ZipRecruiter vs Indeed

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Table Of Contents

Written By: Michael Gardon | Edited By: Mike Jelinek

Our top pick is consistently ZipRecruiter because they allows an employer to post one job to multiple online job boards at the same time and they have a great reputation for having top candidates online.

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ZipRecruiter and Indeed are two popular job sites that serve the same purpose - helping people find jobs. While ZipRecruiter and Indeed differ in how they operate and charge for job postings, choosing the right one for you depends on what you want to accomplish. This article compares ZipRecruiter and Indeed to help you decide which one is best for your job posting and search needs. Ready to start your job hunt? Sign up for ZipRecruiter for free now!

ZipRecruiter Vs Indeed At A Glance

In the world of job posting sites, ZipRecruiter and Indeed are two of the most well-known. While they both aim to help job seekers and employers connect, they have different approaches to doing so. Your choice between the two will depend on what you hope to achieve.

ZipRecruiter offers the ability to post a job to multiple online job boards at once, including their own. They boast over 100 job boards in their network. Meanwhile, Indeed is a massive job board where employers can list open positions for free.

ZipRecruiter is more of a SaaS service, while Indeed is primarily a job board. This difference means that ZipRecruiter may have a higher chance of attracting qualified job candidates, while Indeed provides more control over your job search and displays the posting's age.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at ZipRecruiter and Indeed to help you determine which one is the best fit for your job posting and search needs.

Job Posting on ZipRecruiter vs Indeed

Job Posting on ZipRecruiter

ZipRecruiter is an excellent choice for companies looking to fill positions quickly and source a large candidate pool. With over 100 job board partnerships, employers can post their open positions on ZipRecruiter and have them automatically syndicated to all of the job boards in its network.

Additionally, ZipRecruiter's AI algorithm parses applicant resumes, determines if they may be a match for the open role, and invites candidates to apply, making it easy to amass a qualified candidate pool with minimal effort on the employer's side.

ZipRecruiter also offers an ATS integration option, allowing employers to streamline their recruitment process. This feature is only available on the Pro plan. ZipRecruiter's customer service is attentive, and they offer a mobile app, customizable job post templates, and job candidate ranking. 

The sheer volume of applications that ZipRecruiter sources for an open job position can be overwhelming, which may be a turn-off for employers who need more time or resources to screen candidates closely. While larger employers may appreciate the number of applications, it can be challenging to sort through them all. For more information on how to post a job on ZipRecruiter, check out our guide.

Job Posting on Indeed

Indeed is an ideal choice for companies sourcing talent on a budget because it is free to use. Employers can post as many open positions as they like without buying into a subscription-based plan.

Additionally, customers can access Indeed's free job hiring insights tool, where recruiters can view trends in job-specific roles throughout the U.S. Such tools allow recruiters to strategically pinpoint marketplaces to focus their recruitment efforts without posting their open position on multiple job boards with reckless abandon.

Indeed's built-in ATS software functions and interview scheduling features are also helpful for streamlining the recruitment process. However, because Indeed is a free tool for both recruiters and job seekers, it can be easy for job openings to get lost in the mix of competing job posts. Unless recruiters pay to get their job posting sponsored, Indeed may not be the right fit for companies needing to source talent for urgently needed positions.

Indeed's customer service is limited to online help forums or through email. They offer a mobile app, a large candidate pool, and a Google Chrome Indeed Recruiter Extension, which can transfer data to a limited number of ATSs. However, Indeed does not distribute job posts elsewhere.

While Indeed's customer service is limited to online help forums or through email, they offer a mobile app, a large candidate pool, and a Google Chrome Indeed Recruiter Extension, which can transfer data to a limited number of ATSs. However, Indeed does not distribute job posts elsewhere, and it can be challenging to ensure that job openings are visible to the right candidates.

For more information, check out our guide on how to post a job on Indeed

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Job Searching on ZipRecruiter vs Indeed

Job Searching on ZipRecruiter

ZipRecruiter is an excellent job search platform for job seekers who are constantly on their phones. With the highest-rated job-seeking app, ZipRecruiter makes it easy to search for jobs based on location, keyword, or even salary.

Job seekers are encouraged to create a profile that is made public to the employers they apply to. In addition to your resume, you can add social handles, a profile picture, desired salary, and references, making it an expansion of your resume. Once your profile is complete, you have the option of making it public, which means an employer could seek you out even if you did not apply.

