Timing Is Everything When Applying for Jobs
Melanie Mitchell Wexler
Career Coach - Empowering Mid to Executive-Level Professionals to Achieve Purpose-Driven Career Transitions | Resume, LinkedIn?, Job Search & Interview Specialist | Former Recruiter
Did you know that the timing of your job application can significantly impact whether you land an interview? Recent research suggests that when you hit "submit" can be just as important as how you prepare your resume.
Here’s what you need to know to give yourself a competitive edge:
The Early Bird Gets the Interview
Data shows that applicants are nearly 5x more likely to secure an interview if they submit their application between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. (in the company’s time zone). Waiting until after work to apply? Your chances drop significantly.
But it’s not just about the time of day—it’s also about how quickly you act. Submitting your application within the first few days of a job posting going live can increase your chances by nearly 40x, especially when paired with the early-morning strategy.
Timing Tips for Success
1?? Apply Early in the Day: Send in your application before 10 a.m. for the best odds. After that, your chances dip by 10% every 30 minutes. There’s a slight lunchtime rebound around 12:30 p.m., but after 4 p.m., your chances shrink to less than 3%.
2?? Watch for New Job Postings: Most employers post job openings on Tuesdays, and that’s also the day when most applicants submit resumes and job offers are extended. Use the weekend to fine-tune your resume and be ready to hit "submit" as soon as a posting goes live early in the week.
3?? Plan for Morning Submissions: While most job seekers apply in the afternoon (around 2 p.m.), the data suggests a "late morning" application is better positioned to catch a recruiter’s attention.
The Takeaway
If you want to stand out, timing matters. Be strategic about when you apply—early in the morning, within the first few days of the job posting, and ideally early in the week.
Set aside time during the weekend to get your application materials ready so you’re prepared to act quickly when opportunities arise. Remember, waiting until evening or too many days after a job posting can drastically reduce your chances of landing that interview.
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Empowering You to Navigate Career Transitions with Confidence & Land Energizing Work | Developing Leaders to Lead Thriving Teams | 2024 Top 15 Ottawa Coach | Career & Leadership Coach | ICF (PCC) | Author, Podcast Guest
1 周Timing may factor prominently - and yet content still rules. Candidates should still strive to ensure that before they hit "submit", their resume "passes the checkmark test", including achievement statements with results that line up to that specific job. You've cited some interesting considerations here Melanie Mitchell Wexler. I'm curious - what is the source of the data? I'm interested to check it out!
Talent Acquisition Coordinator at MITRE
1 周Also, many companies allow you to join their Talent Pools without applying for a specific job, which places you in their Applicant Tracking System (ATS) they use to search for candidates!! Great to do in the event you are interested in a particular companies!
Strategic storyteller with the goal of moving people's hearts and minds.
1 周Food for thought for sure. I am having trouble seeing jobs as quickly as I would like. Applicants fly very fast these days!
Billing & Accounts Receivable Specialist | General Accountant | Financial Analyst | Problem Solver | DEIB Advocate | Ex - Publicis Groupe | Open to Opportunities
1 周Is this for applications that are meant to be sent to recruiters' email address? Because if you're applying through the portal, then the timing (i.e. what time of the day you are applying) really doesn't matter. Does it? Seeing how your resume has to go through the ATS anyway.