Job search platforms such as ZipRecruiter and Indeed have revolutionized hiring, allowing companies to easily find the perfect candidates for their business.
That’s thanks to their plethora of features and tools that streamline the whole recruitment process. While these ZipRecruiter and Indeed share plenty of similarities, they don’t exactly offer the same experience, from their pricing and plans to how they handle job listings. On that note, we compare the two to hopefully help you make a more informed decision.
Contents
ZipRecruiter vs Indeed Comparison Chart
| Product Name | ZipRecruiter | Indeed |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Resume Database Volume | Over 32 million | Over 200 million |
| Job Posting Nature | Posts to over 100 job boards | Aggregates listings |
| Candidate Screening and Evaluation Tools | Yes | Yes, including skill tests |
| Free Tier | No, but offers 4-day free trial | Yes |
| Sponsored Option | Yes, TrafficBoost | Yes, pay-per-click basis |
Job Posting
First off, ZipRecruiter is a paid service, distributing listings to more than 100 boards. That way, their reach and visibility for potential candidates are optimized. Compared to aggregator counterparts such as Indeed (more on that in a bit), this form of allocating posts is more focused in the sense that they won’t get lost in a crowded sea of others like them, thus making them to reach applicants more easily and effectively.
In terms of sponsored posting, ZipRecruiter offers TrafficBoost. It’s a feature that promotes listings at the top of daily targeted email alerts sent to relevant job seekers (i.e., those who match the required qualifications). However, it only prioritizes a post for up to 30 days or until it hits 100 views, whichever comes first. Also, keep in mind that each credit only lasts for three months, so it’s not recommended to purchase dozens at a time without prior planning.
On the other hand, Indeed is free, but it uses a different approach. As noted, it’s an aggregator, and as such, it aggregates listings from other boards. In other words, a posting will be mixed with hundreds of others of its kind in a single place, making it harder to stand out in a way.
The solution to that is getting onboard with Indeed’s sponsored option that comes in the shape of a pay-per-click or PPC model. This potentially makes for a more cost-effective solution since job posters will only have to pay for as low as $5 each time an applicant clicks or views their listing. However, it’s a double-edged sword, as there’s a good chance it could get pricier than expected when one too many users interact with the posting.
Pricing
Of the two, ZipRecruiter is the more expensive option. Case in point, each job post starts at $16 a day, and that adds up, possibly costing about $500 per month. That said, it does offer a monthly subscription that starts at $299, and that includes a reusable slot to continually repost a listing. For the record, there’s a four-day free trial available.
As mentioned earlier, Indeed is a free-to-use platform, and sponsored posts are on a PPC basis. All in all, that makes it a more attractive option for businesses on a tight budget. Again, this PPC model could backfire and end up costing more than competitors’ pricing.
Résumé Database
ZipRecruiter has over 32 million résumés in its database, whereas Indeed towers over that figure, boasting a massive collection of more than 200 million.
This doesn’t come as a surprise, though. After all, ZipRecruiter is limited to the United States and other U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, as well as Canada. Meanwhile, Indeed’s reach is worldwide, operating in more countries in comparison.
Candidate Screening Tool
Indeed’s candidate evaluation tool, aptly called Indeed Assessment, is a nifty way to streamline the screening process. Basically, employers can create customized assessments tailored to specific job requirements, allowing them to determine applicants’ skills and qualifications using a variety of quizzes. Needless to say, this provides valuable insights into candidates’ abilities and helps identify the most qualified ones for a role. Also, businesses can set screening questions to figure out whether or not an applicant is qualified right off the bat.
Similarly, ZipRecruiter also allows businesses to ask candidates questions for screening purposes. Among the screening and interview questions, they can set what the company calls “Deal-Breaker Questions.” These can be used to filter out applicants who may not meet the basic qualifications for the position, as candidates who skip or get one wrong, they’re automatically set aside and hidden.
Benefits of Using Recruiting Software
Expanded Candidate Reach: Job search platforms like ZipRecruiter and Indeed provide access to an extensive network of candidates. With millions of active job seekers on these platforms, you can tap into a larger talent pool, increasing the likelihood of finding qualified candidates.
Streamlined Job Posting: Posting job listings becomes a breeze with recruiting software. You can quickly create and customize job postings, ensuring they are enticing and tailored to attract top talent. Streamlined posting processes save you time and effort, allowing you to reach potential candidates swiftly.
Time and Cost Efficiency: One of the major advantages of using recruiting software is the time and cost savings it offers. These platforms automate various aspects of the hiring process, from screening résumés to scheduling interviews, which reduce administrative burdens and free up valuable resources.
Applicant Tracking and Management: Job search platforms and recruiting software provide comprehensive applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems organize and centralize candidate information, making it easy to track the hiring progress, communicate with applicants and collaborate with team members involved in the recruitment process.
Advanced Filtering and Screening Tools: These platforms offer robust filtering and screening capabilities, allowing you to set specific criteria and narrow down the applicant pool based on qualifications, experience and skills. This streamlines the evaluation process, ensuring you focus on the most suitable candidates.
Enhanced Candidate Evaluation: Job search platforms often provide additional features like skills assessments and pre-employment tests. These tools help you gauge a candidate’s abilities, providing insights into their suitability for the role and saving you time by identifying top performers early on.
Reporting and Analytics: Recruiting software often includes reporting and analytics functionalities. These tools provide valuable data on key recruitment metrics, such as time-to-hire, source of hires and cost-per-hire. Analyzing these metrics enables you to refine your recruitment strategies and optimize future hiring processes.
How to Choose the Best Recruiting Software
Assess Your Hiring Needs: Begin by evaluating your organization’s specific hiring requirements. Consider factors such as the number of hires, the complexity of your recruitment process, and the level of customization needed in job postings and applicant tracking.
Research Platform Reputation and User Reviews: Read reviews and gather feedback from other businesses that have used the recruiting software and job search platforms you are considering. Look for platforms with a positive reputation, user-friendly interfaces, and reliable customer support.
Evaluate Features and Functionality: Compare the features and functionality offered by different platforms. Look for essential features like job posting customization, ATS, résumé screening tools, candidate communication capabilities and reporting and analytics.
Consider Pricing Models: Determine your budget and compare the pricing models of different platforms. Some platforms offer free basic features, while others operate on a PPC or subscription basis. Consider the value for money and the scalability of the pricing plans based on your hiring needs.
Check Integration Capabilities: If you already use other HR or applicant management systems, ensure that the recruiting software can seamlessly integrate with your existing tools. This integration will enable smoother data transfer and improve overall efficiency.
Seek User-Friendly Interfaces: Opt for platforms with intuitive interfaces. A user-friendly design will enhance the overall experience for both recruiters and candidates, making the hiring process more efficient.
Verdict
Choosing between ZipRecruiter and Indeed depends on your business requirements and preferences. The free platform and PPC model of Indeed make it an attractive option for cost-conscious businesses, whereas the wider distribution network of ZipRecruiter can provide access to a diverse talent pool.
Regardless of your choice, both platforms offer valuable resources to streamline your hiring process and find the ideal candidates for your business.