With a variety of online job boards out there, it can be hard to know the best place to apply for a job. If you find a position posted in multiple locations, is it better to apply through Indeed alone or directly through the company website?
Generally speaking, it's best to apply to a position directly on a company site and to use your Indeed application as a backup. In this article, we'll discuss why direct applications are more likely to be seen by the right people, how to find direct applications from an Indeed posting, and why sending a follow-up email after applying is a good idea.
Is it better to apply on Indeed or a company website?
Applying for jobs directly on a company's website is better than applying through a second-hand platform, whether it’s Indeed, LinkedIn, or Monster. Jobs listed directly on a company website are usually more aligned with the company's ATS and tend to have priority in the application process as they're directly integrated with the company's internal hiring system.
So, simply put, if you can find a direct application on the company website, apply there.
If you can't find a direct posting, or if the company's internal application redirects you to Indeed/LinkedIn, then applying there is fine. But always check the company website first to see if a direct application is possible.
Should you apply on both platforms for the same job?
It is ok to duplicate your application for the same position as long as it's through a different platform. If applying on Indeed is quick and simple, then it's a great idea to apply there in addition to the company's website. That way, you can ensure your application is received, no matter which platform the recruiters prefer.
Applying on Indeed in addition to your direct application will serve as a backup, in case your direct application goes unnoticed or gets lost in an overcrowded inbox. Indeed also streamlines the application process, so it can be easy to apply to multiple jobs through the platform. Still, you should always research openings on the company website and apply there, too, if you're genuinely interested in the position.
How to apply on a company website after finding a job on Indeed
When you're interested in a job on Indeed, your first step should be to head over to the company website and look through their careers section to see if the job is also posted there. Generally, you'll find the career section at the bottom of the company homepage or linked through the site directory. Some companies hire solely through online platforms, such as Indeed and LinkedIn, but most replicate their openings on their official website, too.
Once you have found the direct posting, follow the steps outlined on their hiring page, and make sure to send an optimized resume targeting the specific position. Use our Targeted Resume Tool to align your resume with the position and receive personalized feedback on any keywords or skills missing from your resume.
Contact HR
If you can't find the posting on the company website, consider contacting their HR department. They might be able to provide you with the contact information of someone to whom you can apply directly or offer more details on the opening.
Reach out to the hiring manager
When applying directly through a company website, don't just send your resume blindly and leave it at that. Find out who the hiring manager is and reach out to them directly to express your interest. You can find email templates and samples here that you can use to ensure your correspondence is polite and professional.
Send a follow-up email
After applying for a position directly on a company's website, you should send a follow-up email to maximize your application's chances of success. Sending a follow-up email demonstrates a genuine interest in the position and can make your application stand out from the rest.
Your follow-up email should:
- Be concise and professional.
- Reiterate the role you applied for, who you sent your resume to, and when.
- Include a few sentences briefly highlighting your skills.
- Thank the recruiter for their time reviewing your application
If you also applied on Indeed, you can mention that here as well.
