If you’re a small business owner taking hiring into your own hands, you’ve probably heard the radio ads or seen the commercials: “Post your job on Indeed and connect with great candidates.” Sounds easy enough, right?
But if you’ve tried it, you know the truth is more complicated.
The Promise vs. the Process
Indeed is a well-known platform, and yes—it can help you connect with solid talent. But the process isn’t as simple as just hitting “post” and waiting for the perfect hire to fall into your lap.
When you post a job on Indeed, you’re often flooded with resumes. As flattering as that may seem at first, the volume can quickly become overwhelming. Sorting through dozens (or even hundreds) of applications to find the right fit takes serious time—and as a small business owner, time is something you likely don’t have in abundance.
Why “Post and Pray” Doesn’t Work
The mistake many small business owners make is assuming that posting a job automatically means great candidates will apply—and that the right one will somehow rise to the top of the pile. But hiring doesn’t work that way.
Think of it like fishing without bait or a plan: you might catch something, but chances are it won’t be the fish you need.
The truth is, every candidate might be “great” in their own way, but not every candidate is great for your company. That’s a critical distinction. Finding a good fit requires more than luck—it takes thoughtful screening, alignment with your company culture, and often, targeted outreach.
How Recruiters Use Indeed Differently
As recruiters, we do use Indeed—but not as a magic solution. It’s one tool in our toolbox, not the whole strategy. We don’t just post and wait. We actively search, assess, and screen candidates before you ever see a resume.
This saves business owners countless hours and headaches. More importantly, it helps ensure you’re only spending time with candidates who are actually right for your role and your company.
So, Is Indeed Worth It?
Yes, Indeed is a valuable platform—but only if you have the time, energy, and hiring experience to use it effectively.
If you’re stretched thin running operations, managing clients, and wearing multiple hats (as most small business owners are), you may want to consider partnering with someone who can handle the heavy lifting for you. Whether that’s an internal team member, a contractor, or an external recruiter, having someone who understands your hiring needs and can filter for quality will make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be discouraged by the promise-versus-reality gap. Instead, go in with eyes wide open. Use Indeed as a tool—but don’t expect it to do all the work for you.
If hiring feels like a second full-time job, you’re not imagining things—it often is. And when your time is limited, finding the right support to make smart hiring decisions is one of the best investments you can make.