your information getting out to spammers. There are only a handful of sites you should be posting your resume to.
These include:
LinkedIn
Glassdoor
Monster
Indeed
ZipRecruiter
CareerBuilder
Expert Tip
Read our full list of the top sites to post your resume on.
2. Check the terms
Check to see who will be able to access your online resume before you post it. You may not want to give millions of people access to your information. Check each site's terms or FAQ page for details. You should contact support if you're unable to locate the exact terms.
3. Maintain realistic expectations
Don't think that you should stop applying for jobs once your Indeed resume is posted. The chances of actually landing a job by simply posting your resume are not as good as you might think. You should be actively applying to as many jobs as you're qualified for.
Take action now to find your dream job
While posting your resume on Indeed or other job board sites can expand your job search reach, there are many things to consider before you use that tool. Make sure that you understand all of the pros and cons of online job boards to ensure that this approach is the right choice for your job search needs.
Before you post your resume to Indeed or any other job boards, make sure it’s ready to capture the right kind of attention. Get your free resume review from our team of experts today!
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Written by
Ken Chase, Freelance Writer
During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on ZipJob’s blog.
