When job seekers apply for jobs on Indeed, they may receive messages from employers through the Indeed messaging system. Some job seekers wonder if these messages are automated or if there is an actual person responding to their application.
The short answer
The short answer is that some Indeed messages are automated, while others are sent by real people. Large companies often use automated messaging to send initial responses, while small companies are more likely to personally respond to applicants. However, there is no definitive way for job seekers to know if a message is automated or not.
How can you tell if an Indeed message is automated?
There are a few signs that can indicate an Indeed message is automated:
- Generic, repetitive content: Automated messages often contain very generic phrases like “Thank you for applying” or “We have received your application.” They tend to reuse the same language across messages.
- No personalization: Automated messages will not reference anything specific about your background or resume. There will be no unique details.
- Quick response time: You may receive an automated Indeed message just minutes or hours after applying. A personal response tends to take longer.
- No follow-up: Automated messages are one-off. There will be no follow-up messages or two-way dialogue.
- Repetition: If you have applied to multiple jobs at the same company, you may receive the exact same automated Indeed message for each application.
However, the presence of these signs does not definitively prove a message is automated. Some recruiters really do work quickly and may use templated language. The message content and speed can only indicate the likelihood of automation.
Why do companies use automated Indeed messages?
There are a few key reasons companies choose to use automated messaging features on Indeed:
- Efficiency: For companies posting many jobs and receiving a high volume of applicants, automated messaging saves time and effort over personally responding to each submission. It allows them to communicate at scale.
- Speed: Automated messages can provide faster response times compared to personal outreach. Candidates receive acknowledgement of their application more quickly.
- Brand consistency: Automated messages allow companies to control messaging and ensure brand consistency across all job applicant interactions.
- Initial screening: Some automated Indeed messages contain screening questions to help companies filter applicants and identify better matches before personal follow-up.
While automated messages have benefits for employers, they can frustrate job seekers who want more personal and specific responses. Companies must balance efficiency with candidate experience when leveraging automated Indeed communication tools.
Examples of automated Indeed messages
Here are some examples of typical automated messages that Indeed users may receive:
| Message | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Thank you for your application to [Company Name]. We have received your resume and will review it carefully. If we see a potential match, we will contact you directly regarding next steps. We appreciate your interest in opportunities with our company! | This is a generic message with no personal details. The company name is inserted automatically, but otherwise the content does not change between recipients. The lack of follow-up indicates it is likely automated. |
| Dear [Candidate Name], I noticed you recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. Your background seems like a great fit! I’d love to set up a quick call to discuss the position and your qualifications. Please let me know your availability. | The personalized details make this appear to be an individual reaching out. However, the speed of response and pattern of repeating across applicants could reveal automation. |
| Thank you for expressing interest in [Job Title] at [Company Name]. We are excited to review your application. Before proceeding, please take a few moments to complete this quick survey about your qualifications: [Link] | This contains generic language and an automated screening link. It is likely an automated message used to gather more data from applicants. |
These examples illustrate common formats of automated Indeed messages. While not definitive proof, the lack of personalization and follow-up are strong indicators automation is being utilized.
Best practices for responding to automated Indeed messages
When you receive a message on Indeed that appears to be automated, there are a few best practices to consider:
- Respond promptly – Interact with any screening questions or links in the message to progress your application.
- Follow instructions – If asked to reply or schedule an interview, ensure you follow the directions closely.
- Ask clarifying questions – It’s okay to respond and ask for more details about the role, application status or hiring timeline.
- Be patient – Recognize it may take time to receive a personal response, especially from large companies.
- Customize your reply – If possible, tailor your response with specific details instead of only saying “Thank you.”
While automated messages may feel impersonal, they are still worth acknowledging and moving forward with the application process when appropriate. With the right follow-up, they can still lead to real roles.
Should you rely solely on Indeed messages?
While Indeed messaging provides a direct communication channel, it is best not to rely solely on messages when job searching. Reasons to use a multifaceted approach include:
- Messages have limited capability – You cannot control or initiate messages, and customization options are minimal compared to email or other platforms.
- Traffic spikes can delay responses – During high application volume times, incoming messages may be stalled for employers.
- Employers vary in their use – Some turn off messages or rarely check them, while others may fail to enable them.
- Message inbox limits – Indeed caps employer inboxes at 250 incoming messages, meaning some of your messages may not be received.
- No way to confirm status – You cannot see if an employer has read your message or identify when they are most active.
Due to these limitations, solely using Indeed messages is risky. Make sure to also apply directly on company websites, follow up via email, network, and leverage other options to maximize your visibility.
Other application methods to consider
In addition to Indeed messaging, some other application methods to consider include:
- Applying directly on the company’s career site – This ensures your application will be received and considered.
- Emailing recruiters or hiring managers – Find contact info on LinkedIn or the company site to directly introduce yourself.
- Leveraging your network – See if you have any connections at the target company who could put in a referral.
- Following up via phone – For roles you’re highly interested in, a phone call can help push your application forward.
- Checking application status portals – Some companies provide portals for candidates to check status.
- Attending company events – If possible, networking in-person at info sessions or career fairs can make a strong impression.
Diversifying your application methods provides more opportunities to connect with employers. An automated Indeed message should generally be just the starting point when applying for a job.
Should you reply to Indeed messages?
In most cases, it is smart to reply and interact with the automated Indeed messages you receive. Reasons it is beneficial to respond include:
- Shows continued interest – Replying reinforces that you remain enthusiastic about the role after applying.
- Provides updates – You can share new achievements or availability in your response.
- Allows ask questions – It’s an opportunity to get clarification from the employer.
- Progresses application – Responding moves you forward and may trigger additional steps.
- Could convert to personal outreach – In some cases, a real recruiter may follow-up after the initial automated message.
However, no reply is needed in certain circumstances, such as:
- The message is completely irrelevant – If it is a clear auto-response mismatch, responding may not be useful.
- You are no longer interested – If you have already accepted another role or are not considering the application further.
- The message contains no action items – A message may be purely informational with no next steps.
- You have already replied – No need to reply repeatedly if you already responded.
Overall though, taking the extra time to respond to Indeed messages is worth the effort in most cases and can provide a boost during the application process.
Best practices for responding to Indeed messages
To maximize the impact of your response to an automated Indeed message, some best practices include:
- Respond promptly within 24 hours, if possible.
- Use a professional email format with proper grammar and spelling.
- Provide meaningful updates not just “Thank you.”
- Ask smart clarifying questions about next steps or the hiring timeline.
- Express continued enthusiasm and interest in the opportunity.
- Follow any instructions or links in the message completely.
- Avoid repeating the same response to every message.
- Personalize each response when you can with specific details.
While automated outreach can feel impersonal, taking extra care with your replies helps ensure they receive due attention from employers.
Conclusion
Automated Indeed messages are common, allowing employers to efficiently communicate at scale during the hiring process. While some level of automation enables faster responses, it can also leave job seekers wanting a more personal experience. Look for telltale signs of automation like repetition and lack of details, but recognize even templated messages warrant a response in most cases. Rather than relying solely on Indeed messaging, utilize it as one important communication and application channel among many when job searching.