Why applying first matters in today’s hiring market

Speed compounds advantage

Recruiters often review early applications first, when cognitive load and time budget are highest. As volume grows, the bar increases and callbacks drop.

Being early improves visibility and reduces competition window.

What the data suggests

• More than one‑fourth of roles are filled by candidates who applied within the first two days of posting.

  BioSpace — Apply early to improve your chances

• Applicant volume typically surges in the first 24–72 hours and then decays; hiring teams often begin screening early cohorts first.

  LinkedIn — Early candidates advantages discussion

• Early submissions help avoid “application fatigue” effects where later reviews may be quicker and stricter.

  BioSpace — Early review advantage

How to act on it

• Set instant alerts on target roles and boards
• Keep a tailored resume/cover baseline ready
• Apply within minutes to clear the early review window

References: BioSpace; LinkedIn practitioner analysis on reviewer timing and volume effects.