The best time to apply for a job is soon after the listing is posted. Recruiters receive hundreds of resumes for each opening, so applying early gives you a competitive edge by allowing them to review your application before dozens of other resumes flood in.
That said, being an early applicant isn’t the only trick; even the day of the week you apply on can impact your chances of getting noticed. So, keep reading to learn how to time your job application perfectly!
Key Takeaways
The best time to apply for a job is as soon as the job listing is posted, preferably on a Monday or Tuesday morning.
Late winter (January and February), spring, and early fall (September and October) are the best seasons to apply for jobs in most industries.
Setting up job alerts on job search platforms and researching industry hiring trends can help you submit your application at the perfect time.
Is There Really a Best Time to Apply For a Job?
There really is a best time to apply for a job, and it’s as early as possible. Most recruiters start reviewing applications as soon as the first candidates apply, so the earlier you submit yours, the more likely it is to get noticed. And the longer you wait, the more the competition increases, making it harder for you to stand out and impress the recruiter.
If you’re wondering what time to send your resume, keep in mind that submitting your application during the first half of the day may significantly boost your chances. Ideally, you should send it between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. This is when hiring managers tend to review resumes, making them more likely to see your submission.
Best Days to Apply For a Job
The best days to apply for a job are Monday and Tuesday. Although recruiters may prioritize other, more urgent tasks at the very beginning of the work week, research shows that 30% of candidates who submit their applications on Mondays move forward in the hiring process.
Meanwhile, Tuesday is the most productive day of the week, and recruiters are no exception; most review applications and schedule interviews on this day. However, this is also the day of the week when their inboxes get flooded the most, so you may face more competition.
The rate of job application submissions tends to dwindle as the week progresses, meaning that those submitted on Thursdays or Fridays may stand out more. That said, candidates applying in the first half of the week can expect faster recruiter response times since their resumes reach the hiring team more quickly. Late-week applications may even be shelved for next week.
Now, when it comes to the weekday vs. weekend job application dilemma, it’s generally best to avoid applying for a job during the weekend. Recruiters are unlikely to review applications on Saturdays or Sundays, so yours may get lost among those submitted on Monday morning.
Therefore, you might want to wait until the beginning of the week and spend the weekend reviewing resume examples, refining your application, and crafting a stellar cover letter. If you’re hoping to have your application reviewed on the same day, Monday through Wednesday during business hours is the best time to apply for a job.
Best Months and Seasons to Apply For Jobs
The best months to apply for jobs fall within the winter, spring, and fall seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. Unless you’re looking for a seasonal job, you may find it harder to get hired in summer since vacations can delay the hiring process.
With this in mind, let’s discuss the best months to apply for a job in greater detail:
#1. January and February
January and February are ideal months for applying for jobs. Unlike December, these months mark the end of the holiday season, with employees returning to work and companies setting their annual business goals.
The first couple of months of the year tend to see an upswing in job openings across most industries, as this is when businesses typically establish hiring budgets and objectives. As a result, January and February may also be the optimal times to make a career change.
#2. March to May
March, April, and May are perfect for candidates seeking entry-level jobs, as companies tend to look for college graduates to fill open positions during this time. Plus, hiring managers usually actively look for new hires before summer vacations begin, making spring a favorable season for job seekers.
#3. September and October
While January through May are peak times for hiring new employees, candidates looking to land a job in the second half of the year may have the highest chances of success when applying in September and October.
Early fall is when summer vacations end and most companies review their progress, reevaluate their goals, and reassess their hiring needs to meet them. Therefore, September and October tend to be quite busy months for recruiters as they seek to fill roles before the holiday season begins in November and December.
That said, job market cycles may differ drastically based on the job you’re looking to secure. In some fields, you may find it significantly easier to get hired in August or December, even though these months are generally considered unfavorable for job seekers.
On this note, let’s explore the best times to apply for jobs in different industries.
