The Importance of Timing: When to Submit Your Resume

Advertised job openings usually generate a wave of replies in the first few days after their initial posting. Standing out amidst all these competitors is a difficult challenge. This, in turn, raises the question of whether the timing of your response can give you any advantage.

Many job seekers assume they should reply to an opening as soon as possible after it first appears in hopes of beating the rush and giving the appearance of punctuality. Many jobs seekers think a prompt response to an ad conveys interest, enthusiasm, and conscientiousness. Although it does not hurt to reply early, the hiring process can take weeks to months, and the person(s) with hiring authority will probably not be made aware of the date your application was received.

Some experts suggest that you wait until the initial rush of responses subsides, on the theory that your reply will get more attention from screeners when there are fewer competitors to screen. The use of computer scanners and screening programs renders much of this perceived advantage obsolete. Since the hiring process does take time, however, sending your response a week or so later often does no harm.

Keep in mind that smaller employers tend to have less automated and, in some cases, more ad hoc hiring procedures. These employers are sometimes swayed by an early or later response.

Old postings, those that were posted more than one or two months ago, are an often untapped resource. The hiring process is sometimes put on hold and has to be restarted (or the initial hire did not work out and has left). Even when the opening in question has been filled, the posting contains valuable information regarding the position title, job description, qualifications sought, and contact person. It is worth sending a query about any future or additional openings when an old posting reveals a particularly good match.