As a job seeker, it is completely free to create an account and search for jobs on ZipRecruiter. When you apply for a job, it is almost like a text message window of dialogue between you and the employer, which is a great way to establish communication.

Job Searching on Indeed

Indeed is a user-friendly job search platform for job seekers. Once you sign up and upload your resume, which can be either public or private for employers, you can take optional assessments to further bolster your profile.

With your resume uploaded, you can easily search for jobs and apply either directly through Indeed or on the company's website, depending on your preference. Moreover, Indeed is an excellent source for company reviews, allowing you to see what past and present employees have to say about working for a company you are considering applying to.

Indeed's job search platform is straightforward to navigate, making it a great choice for job seekers. For a more in-depth guide on how to use Indeed to find your next job, check out our Indeed review.

For a more in-depth guide, check out our Indeed review.

Pricing on ZipRecruiter vs Indeed

Pricing On ZipRecruiter

ZipRecruiter offers a subscription-based pricing model with three main subscription tiers: Standard, Premium, and Pro. Each tier offers a different number of reusable "job slots," or how many unique job ads employers can have running at once, and job listing prioritization. ZipRecruiter does not disclose its pricing for each tier on its website. Instead, users must sign up for ZipRecruiter's free trial period on the Standard or Premium plans before ZipRecruiter offers them a quote. 

ZipRecruiter considers several factors when offering their quote, such as the number of unique job ads needed to post at once, visibility of the ad (priority listing), number of users needing access, industry, and job location.

With its wide job posting distribution network, ZipRecruiter automatically syndicates job postings to all of the job boards. ZipRecruiter also uses an intuitive artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that parses applicant resumes, determines if they may be a match for the open role, and invites candidates to apply. These features can amass a qualified candidate pool with little effort on the employer's side, making it ideal for companies needing a large candidate pool quickly.

Pricing On Indeed

Indeed is free to use with no cap on the number of job postings. Employers can post as many open positions as they like without buying into a subscription-based plan. However, employers must pay to sponsor their job postings to promote them as targeted job ads. Employers pay per application received, with the amount based on job title, job location, and local market conditions. Indeed's pricing model operates much like other social media platforms, and it is perfect for companies sourcing talent on a budget.

Indeed offers a free job hiring insights tool, where recruiters can view trends in job-specific roles throughout the U.S. Such tools allow recruiters to strategically pinpoint marketplaces to focus their recruitment efforts without posting their open position on multiple job boards with reckless abandon. However, because Indeed is a free tool for both recruiters and job seekers, it is easy for job openings to get lost in the mix of competing job posts. Unless recruiters pay to get their job posting sponsored, Indeed may not be the right fit for companies needing to source talent for urgently needed positions.

Candidate Sourcing on ZipRecruiter vs Indeed

Candidate Sourcing on ZipRecruiter

With its wide job posting distribution network, employers can post their open positions to ZipRecruiter, and ZipRecruiter automatically syndicates them to all of the job boards in its network. This feature allows employers to reach a larger pool of candidates with minimal effort.

ZipRecruiter also has an intuitive artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that parses applicant résumés, determines if they may be a match for the open role, and invites candidates to apply. This feature saves time for employers and ensures that only qualified candidates apply for the job.

ZipRecruiter also has applicant tracking system (ATS) integrations such as Greenhouse, JazzHR, Zoho Recruit, and Breezy HR, which helps employers manage their candidates better.

However, the sheer volume of applications that ZipRecruiter sources for an open job position can be overwhelming. This may be a turn-off for employers who need more time or resources to screen candidates closely.

For more information, check out our full ZipRecruiter review. 

Candidate Sourcing on Indeed

Indeed is perfect for companies sourcing talent on a budget because it is free to use with no cap on the number of job postings. Employers can post as many open positions as they like without buying into a subscription-based plan.

Moreover, Indeed has a large candidate pool, and its built-in ATS software functions help employers manage their candidates better. Indeed also offers tools like interview scheduling, screener questions, and assessments (job skills tests) to streamline the hiring process.

However, because Indeed is free for both recruiters and job seekers, it is easy for job openings to get lost in the mix of competing job posts. Unless recruiters pay to get their job posting sponsored, Indeed may not be the right fit for companies needing to source talent for urgently needed positions.