Best Timing Based on the Industry
Here are the best times to look for work in different industries:
Industry Hiring Seasons
Retail. Retail is among the few exceptions when it comes to the optimal timing for job applications, as the number of open positions for sales associates, retail managers, and similar roles typically increases before the holiday season. Therefore, the best time to apply for a job in retail is between October and December.
Marketing. February, March, September, and October are the most favorable months for landing a job in marketing, as hiring activity in this industry tends to increase around product launches.
Education. Unlike most professionals, those seeking a job in education may have the highest chances of getting hired in the summer, before the academic year begins.
Hospitality. April through June is a peak time for hiring new employees in hospitality for the summer season. Companies may also ramp up their hiring efforts in October and November as the holiday season approaches.
Healthcare. Hiring in healthcare tends to be relatively steady year-round. However, spring often sees an increase in hiring activity in this sector due to the graduation of medical students.
Technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rates in information technology occupations are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2023 and 2033. As such, it shouldn’t be too difficult to land a tech job regardless of the season. Still, hiring in this sector tends to slow down in the summer and around holidays.
Finance and accounting. Hiring in finance and accounting aligns with the fiscal year and tax season. As such, the best time to apply for a job in this sector is between January and April.
How Quickly Should You Apply After a Job Is Posted?
You should apply as soon as possible after a job is posted. Sending your resume within the first 72 hours significantly increases your chances of winning an interview, as early job applications are more likely to get noticed. Some companies close listings once they receive a sufficient number of applications, so it’s best not to delay submitting yours.
However, the quality of your application is far more important than the timing. Before submitting it, tailor your resume to the job description to pass the ATS check and maximize your chances of being invited for an interview.
And if you don’t manage to apply for a job shortly after it’s posted, don’t sweat it; you have time to do so as long as the listing remains live. It can take several weeks to fill certain roles, so if you’re qualified, don’t hesitate to submit your application. You might just be the candidate the company has been waiting for!
3 Effective Timing Strategies for Job Applications
Here are the three most effective strategies to help you pick the best time to apply for a job:
Job Application Timing Tips
Apply quickly. Set up job alerts on LinkedIn or other platforms to stay informed about new job postings. Remember: the best time to apply for a job after it’s posted is within the first few days, so submit your application as soon as you’ve tailored it to the job.
Research the industry. Each industry has different hiring seasons and trends, so do your research before submitting your application. If the current timing isn’t ideal, consider refining your professional skills and updating your resume to impress the recruiter once the right moment comes.
Reach out to the recruiter directly. Even if the company you’d like to work for has no openings, you can contact their hiring manager to express your interest and learn about their hiring cycles. Not only does this allow you to exercise your networking skills, but it also allows you to stand out as a proactive candidate!
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Create an interview-ready resume in minutes using our resume builder!Closing Thoughts
When it comes to job search, the saying “Early bird gets the worm” is only partially true.
While your application is more likely to get noticed if you apply early, a well-written resume that effectively presents your professional background is key to convincing the hiring manager to invite you for a job interview. Therefore, you should never sacrifice the quality of your resume just to be the first to apply!
Best Time to Apply For a Job FAQ
#1. What is the best hour to apply for a job?
The best hour to apply for a job is around 10 a.m. local time. It’s generally a good idea to send out your application early in the morning, as that’s when most recruiters review resumes. Most candidates apply for jobs in the first half of the day, so late-night applications may get buried under newer ones the following morning.
#2. Is it okay to apply for jobs on the weekend?
It’s generally okay to apply for jobs on the weekend, but it’s not ideal. If you write a strong resume, submitting an application on a Saturday or Sunday shouldn’t hurt your chances of landing the job. However, recruiters may notice it faster if you submit it on Monday morning instead.
#3. What time do companies hire the most?
The time when companies hire the most depends on the industry, but most actively look for new hires at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t sure when to apply for jobs, research industry trends to maximize your chances.
