Protecting Your Employer Brand From Harmful Reviews
In today’s competitive job market, your company’s reputation on platforms like Indeed is a critical asset. An overwhelming majority of job seekers—some studies suggest as many as 83%—base their decision on where to apply partly on company reviews. Negative or false reviews can significantly damage your ability to attract top talent, misrepresent your company culture, and impact your bottom line. While you cannot simply delete a negative review, you have more power than you might think. This guide provides actionable steps for managing and removing inappropriate or fake reviews from your Indeed profile in 2025.
At Reputation Raptors, we specialize in helping businesses safeguard their digital credibility and attract top talent. This guide provides actionable steps for managing and removing inappropriate or fake reviews from your Indeed profile in 2025.
Understanding Indeed’s Review Policies: What Can Be Removed?
The first step in managing your Indeed presence is understanding the platform’s rules. Indeed will not remove a review simply because it’s negative. The feedback must violate their specific Content Guidelines or Terms of Service. Proving a violation is key to getting a review taken down. Generally, reviews eligible for removal fall into several categories:
Inappropriate Content
This includes reviews containing profanity, threats of violence, harassment, or discriminatory language targeting individuals or groups based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Privacy Violations & Impersonation
Reviews that share private information, such as the full names of non-executive employees, personal contact details, or other confidential information, are subject to removal. Additionally, reviews posted by someone impersonating a current or former employee are considered fraudulent and can be removed.
Irrelevant or Spam Content
Content that is not about an employee’s experience, but instead critiques a company’s products, services, or contains advertisements and spam, violates Indeed’s policies. The review must be focused on the workplace environment.
For deeper insight into professional brand protection, see Online Reputation Management Services.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Flagging and Reporting a Review
If you have identified a review that you believe violates Indeed’s policies, the next step is to report it through the proper channels. Acting swiftly and providing clear evidence improves your chances of a successful removal.
Step 1: Log In and Locate the Review
Sign in to your Indeed Employer Account. Navigate to your Company Page and find the specific review you wish to report.
Step 2: Flag the Review for Removal
Beneath the review, you will find a “Report” or flag icon. Click this to initiate the reporting process. This action signals to Indeed’s moderation team that you believe the content is in violation of their guidelines.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate Reason
Indeed will present a list of potential violations. Choose the reason that most accurately describes how the review breaks the rules. Be specific. For instance, if the review names an HR manager, select the option related to privacy violations.
Step 4: Provide a Detailed Explanation (If Possible)
While some interfaces are limited, if there is an option to add more detail, use it. Clearly and professionally explain why the review violates a specific policy. For example: “This review contains the full name of a non-executive staff member, which is a violation of Indeed’s privacy guidelines.”
Step 5: Submit and Monitor
After submitting your report, Indeed’s content moderation team will investigate. This process typically takes several business days. Monitor your Company Page to see if the review has been removed. Indeed does not always send a notification about the outcome.
What to Do When a Review Can’t Be Removed
Unfortunately, not all negative reviews will meet the criteria for removal. A former employee sharing their negative—but legitimate—opinion is protected. In these cases, your strategy must shift from removal to mitigation. A robust Online Reputation Analysis helps identify the best path forward.
1. Respond Professionally and Publicly
Responding to a negative review shows that you are engaged and value feedback. Thank the reviewer for their input, acknowledge their concerns without being defensive, and state any steps you are taking to address the issues raised. This response is not just for the reviewer; it’s for every potential candidate who reads it.
2. Encourage Positive Reviews from Current and Past Employees
The most effective way to counteract negative reviews is to build a strong foundation of positive ones. Encourage your satisfied current and former employees to share their authentic experiences on Indeed. A steady stream of positive feedback will push older, negative content down and provide a more balanced view of your company.
3. Focus on Positive Content Creation
Beyond reviews, building a positive brand narrative online is crucial. Creating and promoting content that highlights your company culture, employee successes, and community involvement can strengthen your employer brand. This proactive Positive Content Creation strategy ensures that your official voice is a dominant part of your online reputation.
Did You Know?
According to a Glassdoor survey, 86% of job seekers research company reviews and ratings when deciding where to apply for a job. This highlights the immense power that platforms like Indeed hold in the talent acquisition process.
The New York Advantage: Why Employer Reputation Matters Here
In a hyper-competitive market like New York, NY, attracting premier talent is a constant challenge. New York-based companies are under intense scrutiny, and a tarnished employer brand on Indeed can lead to a significant competitive disadvantage. Candidates have numerous options, and they will quickly move on from an employer with a flood of negative press or poor employee reviews. Proactive Review Management — is not just good practice—it’s essential for survival and growth in the New York business landscape.
Need Help Managing Your Online Reputation?
Dealing with false, defamatory, or harmful content can be overwhelming. The experts at Reputation Raptors specialize in comprehensive reputation management, from content removal to crisis response. Let us help you protect your brand and attract the talent you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for Indeed to remove a review?
After you report a review, Indeed’s moderation team typically evaluates it within 1-2 business days, though complex cases can take longer. There is no guarantee of removal, and the final decision rests with Indeed.
Can I sue someone for a negative Indeed review?
Legal action is a possible but often lengthy and expensive option. You would need to prove that the review is defamatory, meaning it contains false statements of fact that have harmed your company’s reputation. It is best to consult with a legal professional and an online reputation management firm to explore all options.
Does responding to a negative review make my company look guilty?
No, a professional, calm, and constructive response generally has the opposite effect. It shows potential candidates and customers that your company is proactive, values feedback, and is committed to addressing issues. Ignoring reviews can be more damaging than responding poorly.
What is the best way to get more positive reviews on Indeed?
The best method is to foster a positive work environment and then simply ask satisfied employees to share their experiences. You can include a link to your Indeed page in alumni newsletters or during exit interviews with employees who are leaving on good terms. However, never offer incentives for reviews, as this violates Indeed’s policies.