How much could it matter what day you apply to a job online? Or whether it’s morning or afternoon? Turns out it matters a lot. Here’s some guidance on the best day and time to send your resume.
According to a TalentWorks survey of 4,000+ job applicants, applying between 6:00 and 10:00 in the morning increases your chances of getting an interview by 89%. That’s pretty close to doubling your chances!
The second biggest timing advantage you can get is a 65% boost for applying within the first four days of the job’s posting.
As for day of the week, Monday is the best day to send your resume, with a 46% boost in your chances. Also pretty decent are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. The worst days by far are Friday and Saturday.
But there’s an even more important consideration . . .
The very best time to apply for a job is when you have secured a referral.
If you have a referral from a current employee, or someone else who is known and trusted by the hiring manager, even if you’re applying past the deadline you will probably have a stronger chance than anyone who applies “cold.”
And referrals happen when you do informational interviews and other forms of networking.
So get referred if you can, or apply at one of the times shown above with an excellent resume and cover letter showing you’re a very strong fit. Then it’s the best time to apply for a job! (This article was originally published in 2018.)