Features Comparison

Resume Database

ZipRecruiter and Indeed offer access to large resume databases but with different approaches. ZipRecruiter provides access to over 43 million resumes, while Indeed offers access to over 245 million resumes. However, access to Indeed's resume database is only available through their subscription plans, which can be costly for some employers. On the other hand, ZipRecruiter's resume database is available on all plans, making it a more accessible option for employers on a budget.

Screening Tools

Both ZipRecruiter and Indeed offer screening tools to help employers filter through resumes and find the best candidates. ZipRecruiter's AI algorithm matches candidates to job postings based on their skills and experience, while Indeed provides screener questions and assessments to help employers evaluate candidates. ZipRecruiter's approach is more automated, while Indeed's approach is more customizable.

Integration with Other Platforms

ZipRecruiter and Indeed both offer integrations with other platforms, but with different options. ZipRecruiter offers integrations with popular ATS platforms like Greenhouse and JazzHR, while Indeed's integrations are limited to a few ATS systems like Greenhouse, Bullhorn, and Workday. However, Indeed offers a Chrome extension that can transfer data to a limited number of ATSs.

Success Stories and User Reviews

Employer Feedback

ZipRecruiter and Indeed have both been successful in connecting employers with the right candidates. Employers have praised both platforms for their ease of use and range of features.

On ZipRecruiter, employers have reported receiving a high volume of qualified candidates. The platform's AI matching technology has been particularly effective in identifying suitable candidates for job postings. Additionally, employers appreciate the ability to manage and communicate with candidates through the platform.

Indeed has also been praised for its large pool of candidates and user-friendly interface. Employers have reported receiving a high number of applications and finding the platform to be a valuable tool in their recruitment efforts. The platform's resume search feature has also been noted as a useful tool in identifying potential candidates.

Job Seeker Feedback

Job seekers have also had positive experiences with both ZipRecruiter and Indeed. Many have reported finding their dream job through one of these platforms.

On ZipRecruiter, job seekers have praised the platform's personalized job recommendations and easy application process. The platform's mobile app has also been noted as a convenient tool for job searching on the go.

Indeed has also been popular among job seekers for its vast selection of job postings and user-friendly interface. Many have reported finding their ideal job through the platform and appreciate the ability to upload their resume and apply to jobs with just a few clicks.

How We Evaluated ZipRecruiter vs Indeed

To compare ZipRecruiter and Indeed, our team examined several key factors important to job seekers and employers alike. These factors included ease of use, job listing quality, candidate quality, pricing, and additional features.

Ease Of Use

We started by evaluating the ease of use of both platforms. We found that both ZipRecruiter and Indeed were user-friendly and intuitive, with clear navigation and helpful search filters. However, we noted that ZipRecruiter's interface was slightly more polished and modern than Indeed's.

Job Listing Quality

Next, our team assessed the job listing quality on both platforms. We found that both ZipRecruiter and Indeed had various job listings across various industries and locations. However, we noted that ZipRecruiter had more exclusive job listings from small and medium-sized businesses, while Indeed had more job listings from large corporations.

Candidate Quality

We also evaluated the quality of candidates on both platforms. We found that both platforms had a mix of high-quality and low-quality candidates, but noted that ZipRecruiter had a higher percentage of qualified candidates overall.

Pricing

Pricing was another important factor in the evaluation. Our team found that both ZipRecruiter and Indeed offered competitive pricing plans, with ZipRecruiter being slightly more expensive for employers. However, we noted that ZipRecruiter's plans were more flexible and customizable than Indeed's.

Additional Features

Finally, we looked at additional features offered by both platforms. Our team found that both ZipRecruiter and Indeed offered helpful tools such as applicant tracking systems and resume databases. However, we noted that ZipRecruiter had more advanced features such as candidate screening questions and video interviewing.

Bottom Line

ZipRecruiter and Indeed are both great options for employers who want to find and hire candidates. Both sites have a variety of plans that cover most needs, but ZipRecruiter posts listings to more job boards, which could lead to finding a candidate faster. Overall, we find Ziprecruiter more intuitive and easier to use for most employers. For job seekers, consider signing up for both services since they are free. You can use both of them in your job search, or choose whatever one fits best after testing them out.

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