Марія Бровінська Work 25 December 2024, 14:46

When is the best time to send your resume? Advice from a recruiter with 20 years of experience

In her article in Dice, Leslie Stevens-Guffman, a recruiter with 20 years of experience, explained how to choose the best time and days to submit your resume so that the employer is most likely to consider it.

Why time matters when applying for a job

This affects how hiring managers plan their workday. Recruiters and hiring managers often start their day by reviewing new applications. By sending your resume early in the morning, you increase your chances of catching their attention while their inbox is still fresh.

Timing affects visibility and response speed. Applications submitted during peak times, such as in the morning, are five times more likely to be invited for an interview. On the other hand, applications submitted late at night can get lost in the flood of new applications the next day.

The situation is similar with the days when you decide to submit your resume: the beginning of the week, when HR managers and recruiters have rested after the weekend, can help you in your case.

Although you can apply on weekends, applications submitted on Monday or Tuesday yield the best results.

Evening applications stand out — false statement. Recruiters rarely review applications at night, which reduces the likelihood of an immediate response.

The best time to send your resume

So, when should you hit the «Send» button? Here are some helpful tips.

Early in the week is best. Data shows that submitting your resume on Monday or Tuesday significantly increases your chances of getting an interview. These days coincide with when hiring managers prioritize their weekly tasks, making them the perfect time to stand out.
Time Zones and International Applications: For international companies, understanding time zones is crucial. Try to apply early in the day, based on the time zone of your company’s headquarters, to maximize visibility.
Applying in the morning has a better chance of meeting a fresh eye.
It’s worth considering the algorithms of job boards. Job boards often prioritize the most recent applications, ensuring they appear at the top of search results. Frequent updates can help maintain visibility.
Managers tend to review resumes during quieter times of their day, such as mid-morning. Choosing the right time to submit your resume can help your application get noticed.
Level of competition: Over 60% of candidates submit their resumes within the first week of a job posting. Submitting your resume early not only ensures that you stand out, but also reduces the risk of your resume going unnoticed.

How to maximize resume visibility

It’s not just important to submit your resume on time; the content of your resume and cover letter is also crucial. Here are some quick and easy tips to help improve your resume and make the submission process more efficient.

Tailor your resume to the deadlines: use action verbs and quantify your impact using result-oriented language.
Use notifications and automated tools: Set up job alerts to submit your resume as soon as it’s posted.
Track trends: Pay attention to hiring activity in your target industry to coordinate your efforts.

"I hope you know that I was rejected due to lack of experience?" The test developer, whom the team leader called the best, was rejected by HR without any interviews - allegedly due to insufficient experience in the resume.