Stand Out on Indeed: Job Application Tips

Job hunting on Indeed can be tough with so many applicants competing for the same roles, but it doesn’t have to be hard to stand out. In this guide, Matrix HR offers simple, actionable tips to help job seekers in fields like construction, admin, and skilled trades create standout applications, build strong Indeed profiles, and make the most of the platform’s features to boost their chances of landing their next job.

How to Stand Out When Applying for Jobs on Indeed

Job hunting can feel like a race, especially with so many candidates applying for the same roles. But don’t stress—there are ways to make your application stand out. Whether you’re in construction, admin, or skilled trades, these tips will help you shine and increase your chances of landing that dream job.

Perfect Your Resume

Your resume is your first chance to make an impression, so make it count!

Use Keywords: Employers often use software to scan resumes, so matching your resume to the job description is key. For example, if you’re applying for a construction project manager position, include terms like “safety compliance,” “budget management,” or “site coordination” that are likely mentioned in the job description.
Highlight What Matters: Focus on the experience that’s most relevant to the job. If you’re applying for an administrative assistant role, highlight your experience with office management, scheduling, and handling correspondence. In construction, if you’ve worked with heavy machinery or managed large teams, make sure those experiences are front and center.
Keep It Clean: A cluttered resume can be overwhelming. Stick to a simple, easy-to-read format. For example, use clear headings like "Work Experience" and "Skills," and bullet points to make your accomplishments easy to scan. If you're applying for a skilled trades role, you might include a section on your technical proficiencies with specific tools or software.

Build a Strong Indeed Profile

A complete, polished profile increases your chances of being discovered by employers.

Fill Everything In: Don’t leave any sections blank. Make sure your work history, education, and skills are all up-to-date. For example, if you’ve completed any relevant courses, like WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) for construction, or a customer service course for admin roles, list them on your profile to highlight your skills.
Show Off Your Certifications: Got certifications? Include them! For instance, if you’re in construction and have a Red Seal certification or safety training, make sure to feature it on your profile. These credentials can make you stand out from other candidates who may not have the same qualifications.
Add a Professional Photo: While not required, a well-chosen photo can make your profile feel more personal and approachable. A clear, professional headshot can make you stand out. For example, if you’re applying for a client-facing admin role, a photo that reflects your professionalism can leave a positive first impression.

Tailor Your Application

One-size-fits-all applications won’t get you far. Customizing your resume and cover letter shows you’re serious about the role.

Craft a Personalized Cover Letter: A tailored cover letter is your chance to show off your personality. For example, if you’re applying for a construction manager role, mention specific projects you’ve managed that align with the company’s current goals. "I led a team of 12 workers on a multi-million dollar residential development, meeting all deadlines and safety standards" is much more compelling than a generic "I have project management experience."
Match the Job Description: Highlight the skills and experiences the employer is seeking. If the job calls for experience with specific software, such as AutoCAD for construction or Microsoft Excel for admin, make sure to mention your proficiency with those tools. For instance, “Proficient in AutoCAD for site layout and design” or “Experienced in scheduling and managing databases using Excel.”

Take Advantage of Indeed’s Features

Indeed has some great tools to make your job search easier—and faster!

Set Job Alerts: Get notified as soon as a job that matches your skills is posted. For example, if you’re a skilled trade worker looking for welding positions, set an alert for “welder” or “welder fabricator” roles to get the jump on new listings.
Make Your Profile Visible: Turning on visibility settings allows employers to find you, even if you haven’t applied to their job yet. This is particularly helpful if you're actively looking for work in construction, where employers are often on the lookout for qualified professionals.
Apply Fast: The best jobs get snapped up quickly. Applying early gives you a head start. If you spot a new job posting that fits your skills—apply as soon as possible. Studies show that applying within 24 hours increases your chances of being considered by up to 60%.

Be Ready for Assessments

Some jobs require assessments to test your skills. For example, if you’re applying for a construction role that requires operating heavy machinery, you may be asked to take a test on safety protocols or equipment handling. Preparing for these assessments shows you’re serious about the role. Brush up on industry-specific knowledge or tools beforehand, like reviewing safety certifications or learning about new technology in your field.

Follow Up

After submitting your application, a polite follow-up can keep you top of mind for the employer. For example, after applying for a project manager role in construction, you can send a quick email saying:

"Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name], I recently applied for the Project Manager position at [Company Name]. I’m very excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and would love to discuss how my experience managing large-scale projects can help achieve your goals. I look forward to hearing from you!"

Job searching can be tough, but with the right approach, you can stand out. At Matrix HR, we understand the challenges of the job search. But by following these tips and making your applications stand out, you can increase your chances of landing the perfect job. Looking for work in construction or skilled trades? Reach out to Matrix HR—we connect skilled workers with top employers every day!

Need Help Finding Top Talent?

At Matrix HR, we connect businesses across Canada and the U.S. with top-tier talent across multiple industries. Whether you need skilled trades, temporary labour, or permanent hires, we take the guesswork out of recruiting—so you can focus on growing your business. Let’s build your dream team—risk-free.

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