SEEK and Indeed dominate Australia's online job market, hosting thousands of new positions every day across every industry and experience level. Yet many job seekers use these platforms superficially, missing out on powerful features that could dramatically improve their search results. This guide reveals how to leverage these job boards like a professional recruiter, maximising your visibility and finding the right opportunities faster.
Understanding the Australian Job Board Landscape
SEEK remains Australia's largest employment marketplace, with the majority of Australian employers posting positions on the platform. Indeed, the global giant, has also established a strong presence in Australia, aggregating listings from multiple sources including company career pages. While they serve similar purposes, each platform has unique strengths worth understanding.
SEEK excels in employer engagement and local market penetration, particularly for professional and corporate roles. Indeed's strength lies in its comprehensive aggregation and strong presence in trades, hospitality, and entry-level positions. Using both platforms simultaneously gives you the widest possible coverage of the Australian job market.
Mastering SEEK for Your Job Search
Creating a Standout SEEK Profile
Your SEEK profile is more than just a digital resume; it's a searchable database entry that recruiters actively mine for candidates. A complete, optimised profile significantly increases your chances of being approached for opportunities you might never have found yourself.
- Upload a current resume: Ensure it's a clean, ATS-friendly document that accurately represents your experience
- Complete all sections: Fill in your career summary, work history, education, and skills comprehensively
- Use relevant keywords: Include industry terminology and job titles that recruiters search for
- Set accurate preferences: Specify your desired salary range, work type, and locations to receive relevant recommendations
- Enable visibility: Make your profile visible to employers unless you need to hide it from your current employer
Advanced SEEK Search Techniques
Move beyond basic keyword searches to find better-matched opportunities using SEEK's advanced features.
- Boolean operators: Use quotation marks for exact phrases ("project manager"), AND to require multiple terms, OR for alternatives, and NOT to exclude terms
- Classification filters: Narrow by industry classification to reduce irrelevant results
- Salary filters: Set minimum salary requirements to focus on appropriate-level roles
- Work type options: Filter by full-time, part-time, contract, or casual positions
- Date posted: Focus on recent listings where you're more likely to be among early applicants
SEEK Pro Tip: Set Up Smart Job Alerts
Create multiple specific job alerts rather than one broad alert. For example, set separate alerts for "Marketing Manager Sydney," "Digital Marketing Lead," and "Brand Manager NSW." This targeted approach ensures you receive relevant notifications without being overwhelmed by unrelated positions.
Understanding SEEK's Application System
When you apply through SEEK, your application goes directly to the employer's chosen system, which might be SEEK's built-in system or an external applicant tracking system (ATS). Understanding this process helps you optimise your application.
- Always attach a tailored resume, even if your SEEK profile is complete
- Include a cover letter when the option is available
- Answer all screening questions thoughtfully; these often filter applicants automatically
- Check for "Easy Apply" options for quick applications to suitable roles
Maximising Indeed for Australian Jobs
Building Your Indeed Resume
Indeed's resume builder creates a searchable profile that employers can find directly. For maximum effectiveness, ensure your resume is properly formatted and keyword-rich so that it surfaces in recruiter searches.
- Make it public: Unless you're currently employed and concerned about visibility, a public resume dramatically increases opportunities
- Update regularly: Indeed favours recently updated resumes in search results
- Include location flexibility: If you're willing to relocate or work remotely, indicate this clearly
Indeed Search Strategies
Indeed aggregates jobs from multiple sources, making search strategy particularly important to avoid duplicates and find unique listings.
- Use the "Date posted" filter: Sort by newest to catch fresh listings before they're flooded with applications
- Try salary estimation: Indeed estimates salaries for roles that don't disclose them, helping you assess opportunities
- Explore company pages: Research employers directly through Indeed's company profiles and reviews
- Filter by source: Focus on direct employer postings versus aggregated listings for more reliable information
Indeed's Unique Features
Take advantage of Indeed-specific features that can enhance your job search.
- Company reviews: Research potential employers through genuine employee feedback
- Salary comparison tools: Understand market rates for your target positions and experience level
- Interview insights: Access crowdsourced interview questions and experiences for specific companies
- Career advice: Utilise Indeed's blog and resources for industry-specific guidance
Application Strategies for Both Platforms
Timing Your Applications
Research suggests that applications submitted early in the week and earlier in the day receive more attention. Aim to apply within 24-48 hours of a job being posted to avoid being buried among hundreds of later applications. Set up job alerts to notify you immediately when relevant positions appear. For more tips on crafting applications, visit our job hunting tips section.
Tailoring Each Application
Resist the temptation to send identical applications to multiple positions. Each job posting contains clues about what the employer values most. Mirror their language, address their specific requirements, and demonstrate you've researched their organisation. Quality applications significantly outperform quantity in conversion rates.
Tracking Your Applications
Maintain a spreadsheet or use a job search tracking tool to monitor your applications across both platforms. Record the company, position, date applied, and any follow-up dates. This organisation prevents duplicate applications and helps you follow up appropriately. Both SEEK and Indeed offer built-in application history, but a personal tracking system provides more comprehensive oversight.
Avoiding Common Job Board Mistakes
Applying Without Reading Properly
Quick scanning leads to inappropriate applications that waste everyone's time. Read the full job description, note required qualifications, and only apply if you meet the essential criteria. Hiring managers quickly identify applications from candidates who clearly didn't read the requirements.
Ignoring Mobile Optimisation
Many job seekers browse opportunities on mobile devices. Ensure your uploaded resume is mobile-readable and that your profile information displays correctly on smaller screens. Both SEEK and Indeed offer mobile apps that can help you apply quickly to new opportunities.
Neglecting Your Profile
An outdated profile with old contact information or previous job titles hurts your chances. Review your profiles monthly to ensure all information is current, particularly if you've gained new skills, certifications, or experience. An active, current profile signals to employers that you're engaged in your job search.
Over-Relying on Job Boards
While SEEK and Indeed are powerful tools, they shouldn't be your only job search strategy. Many positions are filled through networking, direct applications, and recruitment agencies before ever appearing on job boards. Use these platforms as part of a broader strategy that includes LinkedIn networking, industry events, and direct company approaches. For comprehensive job search strategies, check our resume writing guide to ensure your documents are ready for every opportunity.
Making the Most of Premium Features
SEEK Premium Options
SEEK offers various premium features for job seekers, including resume visibility boosts and application highlights. Consider whether these investments make sense for your situation. They can be particularly valuable in competitive markets or when you're urgently seeking employment.
Indeed's Instant Match
Indeed's matching algorithm sends your resume to employers seeking candidates with your profile. Ensure your resume is complete and keyword-optimised to benefit from this automatic matching system.
Conclusion
SEEK and Indeed are indispensable tools in the Australian job seeker's arsenal, but their true power lies in strategic use rather than passive browsing. By optimising your profiles, mastering advanced search techniques, and applying thoughtfully rather than prolifically, you transform these platforms from simple job boards into powerful career advancement tools. Combine their features with excellent application materials and consistent follow-up to maximise your job search success.
Ready to enhance your job search strategy further? Explore our complete range of Australian job hunting resources to complement your online job board efforts with interview preparation, salary negotiation tactics, and career development strategies.